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The Best Teeth Whitener

Last updated on November 16, 2023

We looked at the top 14 Teeth Whiteners and dug through the reviews from 44 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Teeth Whiteners.

Best Teeth Whitener

Our Review Process

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Teeth whitening is more popular than ever, but you’ll pay hundreds of dollars to have the treatment done through your dentist. Fortunately, there are plenty of much more affordable options, most of which are available over-the-counter at any drugstore. But with so many options, it can be tough to choose just one.

Whitening trays are similar to the ones you’ll get at the dental office at a fraction of the price. The dentist custom builds a mouthpiece to fit your mouth, but technology has made it easier for manufacturers to create a tray that conforms. Look for one that uses thermal-form technology so that it molds to fit your teeth for as tight a fit as possible.

Although trays can do a great job, many people prefer the convenience of whitening strips, which you slip on the teeth for a short time period, then toss in the trash. The gel is already on the strips, so there’s no work involved on your end. White strips are also very affordable compared to other options, making them a popular choice with consumers.

LED lights are another way to whiten your teeth. It’s important to note that the light itself does nothing. It’s the application of a solution containing peroxide that makes the difference. When the agent is applied and the light shone on it, the light speeds up the whitening process. At one time, UV light was used, but there were concerns about unsafe UV exposure. LED is a much safer alternative.

If you spend much time on social media, you’ve probably heard about a more natural alternative to traditional teeth whitening called activated charcoal. This product actually turns your teeth black while it’s doing the work, but those who want to eliminate peroxide completely from the process prefer it. Unlike other products, charcoal teeth whitening manufacturers don’t promise that the product will work for everyone, usually issuing the “results may vary” disclaimer in their fine print.

Whatever whitening process you use, it’s important to note that you may experience sensitivity when using peroxide on your teeth. The charcoal option eliminates that issue, but it may not be as effective on you as other people. Remineralization gel can help with sensitivity when you’re using peroxide-based products. It has also been shown in studies to toughen up enamel by helping to overcome the reduction of enamel microhardness that happens with bleaching.

Our Picks For The Top Teeth Whiteners

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick
10.0

Oral Essentials Lumineux Peroxide-Free Teeth Whitener

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Oral Essentials

Lumineux Peroxide-Free Teeth Whitener

If you have sensitive teeth, you'll want to opt for this gentle teeth whitener. The kit includes a total of 21 treatments, all of which are free of peroxide and artificial dyes. Applying the strips is a breeze, and it takes just 30 minutes to begin seeing results.

Overall Take

Won't Damage EnamelThis teeth whitener uses healthy ingredients, such as coconut oil, dead sea salt and lemon peel oil.

 Runner Up

Colgate Optic Enamel-Safe Teeth Whitener Pen

Colgate

Optic Enamel-Safe Teeth Whitener Pen

This fast-acting teeth whitening pen works quickly to remove stains from your teeth. It contains 35 nightly uses. The pen is designed to work well for those with sensitive teeth.

Overall Take

Fast ActingThis teeth whitener can remove stains within one week.

Pros
" I used this three or four nights in a row and saw my teeth go from yellow to a nice, bright white"
Cons
"some customers note that the product dries up quickly and can be challenging to apply"
 Best Overall

iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit

iSmile

Teeth Whitening Kit

After the first 10-minute application, you'll start to see whiter teeth with this kit. It uses five LED bulbs to accelerate whitening in just eight daily applications of only 10 minutes each. The LED light easily attaches to the tray for easy application.

Overall Take

Light-Based WhiteningThis kit gives you everything you need to get started with LED whitening, including a tray, four syringes and an LED light.

Pros
" The light easily attaches to the mouth tray and uses five LED bulbs to speed up the whitening process. It also comes with a built-in 10-minute timer and alarm to let you know when you’re done."
 We Also Like

AuraGlow Deluxe Home LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit

AuraGlow

Deluxe Home LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit

LED lights work to speed up the whitening process that happens with peroxide-based gels. This teeth whitener requires you to put a mouthpiece in place for 30 minutes. You'll have to use the product for up to 20 days for best results. However, the mouthpiece may not be as comfortable as other whitening methods.

Overall Take

LED LightsUsing LED lights and a peroxide-based gel, this teeth whitener whitens your teeth 30 minutes at a time.

Pros
" System is fairly gentle; many like LED light/tray/gel combo."
Cons
"A bit more expensive than other products (though we think it’s well worth it)."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
21

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the teeth whiteners available to purchase.
14

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

44

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Good Housekeeping, The Teeth Blog, Byrdie, The Sleep Judge, First For Women.

352,488

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 14 Teeth Whiteners and also dug through the reviews from 44 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Teeth Whiteners.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Colgate Optic Enamel-Safe Teeth Whitener Pen

Our Expert Score

0.0
4 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

7.6
44,001 user reviews

Our Take

This fast-acting teeth whitening pen works quickly to remove stains from your teeth. It contains 35 nightly uses. The pen is designed to work well for those with sensitive teeth.

What other experts liked

I used this three or four nights in a row and saw my teeth go from yellow to a nice, bright white
- Good Housekeeping
Since this pen does actually contain a bleaching agent, it will likely produce better results than even the best charcoal whitening products.
- The Teeth Blog
Looking for something that'll brighten your smile while you get your beauty sleep? Your best bet is Colgate's Overnight Whitening Pen, which is formulated to remove 15 years of surface stains in as little as a week.
- Byrdie
This pen uses an enamel-safe formulated gel that creates less response from sensitive teeth and gums. The pen uses a controlled amount of gel in order to prevent irritation with your gums.
- The Sleep Judge

What other experts didn't like

Formula may harden on teeth or brush
- Good Housekeeping
some customers note that the product dries up quickly and can be challenging to apply
- The Teeth Blog
Brush can get clumpy
- Byrdie
Dries up quickly and clumps can occur
- The Sleep Judge

What to Look For

  • The biggest criteria for choosing a tooth-whitening solution is whether or not it works. The AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit works, but you may not find your teeth are as noticeably white as they would be with a few other products on the market. Results for other teeth whiteners are often mixed, with even the manufacturers themselves stating that they vary from one person to another.
  • The application process is dramatically different between options. Perhaps the easiest is a whitening pen, which you merely apply using the provided pen. Brands that offer peel and stick strips are also quite easy to use. You’ll need to leave them in place for 30 minutes, then remove them and toss them in the trash. Some options work as a toothpaste, so you’ll need to use them on a daily basis. Most complicated is the AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit, which requires you to squirt some of the gel onto a mouthpiece, insert into your mouth, press a button and leave in place for 30 minutes. The mouthpiece isn’t exactly comfortable, either, especially for something you’re enduring for a full half an hour.
  • Another consideration is how messy your treatments will be. The AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit has a mouthpiece you’ll have to clean between uses, making it more involved than other kids that use disposable strips. Perhaps messiest, though, is a charcoal-activated kit, which can stain anything it comes into contact with, including your sink and shower. You’ll have to clean the sink after spitting the solution out while also being very careful not to get any of it on your clothes.
  • It’s important to also consider how long you’ll have to use the product to see results. Activated charcoal options can lighten teeth by several shades after only a few sessions, while you’re asked to use other brands for a full 20 days before seeing results. The AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit provides 20 days’ worth of gel when used as directed. You can use iSmile California Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light, but it could take up to two weeks to see results.
  • Tooth sensitivity is always an issue when you’re applying peroxide to your teeth. The AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit contains 35 percent carbamide peroxide, while other kids use hydrogen peroxide. Activated charcoal options include remineralization gel, which is said to reduce sensitivity while also helping prevent some of the very minute softening of the enamel that happens with whitening. However, you can buy remineralization gel separately to use with any teeth whitening product. Cali White Activated Charcoal has no peroxide whatsoever, so you shouldn’t experience any sensitivity.
  • Another unexpected bonus with Cali White Activated Charcoal is that it helps detoxify the mouth, leading to fresher breath.
  • Although most over-the-counter teeth whitening products are far less expensive than professional services, some are more affordable than others. You’re sure to find a tooth whitening kit that fits your budget, however.

Teeth Whitener Rankings

1. Oral Essentials Lumineux Peroxide-Free Teeth Whitener

Overall Score: 10.0
Reviews Included: 1

2. Colgate Optic Enamel-Safe Teeth Whitener Pen

Overall Score: 9.9
Reviews Included: 7

3. iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 5

4. AuraGlow Deluxe Home LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 12

5. iSmile Carbamide Peroxide LED Teeth Whitener Kit

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 5

6. VieBeauti At-Home Dental LED Light Teeth Whitener

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 1

7. iSmile Teeth Whitening Pen, 2-Pack

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 2

8. iSmile Teeth Whitening Gel Syringe Refill Pack

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 2

9. Cali White Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 8

10. AuraGlow Portable Teeth Whitening Gel Pen

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 8

11. Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 6

12. Crest Non-Slip Stain Removing Teeth Whitener Strips

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 5

13. Active Wow Premium Teeth Whitener Kit

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 11

14. Crest Polishing Anticavity Teeth Whitener Gel System

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

Teeth can naturally become less white with age, but lifestyle is the number one cause of tooth discoloration. Known as “extrinsic stains,” these discoloration agents are things we ingest every day. Traditional cigarette smoking is a top culprit, but the popularity of vaping may help with that, although some colorings may still cause stains. Foods and beverages also stain the teeth.

Generally speaking, if you’re consuming something that would stain your clothing, it will also discolor your teeth. This is especially true of dark-colored beverages, like coffee and red wine, but acidic foods and beverages can also stain, due to the way they erode the enamel. Although whitening your teeth periodically can help, it’s even better to avoid tooth-staining foods and beverages altogether.

More to explore