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Though in-office visits can ensure a practically seamless whitening experience, it's not always convenient to schedule an appointment with your local dentist. When a professional appointment just isn't in the cards—or is simply out of budget—there are a number of effective at-home options from top brands like Crest and Auraglow that are worth the buy.
"I've dabbled with teeth whitening kits in my high school days that felt too complicated and daunting to use, but the new ones I've tested in the last few years are as easy to use as brushing my teeth," Bazaar associate beauty editor Katie Intner notes. And while brightening your smile on your own may seem daunting at first, the best teeth whitening kits complete with pens, strips, and easy-fill trays make the process simple and painless.
"A moldable tray or strip that closely adheres to the teeth but won’t be too large to get on gum tissue should always included in a teeth whitening kit," cosmetic dentist Amanda Lewis says. "Patients with more age usually have a thicker amount of inner tooth structure called dentine and that’s what whitening kits work on."
For those in search of an effective solution to a more luminous smile, the best whitening kits can be an ideal option for a more radiant smile. To help enhance your smile even faster, we've pulled together 13 coveted sets that dentists and beauty lovers alike are raving about
Related: The 9 Best Whitening Toothpastes That Dentists Love
Teeth Whitening Kit
Pia Lieb, founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center in NYC recommends AuraGlow's kit as the next best thing to a professional treatment. It includes 20 treatments for virtually a month's worth of whitening. “I love that this whitening solution comes with trays and an LED light to comfortably whiten both your top and bottom sets of teeth. It also features 35 percent carbamide peroxide (most dental offices use a 40 percent peroxide formula).”
3D Whitestrips with Light Dental Whitening Kit
With close to 15,000 customer reviews and close to a five-star rating, this professional-level kit is a favorite among Amazon shoppers. It includes 10 of Crest's coveted whitening strips, plus a water-resistant, handheld device that aims to brighten teeth in 10 days, with results lasting up to 36 months at a time.
One satisfied customer writes: "Wow! These really work, teeth do get a little sensitive but nothing unbearable. I am halfway though the treatment and my teeth are already white...can’t wait for the end result." —Monica
3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit
These ultra-popular Crest whitening strips are dentist-approved, and are designed to remove old tooth stains that are up to 14 years old. Plus, as an added bonus, this kit also contains two one hour express treatments for same-day brightening results. There's even a sensitive version of Whitestrips for those in need.
“After 20 days of daily use in our Beauty Lab, scientists found that these strips whitened teeth two to four shades,” says Beverly Hills-based celebrity dentist Kevin Sands. Lieb is also a fan: “This new version in particular gives a burst of mint flavor to make whitening more enjoyable,” she adds.
Teeth Whitening Kit (Pack of 4)
The teeth-alignment specialists at Smile Direct Club also offer teeth whitening essentials at budget-friendly prices. This starter kit from the brand includes six months-worth of peroxide whitening pens, and even includes a handy LED light.
One satisfied customer writes: "I was shocked at how much whiter these made my teeth after a couple treatments. I saw immediate results after first session. The overall result is equal to the $100+ treatments I was doing at the dentist's office. Plus this is equal to at least 4 dentist office treatments. And you plug into your phone so you can walk around and do other things and multitask while whitening. Highly recommend!" —Rachel
GLO Brilliant White Smile At Home Teeth Whitening Device
This hydrogen peroxide kit isn’t just approved by a dentist, it was actually invented by one. We also love that it comes with a protective and hydrating lip balm to wear while using the heated light, too. "A lot of top tier kits should include a desensitizing gel and vitamin E oil that could be good for a lip balm," Lewis adds.
SuperNova Rechargeable At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
Kits that deliver double the whitening power than most always get our vote. This duo from Colgate includes an easy-to-swipe-on hydrogen peroxide serum wand and a rechargeable LED tooth-whitening device, delivering the best of both worlds. And with 30 treatments included, we're betting your smile will be brighter than ever.
One satisfied customer writes: "I'm a frequent coffee and tea drinker and regularly use professional whitening kits given by my dentist that involve needles and overnight retainers, and cause a lot of sensitivity. This kit is so much less work and hassle (you only actually need to leave the device on for 10 minutes and then go to bed), doesn't come with the sensitivity, and works almost as well." —mercip
Teeth Whitening Strips
You'll get 21 whitening treatments with these popular strips that use a natural blend of ingredients like coconut oil, lemon peel, and sea salt rather than chemicals to gently brighten teeth. After 30 minutes of use, it's easy to remove the strips and simply rinse with water.
One satisfied customer writes: "These have a nice thick lining to cover your teeth which stays on the whole time. It doesn’t seep out from behind the layer that holds it in place. The trick to getting even coverage is to push the gel between all the crevices of your teeth and it comes out with amazing results!" —Nicole
Whitening Emulsions Leave On Treatment
If traditional whitening strips aren't for you, we suggest reaching for this top-rated set instead. Over 500 Ulta customers swear by this rinse- and brush-free whitening kit from Crest that uses peroxide droplets suspended in a hydrating base to get teeth their whitest.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have used this product for a couple of months. You don't have to use it daily but you can if you want to. When I first started using it, I applied it once a day for a week and I started seeing results within about three days! Results can vary for everyone but definitely give this product a try! I know that I will continue to use it." —katiel339
The Complete Kit
Featuring hydrogen peroxide along with plant-based antimicrobials to help fight bacteria, this vegan whitening set from oral-care brand Twice (co-founded by actor and singer Lenny Kravitz) has proven to brighten teeth up to 23 shades, according to an independent study. Did we mention the kit also includes two tubes of whitening toothpaste plus two options for floss?
One satisfied customer writes: "This line is A grade and incredibly effective. I am fully enjoying the benefits of using it and have quickly become both a fan and will be supporting from here on out. Thank you for creating this conscious forward and therapeutic product!" —Craig S.
6 Minutes To A Whiter Smile Teeth Whitening Kit (5-Piece)
This kit includes a pre-rinse that helps prime your smile for the whitening toothpaste, plus an accelerator, and activating rods that follow. This bundle is designed to work fast, with clear results visible in just a single use.
One satisfied customer writes: "This product provided great benefits for the price. I admit, I was skeptical, but love the results. The tea stains on my teeth have diminished greatly and it leaves a nice clean taste in my mouth." —Holly C.
The Whitening Routine Kit
Moon, the Kendall Jenner-backed oral care line isn't all hype, no substance. "The pens in particular are great because you can literally carry them around with you and use them on-the-go," says celebrity cosmetic dentist Victoria Veytsman. This all-inclusive kit features whitening toothpaste, a brightening tooth polish, along with a pen for easy touch-ups on-the-go.
Go Pre-Filled Teeth Whitening Trays
This popular, pre-filled trays use hydrogen peroxide to lift stains from teeth in 30 to 60 minutes, and conform to your smile for a perfect fit right out of the box. And once you're done with a whitening session, you can just through the trays away.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I have used these in the past and will buy these every time to whiten my teeth. I feel like they are the best of the best and work great!" —TeaForTwo
Whitening Strips
These gentle whitening strips combine the best of both worlds: a combination of coconut oil and enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide provide noticeable brightening without being too harsh. It includes 20 total treatments (10 for the top, and 10 for the bottom row of teeth), along with three bonus treatments for stain emergencies.
One satisfied customer writes:"I haven’t bleached my teeth for at least three years and they whitened quickly. I used them for seven days without sensitivity and with much whiter teeth. They adhere really well which is a bonus." —Arline K.
What helps make teeth look whiter?
When it comes to the natural shade of your teeth, a variety of genetic and lifestyle-based factors can directly impact their color. "Tooth color is a result of both the natural structure of teeth and the presence of stains on teeth. Stains typically come from external sources such as foods, drinks such as tea, coffee, and wine, tobacco use, and tartar," Venda Maloney, senior director of early oral care research at Colgate-Palmolive, explains. "Over time, tooth color becomes darker due to continued exposure to stains as well as enamel wear."
A couple common chemicals used to whiten teeth include carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which work in similar ways. Carbamide peroxide lasts longer when its in active form, but needs to be stronger than hydrogen peroxide to work well.
Are teeth whiteners safe to use?
Each ingredient is deemed safe and effective to use at lower percentages, but at higher percentages, they can cause gum tissue damage or an increase rate of tooth sensitivity.
Can I whiten my teeth if they're sensitive?
According to experts, whitening can temporarily dry out your teeth, which is ultimately what causes their sensitivity. As the teeth rehydrates, the sensitivity diminishes. "You should always visit a dentist prior to teeth whitening, because whitening in the presence of tooth decay is not advised," continues Lewis. "If you get a clean bill of health from your dentist and you have straight teeth, trying over-the-counter teeth whitening is a great option. If you don’t get the results, you want form those kits you should visit your dentist for stronger concentrations that can be applied safely."
During the whitening process, Lewis notes that one red flag to keep in mind is increased sensitivity that doesn’t diminish after a 48-hour period. "Another is gum irritation, as some people will have increased sensitivity, and will need to take more time in between whitening," he adds.
Meet the Experts
Pia Lieb is the founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center in New York City.
Amanda Lewis is a cosmetic dentist and the creator of Lewie.
Kevin Sands is a cosmetic dentist based in Los Angeles.
Victoria Veytsman is a celebrity cosmetic dentist based in New York City.
Venda Maloney, PhD., is the senior director of early oral care research at Colgate-Palmolive.
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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