Best at-home teeth whitening products for 2025, according to dentists and testers (Crest/Sensodyne/Opalescence/Yahoo)
Let's face it: Most of us wouldn't mind looking a little more charming or successful. One surprisingly easy way to level up your look? Whiter teeth, using a simple teeth whitening kit. Research shows that a brighter smile can make you appear more competent, approachable and attractive. Unfortunately, your daily coffee, weekend red wine and weekly spaghetti nights are all contributing to tooth discoloration. Toss in the joys of aging — hello, thinning enamel — and you may have noticed your once pearly whites are looking more eggshell beige.
Achieving your ideal smile becomes even more challenging when you factor in the cost of expensive veneers or professional laser whitening treatments. Luckily, the best at-home teeth-whitening products can help you brighten your smile without breaking the bank. To top it all off, these at-home teeth whitener kits often work just as well as pricey, in-office sessions, says Dr. Tera Poole, a board-certified orthodontist. "Even with tough extrinsic stains, when a good peroxide-based teeth-whitening product is used on a consistent basis, you can brighten your smile several shades," she explains.
Whether you have deep stains or just want a quick confidence booster, there's something out there for everyone. To learn more about how whitening products work and what to look for, we spoke to several cosmetic dentistry experts. We then researched over 25 different teeth-whitening products, evaluating each one based on convenience and effectiveness. Here are our top 9 Yahoo-tested picks to help you get a whiter, brighter smile.
Related: If you're serious about improving your oral hygiene but aren't quite sure where to start, check out our list of the best water flossers and the best electric toothbrushes.
Update, Aug. 29, 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our pick for the No. 1 teeth-whitening product remains unchanged.
Type: Toothpaste and gel trays | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide in 11% or 6% strengths | Level of whitening: 4-5 shades | Recommended usage: 30 minutes daily | Time till results: 7 days
Opalescence is one of the top professional teeth-whitening brands in the world. "In my office, we use Opalescence," says Dr. Joyce Kahng, a cosmetic dentist practicing in L.A. who recommends the brand's prefilled trays for her clients. "They're comfortable and cause less sensitivity," she explains, adding that she uses them herself at home.
In addition to in-office treatments, Opalescence offers a variety of at-home products, including whitening trays and toothpastes, but my personal favorite is its Go Whitening Bundle. This kit includes 14 prefilled whitening trays and the brand’s Teeth Whitening Toothpaste, making it a convenient, all-in-one solution. If you already have a favorite toothpaste, you can also purchase the trays on their own.
Whether you go for the full bundle or just the trays, Opalescence isn’t the most budget-friendly whitening option — but Amazon makes it easier with up to 15% off when you subscribe. You can set deliveries as often as every 2 weeks, or as infrequently as every 6 months, depending on how often you want to refresh your smile.
Type: Gel | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Level of whitening: Not listed | Recommended usage: 5 minutes twice daily or 15-20 minutes once daily | Time till results: 1-2 weeks
Getting a whiter smile doesn't have to break the bank—or the clock. The Plus White 5-Minute Whitening Kit offers a quick and easy way to enhance your pearly whites for less than $15.
To use, simply apply a thin line of the whitening gel to the provided mouth tray. If the mouth tray feels uncomfortable, apply the gel directly to your teeth with a cotton swab. Leave the gel on for five to twenty minutes, depending on your whitening needs. Afterward, rinse your mouth with cold water and follow up with the included post-whitening dental rinse, designed to help with sensitivity. That's all there is to it!
You can use this product once or twice a day for up to two weeks. After that, it's a perfect maintenance tool for weekly, biweekly or monthly use.
If you're wondering if it's too good to be true, just look at all the happy customers who vouch for this over-the-counter whitening method. One reviewer says, "This has been my go-to teeth whitening product, no lie, for the last 15+ years. In that time, I've had more compliments on my white teeth than I can count." Another reviewer noted just how impressed they were with the results. "After the first few uses, I noticed a significant improvement in the whiteness of my teeth. The gel effectively removed stains and brightened my smile without causing any sensitivity."
Type: LED light | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide (6%) | Level of whitening: Up to 10 shades | Recommended usage: Three 8-minute sessions per day | Time till results: 5 days
There are plenty of LED whitening products on the market, but GLO Science So Brilliant Teeth Whitening Kit is the only one that combines heat technology with LED light to boost results. Moreover, it only takes five days to achieve a noticeably brighter smile.
The at-home teeth whitening kit comes with five vials of mint-flavored whitening gel, an LED mouthpiece, the GLO controller, a lanyard for a hands-free experience and a nourishing lip balm. You apply the lip balm first before brushing a thin layer of gel onto your teeth. After that, you put the mouthpiece in and press the Glo controller to get started. Glo Science makes the entire process even easier since the controller automatically shuts off after eight minutes, so you don't have to keep track of the time. Repeat this process twice more each day for five days, and voilà — you’re ready for your close-up.
One reviewer shared that they were initially worried that the GLO device was a gimmick. However, that initial skepticism was proven wrong, thanks to the results. "I am so over the moon thrilled and to top it all off, ZERO sensitivity, ZERO!" Another happy customer wrote, "After just two days, I can already see a difference in the color of my teeth — it's amazing!"
Of course, the kit is expensive — the costliest on our list. So you may need to budget for it if you don't have an extra $300+ sitting around.
Type: Strips | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Level of whitening: Up to 20 levels whiter | Recommended usage: 45 minutes once per day | Time till results: 22 days
Crest 3D Whitestrips is the OG of at-home teeth whitening and the top dentist-recommended product.
"I usually recommend Crest Whitestrips because they use hydrogen peroxide, and it is tested, effective and [they've] been around longer than other companies," says Dr. Fatima Khan, a Houston-based dentist. Indeed, research shows that hydrogen peroxide is more effective at removing stains and whitening natural enamel than other whitening agents, such as baking soda and sodium chlorite. Additionally, Crest Whitestrips have been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
According to Dr. Nicole Mackie, a prosthodontist and dental implant specialist in Las Vegas, the ADA seal is a big deal. "In order to guarantee safety, I only recommend ADA-approved whitening products," she says, noting that Crest is currently the only ADA-approved brand of whitening strips.
One downside is that Crest 3D Whitestrips typically require more extended wear than other products — both in terms of duration per session and number of days to see results. Still, they're easy to use, relatively affordable and, best of all, effective.
Type: Tray | Active ingredient: Carbamide peroxide (22%) | Level of whitening: 5-8 shades whiter | Recommended usage: 45 minutes to 3 hours | Time till results: 7-14 days
Custom-made trays are widely regarded as the best choice for at-home teeth whitening, but they usually require an expensive dentist visit for mold creation. Smile Brilliant, on the other hand, provides the same personalized whitening solution at a much lower cost.
Everything about the Smile Brilliant system is designed to be completely customizable. Depending on your stain level and sensitivity, six different whitening tray options are available. Once you choose your system, you receive everything you need to make dental impressions at home. You then mail them back to Smile Brilliant using the prepaid envelope, and within three to five days, you’ll receive custom-fitted whitening trays.
"Whitening trays are tailored by dental professionals to fit your mouth perfectly," says Khan. "This ensures maximum coverage and minimum tissue damage."
The Smile Brilliant system also comes with professional-strength whitening gel and desensitizing gel for those who choose the sensitivity option. It's advisable to start treatment sessions at 45 minutes and work your way up to applications of three hours, if possible.
The time it takes to see results varies depending on the depth of your stains, but generally, you can expect noticeable changes within 1 to 3 weeks. While this might seem time-consuming, one of the advantages of Smile Brilliant is the customized whitening tray, which you can reuse with any whitening gel in the future.
Type: Pen | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide (9%) | Level of whitening: Up to 10 shades whiter | Recommended usage: 1-2 times per day | Time till results: 7 days
Teeth whitening pens offer a quick, easy and mess-free solution to brighten your smile on the go. Auraglow's Extra Strength Whitening Pen is especially effective with its potent 9% hydrogen peroxide formula.
The best part is its convenience — twist the pen, brush a thin layer of gel onto your teeth, and let it dry for about one minute. The gel dissolves on its own, so there's no need for rinsing or residue removal. Just remember to avoid eating or drinking for an hour after application.
If that sounds inconvenient, simply whiten your teeth overnight. According to Dr. Joshua Perlman, a New York-based cosmetic dentist, overnight whitening may be more beneficial anyway. "While you sleep, less saliva is produced than during the day. When saliva mixes with the bleaching product, it negates its effects," he explains.
One happy customer stated, "This brand is great for people with sensitive teeth and it still whitens your teeth." Another person was equally impressed. "I love this little pen. It's crazy easy to use and works well," they wrote, adding, "My teeth look amazing."
Type: Serum and lip gloss wand | Active ingredient: Urea peroxide | Level of whitening: Not listed | Recommended usage: Apply up to twice per day for 2 weeks | Time till results: Instant brightening effect
Teeth whiteners usually need time to deliver results, with the quickest products still taking several days. That's where Moon's Smile Perfector Duo comes in. This innovative dual-ended wand provides an instant smile boost while actively whitening your teeth gradually.
One end features a teeth-whitening brush with urea peroxide and a blend of antioxidants, including lavender oil, peppermint oil, strawberry extract and honeysuckle extract. The other end features a lip brightening treatment with blue mica that instantly enhances your smile by neutralizing yellow tones. The teeth whitening brush gradually removes stains and includes light-reflecting pigments for an immediate brightening effect.
One satisfied customer noted that the dual wand not only worked well but worked fast. "I have been using this product twice a day now since I got it, and I absolutely love it! It is so easy to use and great to just throw in a bag. You can see it start to work the minute you put it on your teeth."
Type: Toothpaste | Active ingredient: Potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride and hydrated silica | Level of whitening: 2 shades whiter after 8 weeks | Recommended usage: Twice a day | Time till results: Ongoing, daily use
Sensodyne Clinical White Stain Protector doesn't use hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, so it won't provide extreme whitening. But for toothpaste, that’s actually beneficial.
While hydrogen peroxide effectively removes stains, excessive use can damage enamel. Dentists generally advise against using strong whitening agents more than four times a year, whereas you should brush your teeth twice daily. However, Sensodyne still has notable whitening power, with a two-week clinical study revealing whiter teeth and up to 50% more surface stain removal than non-whitening toothpaste. Its gentle formula is tailored for sensitive teeth, making it an ideal complement to more intensive whitening products. Plus, it is recommended by experts.
"I've used Sensodyne toothpaste myself for the last three years, and I can say it has reduced my sensitivity to cold twofold," says Dr. Diana Matatova, an Arizona-based dentist. "I recommend it to my patients who have sensitive teeth but are also looking for help removing tough stains."
If you're looking to use a whitening toothpaste as your first defense against tooth discoloration, you may also want to check out our tried-and-tested options for the best whitening toothpastes.
Type: Strips | Active ingredient: Coconut oil, sage oil, lemon peel and dead sea salt | Level of whitening: Not listed | Recommended usage: 30 minutes | Time till results: 7 days
For a clean, non-toxic and peroxide-free approach to teeth whitening, the Lumineux Whitening Starter Kit is a great option.
Most whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, which is effective but can lead to increased sensitivity by penetrating the teeth and irritating nerves. Many products lower the hydrogen peroxide concentration, add potassium nitrate to soothe nerve fibers or combine both strategies to address this. However, these adjustments might still fall short for those with ultrasensitive teeth or severely damaged enamel.
Lumineux avoids these issues by using 100% natural, plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, lemon peel and Dead Sea salt. These ingredients gently remove stains and are ideal for sensitive teeth, offering a safer and more comfortable whitening experience.
One reviewer called Lumineux "the holy grail of whitening strips for [those] with super sensitive teeth." Another person agreed, writing, "These teeth whitening strips have been a game-changer for me. They are incredibly gentle, allowing me to use them without any issues or discomfort."
Type: Gel | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide (14%) | Level of whitening: Up to 8 shades whiter | Recommended usage: 30 minutes per day | Time till results: 2 weeks
While Lumineux caters to those with extreme sensitivity, Philips Zoom is best for those who need serious whitening power.
The Philips Zoom DayWhite gel is formulated with 9.5% hydrogen peroxide for professional-strength results. "Tough stains on the surface of teeth are called extrinsic stains, like coffee stains," explains Kahng. For this surface-level discoloration, whitening strips or toothpaste is a good option. However, "for deeper stains within the tooth, hydrogen peroxide-based products are needed."
One thing to note is that the Philips Zoom gel comes in a syringe, meaning you'll need custom-fitted whitening trays to use it most effectively. If you already have trays, using the gel is straightforward — you simply put a small drop of gel onto each tooth impression in your tray and wear the tray for 30 to 45 minutes. In two weeks, your teeth will be noticeably whiter.
When choosing teeth-whitening products, keep these three factors in mind:
Ingredients: The most crucial aspect to consider is the active ingredients. Understanding how these ingredients work helps determine the best option for you.
"The whitening gold standard is carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide," says Khan. "These ingredients go beyond surface-level cleaning; they trigger a chemical reaction that's capable of changing the tooth's intrinsic color."
Pay attention to the percentage used. "Carbamide peroxide is a compound derived from hydrogen peroxide and urea, making it roughly a third as potent as hydrogen peroxide," she explains. "It can be less aggressive, though, and minimize the risk of sensitivity, making it a better option for those with sensitive teeth."
Of course, any peroxide-based whitening agent could cause some sensitivity, and higher peroxide percentages equal more sensitivity risks. "Natural peroxide-free strips are gentler for sensitive teeth, but expect less dramatic results," Khan adds.
Type: At-home teeth-whitening products come in various forms, including gels, pens, strips and LED-based kits. Whitening toothpastes are also available. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for you.
Duration and frequency: The time needed for daily application and to see results varies widely. Some products require only a few minutes, while others take several hours over a few weeks. Consider how much time you can realistically devote to whitening and what's practical for your schedule.
To choose the best at-home teeth-whitening products, we turned to the pros. We spoke to a number of dentistry experts to learn how these products work and what to look for. After that, we researched over 25 different whitening products, considering factors such as cost, convenience and effectiveness. We then tested 12 options before selecting our 9 favorites.
Snow Diamond Wireless Teeth Whitening Kit: This is another easy-to-use LED whitening kit that provides visible results. However, the mouthpiece breaks more easily than other brands.
Hismile v34 Colour Corrector Toothpaste: Purple toothpaste definitely works to neutralize yellow undertones and help teeth appear whiter, but the results don't last.
According to Kahng, it's generally safe to use teeth-whitening products if your dental health is up to date. "As long as you've had a dental checkup in the last six months to a year and have been cleared of cavities, it's safe," she says. "You shouldn't whiten your teeth, though, if you have cavities or any dental disease."
Khan agrees but cautions against some viral trends, which are typically unfounded and may even be harmful. "Avoid certain DIY trends like baking soda and peroxide in a boil and bite guard," she says. "Baking soda can be pretty abrasive, and if you use it too often or in high concentrations, it can actually damage your enamel."
Other than that, be sure to follow the directions carefully and choose products from reputable brands.
These products utilize bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel and break down the molecules responsible for stains.
The most effective teeth-whitening kits "are made from a custom mold of [a person's] mouth," says Perlman. "The strength and ingredients of the whitening gel then play a pivotal role in the success of the [treatment]."
According to Mackie, really deep, tough stains may require the big guns. "Professional teeth whitening from a board-certified dentist," she says.
Some at-home whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide may be beneficial depending on the level of discoloration, but she also encourages trying to make certain lifestyle changes. "Simple adjustments like reducing the intake of teeth-staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce and dark-colored sodas) can significantly enhance the whiteness of your smile," she explains.
Another tip: "Always rinse your mouth with water after meals or drinking dark beverages, particularly coffee."
It depends on the product and your needs, but in general, you shouldn't use whitening kits more than two to four times per year.
"Use a whitening toothpaste daily," says dentist Dr. Lawrence Fung, who practices in Southern California. "Add white strips or custom bleaching trays with prescription-strength whitening gel [up to] once a quarter." He also advises using an electric toothbrush for more effective daily cleanings.
Khan, on the other hand, typically tells her patients to use whitening strips every 6 months or so to maintain a bright smile.
It depends on the product as well as your specific needs.
"Whitening strips can last up to 6 months whereas in-office whitening results can last up to 2 years if you take proper care of your teeth," says Khan. That last part — taking proper care — is the most crucial.
"Results depend on your habits," says Kahng. "If you drink a lot of coffee, the results won't last as long as someone who only drinks water. You need to maintain the results to keep your teeth from reverting to their original color."
However, she notes it's important to remember that "teeth whitening is an ongoing process."
Dr. Lawrence Fung, DDS, dentist and founder of Silicon Beach Dental, Culver City, CA
Dr. Joyce Kahng, DDS, cosmetic dentist and owner of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio, Costa Mesa, CA
Dr. Fatima Khan, DMD, general dentist and co-founder of Riven Oral Care
Dr. Nicole Mackie, DDS, prosthodontist and owner of Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center, Las Vegas, NV
Dr. Diana Matatova, DMD, general dentist at Risas Dental and Braces
Dr. Joshua Perlman, DMD, general and cosmetic dentist and owner of NYC Smile Spa, NY
Dr. Tera Poole, DDS, board-certified orthodontist
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
