

Salierno said, gels are one of the most effective forms of at-home whitening, which is why we’re starting here. Having to fill trays with gel or dealing with strips that slip off can be frustrating, so below we’ve only included extra-grippy strips and foolproof methods of at-home whitening. Whitening products in general can be messy, which can also be a deterrent. If you don’t think you’ll take the time to add an extra step into your oral-hygiene routine - like wearing whitening strips for two weeks straight - maybe the better option for you is to just replace something already in your routine, like your toothpaste, with a whitening version. You won’t see results with any of the below products unless you use them with some consistency and as instructed. There’s typically a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide in a whitening gel or strip than there will be in toothpaste, but the best option for you will be something that fits with your lifestyle.Įase of use: Which brings me to ease of use. Chris Salierno, chief dental officer at Tend, told me in an email that hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are “most effective in a gel form that is held against your teeth (think whitening strips, gel in trays, etc.).” Each method will have a different percentage of the active ingredient in it. The ADA has only given its seal of acceptance to toothpastes and whitening strips, but Dr. You’ve got whitening gels, strips, toothpastes, and more to choose from. Method: While looking for peroxide is a good start, it can come in many different forms. Hydrogen and carbamide peroxides are the gold standard of at-home teeth whitening, which is why we’ve only recommended chemical whiteners that use those ingredients below. “Charcoal is like brushing with sandpaper - it will take off the stain, but in the long term, your teeth get yellower over time because you’re removing an enamel layer,” Dr. Obviously there are other whitening agents and alternative ingredients out there, but experts say it’s best to avoid trendy, gimmicky products like whitening lights or charcoal, which might actually end up causing harm. Ben Winters, a.k.a “ the Bentist.” The ADA website says, “The bleaching action in chemically induced whitening is due primarily to the effects of carbamide peroxide, which releases about one-third of its content as hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidizing agent.” “If it doesn’t have that ingredient, it’s not going to be whitening your teeth,” says Dr. We asked our experts exactly what to look for (and what to avoid) to find the most effective whitening products on the market.īest overall | Best brush-on gel | Best strips | Best less-expensive strips | Best toothpaste | Best all-natural stripsĪctive ingredient: According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the eight dentists we spoke to, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is what you should look for in whitening products. Some products advertised as “whitening” don’t have the proper active ingredients or have such a small amount it would hardly make a difference.

But whitening products only work if they have the right ingredients. “Anything that can stain a white T-shirt can surface-stain the teeth,” Jackson says. What you can expect from these products is to maintain your in-office cleaning and prevent further staining from things like tea, coffee, kombucha, red wine, soy sauce, and barbecue sauce. Someone who gets regular cleanings to remove surface stains won’t get the same results. That only applies to someone who hasn’t been to the dentist for years and has heavy staining on their teeth. Marie Jackson, the founder of Stellar Smile Center, says is unrealistic for the regular dentistgoer. Some whitening products promise to “jump you ten shades in three weeks,” which Dr. But generally, if you’re getting regular in-office cleanings and the occasional whitening treatment, at-home toothpastes, strips, and gels can be very helpful for maintaining your pearly whites.

She says if you’re seeing telltale yellowing when you smile, you may need only a standard cleaning in the office, while other deep stains can’t be removed through whitening ( tetracycline stains are one example). Mandy Kouroshnia of New York’s Cityzen Dental says for the best results with whitening products at home, you should consider what kinds of stains you’re dealing with first. There are dozens of whitening toothpastes and treatments out there, but only so many are equipped to actually help brighten your smile.

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist Photos: Retailers
