Some of us love dark lipsticks, while others prefer glosses with mirror-like shine, but the one thing that makes every smile look gorgeous is white teeth. Though the right lip color can actually make teeth appear whiter, a good at-home teeth whitening product can really do wonders.
At-home whitening kits, toothpastes, gums and toothbrushes have come a long way in recent years, making whiter teeth more accessible for all. And unlike costly cosmetic dentist treatments, the best teeth whitening products come in prices that suit all budgets.
Before whitening teeth, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the treatments. Even the best home products won’t deliver results as blindingly white as some of the pro treatments. Furthermore, results are not instantaneous. As with a lot of beauty treatments, whitening teeth takes time. It’s also important to follow the instructions, or risk irritating gums and weakening tooth enamel.
If you’re ready to make your teeth whiter, you’ll first need to determine which teeth whitening products suit your lifestyle. Swapping a regular toothpaste for a whitening one is a simple switch that requires zero effort. If you’re looking for dramatic results, then a teeth whitening kit is your best investment.
Ready to kiss those coffee and red wine stains goodbye? Scroll through the gallery to see the best teeth whitening products for your budget and lifestyle.
The Best Teeth Whitening Products That Will Give You a Dazzling Smile (SEO)
-
Whitening System
There's no need to visit a professional for a laser whitening treatment. This at-home kit allows users to get a brighter smile while they're at home binge-watching. The system includes a mouth rinse and enamel-safe tooth serum, which is activated using light technology to remove years of coffee and tea stains.
Luster Pro Light Teeth Whitening System, $38.99 at Target
-
Whitening Device
We have high-tech gadgets for our skin, so why not our teeth? This device makes teeth five shades whiter in as little as five days. The secret? It emits a bright blue light that boosts the effect of the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel that's applied to teeth.
GLO Science GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device, $220 at Sephora
-
Whitening Kit
This complete system will help make pearly whites whiter. First, apply the enamel-safe gel, which contains 12 percent hydrogen peroxide (a lot for an at-home kit). Then activate the gel with the LED brightening light for results in just 20 minutes. The bonus whitening pen makes for easy touch-ups anywhere.
ORALGEN NuPearl 12x Advanced Teeth Whitening System With Bonus Whitening Pen, $59.95 at ORALGEN
-
Whitening Strips
What makes these different from other strips is that the gentle formula is kind to teeth and gums. The result is a radiant smile without any stinging or irritation.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit, $39.99 at Ulta
-
Whitening Strips
These dry-touch wraps securely fasten onto the top and bottom rows of teeth, so they can go deep down to remove stains. When they're removed, teeth will be noticeably less yellow. There's no mess to clean up and they're gentle enough that they can be used once a day.
Up & Up Luminous White 7 Day Whitening Wraps, $15.99 at Target
-
Whitening Pre-Rinse
Start whitening teeth before you brush with this pre-rinse. Take a sip, swish it around for a minute, then spit it out. The innovative formula whitens and remineralizes teeth without stinging. It can be used one to two times a day before brushing teeth or by itself as an instant mouth refresher.
Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse, $7 at Supersmile
-
Tooth Polish
Trying to find a way to whiten your teeth that doesn't involve complicated kits? Try this charcoal tooth polish. The inky black powder may look like something that would make mouths look (and feel) dirty, but it's actually made of medical-grade activated charcoal. The formula penetrates deeply to detoxify teeth, just the way the hero ingredient does in skin care products. The 100 percent natural formula also promotes good mouth health and reduces the risk of cavities by removing bacteria and plaque.
Carbon Coco Activated Charcoal Tooth Polish, $39.95 at Carbon Coco
-
Whitening Tablets
These unique tablets will genuinely make you excited to brush. Crush one between your teeth then brush as usual to release powdered charcoal and baking soda to remove stains. The "boom" comes from a hit of Persian lime oil, anise seed oil, black pepper oil and ground chili (really) when you bite down on the tab. It's a far cry from mint toothpaste, but the unique mix creates an addictive cola flavor.
Lush Boom! Toothy Tabs, $9.95 at Lush
-
Whitening Toothpaste
When it comes to white teeth, there's no such thing as too white. This anticavity toothpaste packs a one-two whitening punch because it's formulated with peroxide and baking soda. In addition to whitening teeth multiple shades, it helps control tartar, freshen breath and prevent cavities.
Arm & Hammer Fresh Mint Advance White Extreme Whitening Stain Defense Toothpaste (Twin Pack), $5.44 at Walmart
-
Whitening Toothpaste
Applying anything black to teeth just seems wrong, but it actually works. This formula uses activated carbon to go deep down into teeth to remove built-up stains. It has a refreshing lemony flavor and is safe to use in place of a regular toothpaste.
Curaprox Black Is White Toothpaste, $29.99 at Curaprox
-
Whitening Toothpaste
The minimalist tube would make a great addition to any Instagram flat lay, but it's what the toothpaste does to teeth that makes it brilliant. The fluoride-free formula was developed by a cosmetic dentist to remove tough stains and remineralize teeth. And it delivers minty freshness thanks to peppermint oil.
Apa Beauty White Toothpaste, $25 at Net-a-Porter
-
Whitening System
Go Smile's kit includes a teeth whitening gel and a sonic blue whitening toothbrush. The light-powered toothbrush helps reduce the amount of bacteria and brighten stains in as little as two days.
Go Smile Dental Pro On-the-Go Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System, $89 at Nordstrom
-
Whitening Toothbrush
This isn't an ordinary toothbrush. It has a built-in whitening pen and promises whiter teeth in two days. Just turn the dial on the bottom of the handle and apply the gel to teeth after brushing.
Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Whitening Pen, $16.99 at Target
-
Whitening Pen
A whitening pen may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering how to make teeth whiter, but it can deliver dazzling results. This peroxide-free pen contains a cranberry formula that helps remove plaque so the sodium bicarbonate can whiten teeth more effectively. Chamomile and aloe vera freshen breath without a sip of mouthwash.
Keeko Botanical Teeth Whitening Pen, $23 at Urban Outfitters
-
Whitening Pen
Can't be bothered with fiddly whitening strips? Try this brush-on treatment. It's one of the best teeth whitening products because it's formulated without bleach yet it still takes teeth from yellow to white. You can use the pen up to four times a day, so stash it in your bag for touch-ups on the go.
Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen, $22 at Tarte
