What at-home teeth whitening products work best in 2024?

If you are looking to whiten your teeth at home, plenty of products are available. This article will briefly explore and compare the best at-home teeth whitening methods to help you decide which ones are best for your needs. Please follow the link above for a comprehensive guide on at-home teeth whitening.

At-home teeth whitening is practiced by a vast number of patients all around the world. If used correctly, at-home whitening procedures can be very effective.

However, each procedure has its downsides, and you should always keep in mind the whitening results will not be as dramatic as in the case of professional, in-office bleaching.

We can easily divide at-home teeth whitening products into 6 main groups:

• Whitening strips
• Whitening gels
• LED light whitening
• Whitening pens
• Whitening toothpaste
• Whitening mouthwashes

We will discuss each category and explore some key takeaways.

1. Whitening strips

Teeth whitening strips are thin layers of material coated with a gel containing the bleaching agent.

You should apply the strips directly to your teeth and leave them there for the recommended time (about 30 minutes).

A standard recommendation is to apply whitening strips once daily for 14 days, but the instructions may vary depending on the product.

1. Key takeaways

• Whitening strips work best in case of minor tooth staining or mild discoloration.
• They will have little effect on heavy staining or discoloration from plaque and tartar build-up or reactions to medication.
• The results are less noticeable than with professional whitening or even other at-home methods (such as whitening gels). Therefore, it is important to start with realistic expectations.
• Whitening strips are very easy to use.
• The price is affordable, particularly compared to professional procedures.
• Whitening strips may create discomfort with patients who have sensitive teeth. Therefore, opting for another whitening method is indicated if you have sensitive teeth.

2. Whitening trays and gel

This method involves using a tooth tray and whitening gel inserted into the tooth tray to activate the whitening process.

The tray can be either custom-made at the dental office or purchased over the counter together with the whitening gel.

A teeth whitening procedure using whitening trays typically lasts 15 days to a month. You use the whitening trays on your teeth for at least 4 hours daily. Sometimes, you will be instructed to wear the trays all night.

1. Key takeaways

• It is one of the most effective at-home teeth whitening procedures. The continual whitening procedure allows you to lighten multiple shades of your teeth's color, occasionally reaching remarkable results.
• The enamel is protected during the whitening process; therefore, side effects such as teeth sensitivity are minimal.

• Although more expensive than over-the-counter tray systems, custom-made trays come with significant advantages. They offer a superior fit, preventing the gel from leaking and irritating the gum tissue. Moreover, these trays ensure better contact between the whitening agent and teeth, leading to more consistent whitening results.
• Using over-the-counter trays increases the chance of adverse effects such as gum irritation. This is because these trays are not intended to accommodate all dental arches.

3. LED Teeth Whitening

LED whitening is a procedure in which an LED light is used together with a whitening gel. The exposure of the whitening gel to the LED light aids in starting the process. It causes the gel to break and initiate a chemical reaction that removes the stains from your teeth.

After applying the gel to your teeth, you should use the LED device to enhance the whitening process. Use the blue light on your teeth as directed (generally, around 10 minutes). Do not overuse it.

A treatment with an LED light kit typically lasts around 14 days.

1. Key takeaways

• At-home LED teeth whitening gives positive outcomes. However, the whitening you observe is mainly the result of the gel, with the LED light having a minor effect.
• On the other hand, it has been observed that the LED light does help people stick to their whitening routines, which is a crucial element. It may be a psychological thing that happens when patients have to use the gel plus the light.
• Remember that in-office LED teeth whitening offers superior results to the at-home version. That's because the professional LED devices dentists use are more powerful than any LED light that can be purchased over the counter.
• If you use the LED light incorrectly, there is a risk of tissue damage inside your mouth. That is why some dental practitioners suggest using whitening gels on their own or opting for a different method.

4. Teeth Whitening Pens

Teeth whitening pens are tiny, compact tubes that hold a whitening gel.
When you twist the bottom of the pen, a small quantity of active gel flows into the brush. You then apply this gel to your teeth.

Teeth whitening pens are ideal for minor touch-ups to your teeth's whiteness and work relatively fast.

1. Key takeaways

• Teeth whitening pens are typically used as temporary solutions prior to an important event, adding a last-minute touch-up to your teeth whiteness.
• The whitening results will not last very long, and you shouldn't expect dramatic color changes in your teeth.
• They are more gentle than whitening strips; as a result, they are better for those with sensitive teeth.
• They work best on minor stains and have little effect in case of more severe staining.
• They are easy to use and affordable.
• They give excellent results when used in combination with other, more potent teeth whitening procedures.

5. Teeth whitening toothpaste

Teeth whitening toothpaste is effective in removing surface stains from your teeth, but it won't change the color of your teeth.

To see any results, using these types of toothpaste regularly and for the long term is essential.
Look for options that contain active abrasive ingredients, such as baking soda or charcoal (as whitening toothpastes rely heavily on them), but also include fluoride and potassium nitrate, which are gentler on your teeth and help prevent tooth sensitivity caused by bleaching agents.

1. Key takeaways

• Whitening toothpaste is very easy to use and lower in cost than most over-the-counter whitening products.
• It has the least amount of side effects.
• It works best when combined with other whitening procedures. Using whitening toothpaste and rinses combined with more efficient bleaching procedures is highly effective.
• Designed for regular, long-term use.

6. Teeth whitening rinses

Teeth whitening rinses are mouthwashes typically containing hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching agent.

A teeth whitening rinse may help remove surface stains from your teeth and brighten them to some extent. However, they aren't effective enough to produce dramatic results.

Look for options that, besides the bleaching agent, also contain anti-plaque and anti-tartar ingredients (like cetylpyridinium chloride or pyrophosphates) and fluoride. Avoid mouthwashes that are dark in color (as they can stain your teeth,) and always use an alcohol-free rinse.

1. Key takeaways

• Whitening mouthwashes are very easy to use as they will only take 2 minutes of your time every day.
• They are safe to use, as the bleaching agent is in low amounts.
• Affordable price.
• Very effective when used in combination with other bleaching procedures (professional or over-the-counter).

Conclusions

At-home teeth whitening is less costly than in-office whitening procedures, but it may provide excellent effects if used regularly and for an adequate amount of time.
Here are some essential takeaways:

a. Consult your dentist before using any over-the-counter whitening products. This crucial step may help you save time, effort, and money. Your dentist will help you pick the best product for your needs and ensure minimal side effects.

b. Combining at-home products is very effective. For best results, you will have to use more than a single procedure:

• Whitening toothpaste and rinses are unable to produce dramatic results on their own. Their true value shines when used together with other whitening methods.
• Whitening pens are excellent for quick touch-ups, but you should not use them as the primary context of your whitening life.
• Using whitening strips in combination with professional bleaching is also very efficient.

c. Many dental experts regard custom-made dental trays with professional whitening gel as the best at-home method.

d. Whitening strips and pens are very easy to use.

e. Whitening toothpaste has the least amount of side effects. It is also very easy to use and the least expensive.

f. Whitening rinses are very affordable, easy to use, and provide great results when used together with whitening toothpaste (and other bleaching procedures).