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The cosmetics industry is chockfull of serums and gadgets galore promising beautifying results. While before and after transformations aren’t always guaranteed, the best teeth whitening products can offer serious results—done yourself, no dentist required! But that’s not to say we didn’t consult a dentist to help us select the most efficacious bleaching toothpastes, whitening LED light kits, and more.
Meet the Dentist
Cosmetic dentist to some of the most photographed smiles in New York City, Dr. Stephanie Dumanian and Park Lex 60 Dental founder explains that not all whitening products are created equally—and that not everyone is a candidate for whitening products. Dumanian, who has treated sisters Cipriana Quann and TK Wonder and Emily in Paris’s Ashley Park, also advises those who have highly sensitive teeth, translucent teeth (worn enamel), gum issues, or have had dental work (veneers, fillings, crowns) on your front teeth seek out the opinion of a dentist before incorporating a whitening treatment into their dental hygiene regimen.
What to Look For in the Best Teeth Whitening Products
In selecting a whitening toothpaste, “you should consider that they have little beads in them that polish your teeth, so it’s going to be abrasive. If you are a big lemon water drinker or tend to eat a lot of acidic foods—this type of toothpaste combined with your daily habits is going to wear your enamel out a lot faster.” Dumanian advises a mix-and-match strategy to receive optimal results. “Whitening toothpastes are an easy way to help remove surface stains off your teeth,” she explains. “It’s also a good way of boosting previous whitening treatments you might have had and, therefore, will help you maintain those results.” In selecting strips, pens, or an LED light kit, consider the sizer and shape of your teeth; “With semi-custom products, one size doesn’t always fit all.”
Toothpaste Vs. Strips Vs. Pens Vs. Lights
The main difference between strips, toothpastes, and pens is the power of the whitening formula. Strips contain the highest concentration of active ingredients, followed by pens, followed by toothpaste. The best results will be achieved with an in-office LED light treatment, followed by an at-home light kit. It’s worth noting that light treatments also incorporate whitening gels, but when paired with a light (which weakens stains), the treatment is more effective.
Compared to toothpaste alone, “you get faster results using whitening strips since there’s a higher concentration of whitening agents and they are in contact with your teeth longer than your toothpaste,” she explains. “The ideal would be to use both treatments in conjunction: whitening strips 3-5 days in a row every two months followed by daily cleanings with whitening toothpaste to maintain those results.” But bottom line? “You will get faster results with a light enhanced whitening treatment than pens alone."
Below, 7 of the best teeth whitening products to incorporate into your dental regime.
The Best Whitening Toothpaste: Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste
Crest 3D White Brilliance whitening toothpaste
- “Crest 3D is probably one of the most popular whitening toothpastes. It contains fluoride and claims to defend against stains for 12 hours,” says Dr. Dumanian.
- Why We Love it: The product is affordable, easy to find, and can be used daily.
- How to Use: Brush twice daily as you would a regular toothpaste.
The Best Enamel Building Whitening Serum: Vvardis Anti-Aging Serum
Vvardis New White enamel anti-aging serum
- “I love the sleek design of the packaging and the easiness of application in cases where semi-custom strips might not cover the entire area. A brush-on or pen application can help assure an
even distribution of the whitening product,” says Dr. Dumanian. - Why We Love It: The patent formula is one of the few whitening treatments that mimics the body’s remineralization process to build your teeth’s enamel. Plus, results are promised after one week.
- How to Use: Apply to clean, dry teeth (ideally before bedtime) and keep teeth drawn for 10-15 seconds. Avoid food or drink for the following 30 minutes. Use daily for one week.
The Best Light-Powered Whitening Device: GLO Brilliant White Smile
Glo Brilliant White Smile teeth whitening device
- “Glo provides fast whitening results without being abrasive to your teeth or gum. The advanced technology of this take-home kit can help to amplify whitening results received in-office and
help maintain those results over time,” she says. - Why We Love It: The next best thing to an in-office treatment, the Glo Brilliant kit pairs a gel with a light technology to brighten teeth through a heat technology with actives whitening ingredients Hydrogen Peroxide and Potassium Nitrate.
- How to Use: Apply Teeth Whitening GLO Vials gel to top and bottom teeth with a small brush (included). Insert mouthpiece for eight minutes; repeat twice (reapplying gel each time) as each whitening session consists of three, eight-minute sessions. Repeat the process as needed.
Best On-the-Go Pen Treatment: Glo to Go Pen
GLO to Go Teeth Whitening Pen
- “This pen is a good way to reach the entire areas that strips
cannot reach.” - Why We Love it: The pen offers easy application and success after five days.
- How to Use: Apply gel from pen to clean and dry teeth and avoid food and drink for 20-30 minutes. Apply twice daily for two weeks.
The Best White Strips: Sheer White Strips
Sheer White! Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
- “These are stronger than most over-the-counter formulas and are great for sensitive teeth and gums,” she says.
- Why We Love It: These whitening strips are super easy to use and promise results after five days. Plus, their active ingredient is carbamide peroxide which is less irritating than the those strips which contains hydrogen peroxide.
- How to Use: Apply one strip to your top and bottom teeth for one hour a day for five consecutive days.
The Best Model-Approved Whitening Kit: Moon Whitening Set
Moon teeth whitening favorites set
- “This kit makes it easy to incorporate whitening in your daily beauty routine.”
- Why We Love it: Kendal Jenner’s collaboration with Moon produced a great performing (and great looking) whitening pen. Use this in conjunction with Moon’s toothpaste and toothpaste whitening booster as needed.
- How to Use: As we know, teeth whitening regimes are optimized when various products are mixed together. Use the Moon toothpaste daily. Apply the teeth whitening booster one to two times weekly, and use the whitening pen (apply the gel on clean, dry teeth) up to two times per day for two weeks.
The Best Bleaching Toothpaste: Colgate Optic White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate Optic White whitening toothpaste
- “It's the only true bleaching toothpaste (not merely stain-removing) that the ADA has granted approval to, and like all ADA-approved pastes, it includes fluoride for cavity prevention,” says Dr. Dumanian.
- Why We Love it: A vegan toothpaste with results promised after four weeks of daily use.
- How to Use: Brush twice daily as you would a regular toothpaste.
