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Best Teeth Whitening Treatments

Corey Majeau

Everyone wants a pearl-white smile. The most straightforward way to get whiter teeth is through brushing them, but not everyone gets the sparkling results they desire. However, fear not, teeth whitening treatments are the perfect solution to this problem. You don’t have to go to the dentist’s office either since many at-home treatments are available in the market!

In this article, we’ll not only discuss some of the best teeth whitening options there are in the market, but we’ll also be taking pointers on what to keep in mind when you look for your ideal treatment and how to safely use it.

1. Crest 3D Whitestrips Arctic Mint – Editor's Choice

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  • Whitening Strips
  • 28 whitestrips (14-day use)
  • 30 minutes a day

2. Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

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  • Type: Whitening Strips
  • 44 strips (20+2 professional level treatments)
  • 20 30-minutes strips & 2 1-hour strips

3. Crest 3D White Brilliance + Whitening Two-Step Toothpaste

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  • Type: Toothpaste
  • 1 tube is 4 oz & 1 tube is 2.3 oz
  • Instant brush and rinse

4. Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen

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  • Types: Whitening Pen
  • 35 whitening treatments worth of gel
  • 2 shades whiter in 1 week

5. AsaVea Teeth Whitening Pen

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  • Type: Whitening pen
  • Minimum 20 treatments
  • 4-8 shades whiter

6. Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrip Teeth Whitening Kit

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  • Type: Whitening Strips
  • 14 teeth whitening treatments
  • 30-minute treatment

Things to Consider

As it turns out, there are a lot of teeth whitening treatments, including specialized toothpaste. Since there are so many, it’s always a good idea to consult your dentist before you commence any treatments, and always get a professional opinion on what type of treatment is best for your teeth.

You may want to check out: Best Teeth Whitening Kits That Work

Types of At-Home Whitening Treatments

Toothpaste

The simplest solution of them all; toothpaste. Since everyone already uses toothpaste in their daily routines, why not use a whitening toothpaste?

There are numerous ingredients you’ll find in toothpaste. To put them in categories, there are; abrasive agents, flavoring or artificial sweeteners, humectants, thickeners, and detergents. But the most important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride helps make your teeth stronger and reverses earlier stages of acidic damage.

What differentiates whitening toothpaste from regular ones is the percentage of peroxide. Since there is a higher percentage than most toothpaste, they will have a greater effect on how white your teeth are.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are increasingly popular since they are easier to use daily and there is no complicated methodology when using these. Simply apply over your teeth, leave on for 2-3 hours and then remove. Granted, the results are not immediate, but they surely are worth the one-to-two week wait before your teeth begin to truly shine.

LED Light

An LED light has very promising results, but the only issue is the results do not last long. The LED light treatment works almost instantly, but the results aren’t long-term. This means you’ll have to continuously use your LED light treatment.

LED lights are usually partnered with whitening gel or strips in order to work more efficiently.

Activated Charcoal Powders

What makes activated charcoal a selling point for teeth whitening is its capability to bind with toxins and odors, not soak or absorb them. Activated charcoal can be found inside of toothpaste or within kits for strips and gels.

Whitening Gel

Whitening gels are another easy-to-use whitening treatment. They contain bleaching ingredients that help make the surface of your teeth whiter. Other ingredients are then used for flavoring, and cleaning. One thing to keep in mind is that whitening gel works for yellow teeth. However, grey, decaying teeth may not reap the benefits you want from the whitening gel.

Mouthwash

The classic mouthwash is a no-brainer. Filled with more or less the same things that are found in toothpaste, you gargle for thirty seconds and then rinse out your mouth. Some mouthwashes are made to prevent bad breath, others to strengthen gums, and many to whiten your teeth.

Whitening Pen

The final option you will see from teeth whiteners are whitening pens. These are extremely easy to use; you’re practically coloring in your teeth! A pen, however, is not a prime solution for whitening teeth. Pens can be used for last-second glow-ups if you’re going outside or when you want to have whiter teeth but it’s too early to do another treatment session. They don’t present your teeth with long-term or beneficial results; they simply whiten your teeth.

Percentage Conscious

As mentioned before, there is a percentage of hydrogen peroxide in whitening products. A person with no damage to their teeth and is only suffering yellowish tints will most probably be fine picking up any high-quality tooth whitener off-the-counter. But there are other situations in which a tooth whitener’s percentage must be considered.

The Level of Damage to Teeth

There are different levels of damage to everyone’s teeth. Some people may only be suffering, once again, from yellowed teeth. This is when a tooth whitener is an ideal solution. But if you have more damage than that, such as cavities or graying from loss of enamel and thinning of your teeth overall, then a dentist’s appointment may need an arrangement.

Your dentist may be able to recommend a good tooth whitener, but it’ll probably have a lower percentage of peroxide to keep your teeth’s health safe.

The Sensitivity of Teeth and Gums

Another consideration is whether or not you have sensitive gums or teeth. If you already have sensitive teeth or gums, then you’ll have to stray away from using strong levels of peroxide. Teeth and gums already are sensitive to peroxide and exposure to higher levels will only make them more and more sensitive in general.

Peroxide Warnings

While peroxide is trusty when whitening your teeth, there are precautions that must be taken when you decide to start using whitening treatments in your day. Firstly, it’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing women to start using peroxide-based whitening products. The same goes for children who are younger than 14 years old.

Without dentist supervision, it’s only safe to do at-home whitening treatments for two weeks at a time. If you’re looking for a long-term tooth whitening solution, then dentist consultation is highly recommended.

Teeth whitening treatments aren’t a miracle job; you have to keep in mind the condition your teeth are in before you start using. Yellowed teeth are more than often the target for at-home teeth whiteners. If your teeth are thinning, you have fillers, dentures, crowns, caps, or any other type of insert in your mouth, then your teeth whitener will not work.

It is also highly recommended by the FDA to avoid using any whitening gels, strips, or toothpaste that have a peroxide concentration above 18%.

Now that all considerations have been consulted, it’s time to look at some of the best options there are to opt. for when choosing a good teeth whitener.

Best Teeth Whitening Treatments

1. Crest 3D Whitestrips Arctic Mint – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Whitening Strips
  • 28 whitestrips (14-day use)
  • 30 minutes a day

Pros

  • Flavored strips
  • Non-slip grip over teeth
  • Quick and easy usage

Cons

  • Not for use if you have sensitive teeth

Best Overall

The best overall comes from the well-known brand; Crest. Crest presents users with a great solution as they divulge into the new world of teeth whitening; 3D Whitestrips in the flavor of arctic mint.

There are 28 whitestrips in this package, which allows for 14 full-fledged treatments. Leave the strips on for 30 minutes every day after you brush your teeth. To receive the best results, it’s best to use these consistently for two weeks. This will leave you with a shimmering smile to last.

A tube of flavored serum comes in the purchase as well, which you can add to your strips for a minty taste as you use them. The strips also have a no-slip grip, which means you don’t have to sit idly for 30 minutes, you can still talk and drink water.

Crest covers their strips with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with your strips within these 60 days immediately after purchase, you can return your Crest strips and receive a pre-paid card in the exact amount you paid for the whitestrips.

Who Should Buy This?

Crest 3D whitestrips are a great starting-point for anyone who is new to the teeth-whitening market. It’s also nice to have a teeth treatment with a nice taste, and arctic mint is a refreshing one.

2. Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

Highlights

  • Type: Whitening Strips
  • 44 strips (20+2 professional level treatments)
  • 20 30-minutes strips & 2 1-hour strips

Pros

  • Results last twelve months and more
  • Professional-level of teeth whitening
  • No-slip grip

Cons

  • Whitening sometimes doesn’t happen near the gums

Best for Intense Whitening

Another Crest option on the list, this one is for those more committed to their teeth strips. Intense, professional level whitening can be achieved through these whitestrips. The results are even expected to last 12 months and beyond!

There are 44 strips in total; 20 treatments are moderate intensity, while 2 treatments are high-intensity treatments. The 20 treatments are to be left on for 30 minutes while the 2 high-level treatments are left on for 1 hour.

These strips also come with a no-slip grip, so you can go about your day while the strips do their work. The strips use enamel-safe ingredients, similar if not the same to those used by dentists. The only time you should not consider using these strips is if you suffer from oral cancer or you are being treated with photodynamic. To figure out if these strips are right for you, consult your dentist first.

Once again, these strips come with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

Who Should Buy This?

If you know teeth whitening strips are the right option for you, then you can invest in Crest 3D White Professional. They provide more intensive care and produce longer results.

3. Crest 3D White Brilliance + Whitening Two-Step Toothpaste

Highlights

  • Type: Toothpaste
  • 1 tube is 4 oz & 1 tube is 2.3 oz
  • Instant brush and rinse

Pros

  • 99% as white as a professional polish
  • Anticavity and antigingivitis
  • Easy and convenient, no extra hassle in your daily routine

Cons

  • Can dry up your mouth

Best 2-in-1 Toothpaste Solution

Some people would rather not add more to their daily routines, like white strips or whitening pens. In this case, you can trade your normal toothpaste with Crest’s 2-in-1 toothpaste solution for whiter teeth. These two kinds of toothpaste work side-by-side to help make your smile shine brighter.

They create a shine that’s 99% as white as professional teeth whitening polishes. After 4 weeks of continuous usage, you’ll see definite results in your smile.

The first toothpaste cleanses your teeth deeply and freshens your breath. The second toothpaste emphasizes your vibrant smile. Brush with the first toothpaste for one minute without rinsing, use the second toothpaste for one minute as well, and then rinse it all out in the end.

The toothpaste is anticavity as well as antigingivitis. Since the solution here is toothpaste, there is no extra hassle or addition to your typical daily routine. To get better results, it’s better to brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Who Should Buy This?

Once again, some people don’t favor the idea of using extra techniques to whiten to their teeth. Convenience and performance are two important factors when you want a treatment you enjoy. That’s why Crest’s Two-Step toothpaste is such a favorable option for whiter teeth.

4. Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen

Highlights

  • Types: Whitening Pen
  • 35 whitening treatments worth of gel
  • 2 shades whiter in 1 week

Pros

  • Whitening in a matter of 1 week
  • Controlled amount of whitening gel applied
  • Easy and convenient application

Cons

  • Dries up quickly and clumps can occur

Best Whitening Pen

Want greater precision and immediate results for when you go out? Then perhaps you’ll consider using a whitening pen. Colgate Optic Whitening Pen is an overnight solution to create a whiter smile in one sleep.

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.

Within one week, you’ll see a significantly brighter smile. To make the most out of the pen, use it every night after you brush your teeth. Do be careful; you won’t get the best results if your teeth are not dry when you apply the gel. Use the pen for two weeks straight to ensure the results will last longer.

There is only 3% of hydrogen peroxide used in these whitening pen gels, and the production is vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free. The four ingredients used inside of the gel are; hydrogen peroxide, an alcohol solvent, copolymer, and water.

There is a total of 35 days worth of gel inside of the pen. The pen should always be covered and stored in a cool place to avoid clumping.

Who Should Buy This?

Pens are a great solution for a glow-up, not the best for long-term results. If you need immediate whiteness when going outside, then invest in a trusty pen. It’s quick, easy, and convenient to apply.

5. AsaVea Teeth Whitening Pen

Highlights

  • Type: Whitening pen
  • Minimum 20 treatments
  • 4-8 shades whiter

Pros

  • Natural mint flavor
  • Transparent tube allows you to see how much is left
  • No sensitivity

Cons

  • Doesn’t brighten intensely

Most Portable Teeth Whitener Treatment

White teeth on-the-go are important. If you need to make a good first impression, or you don’t want your parents to know you’re still drinking coffee excessively, then the AsaVea Whitening Pen is your best friend.

You can remove the stains that have accumulated over the years with a week of consistent use. It’s small, compact, and has a see-through body to see how much gel is left.

The travel-friendly pen also comes in a pleasant mint flavor, so you don’t have a nasty taste with your shiny white teeth. You also don’t have to compromise high-quality for transportability. You get professional results at an affordable price.

The twist mechanism releases gel onto the soft brush tip which seamlessly maneuvers over your teeth and in between crevices. There is also no sensitivity reaction with the gentle gel formula used in these pens.

With more than 20 uses packed in every pen, you can get teeth four to eight times whiter than they were once you started!

Who Should Buy This?

Being on-the-go all the time can make it hard to have a daily health routine by compiling strips, gels, and mouthwashes taking too much time. In these cases, a pen is a quick and easy way to shine up your teeth right before you leave the door. Just be sure to brush before you use the pen.

6. Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrip Teeth Whitening Kit

Highlights

  • Type: Whitening Strips
  • 14 teeth whitening treatments
  • 30-minute treatment

Pros

  • Whitens 25x more
  • Advanced Seal Technology No-slip Grip
  • ADA Council Certified

Cons

  • If not used consecutively, yellow tint comes back

Premium Pick

Our Premium Pick is no doubt the Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrips. These strips whiten 25 times more than the competition, giving a whole new meaning to a ‘radiant smile.’ The results are most prominent when you use the strips for 4 weeks continuously.

The advanced seal technology presents users with a non-slip grip, so your day can continue while you have the strips on. Enamel-safe ingredients are used; the same as those ingredients used by dentists when cleaning teeth.

In total, there are 14 teeth whitening treatments in this package, 28 strips for your bottom and upper teeth. You only have to wear these strips for 30 minutes a day to get the results you want with gradual use.

ADA council also deems Crest 3D Luxe Whitestrips a safe and healthy solution for teeth whitening. Like all other Crest products, there is a 60-day satisfaction guarantee policy in which you can return your strips if you don’t like the results you’ve received.

Who Should Buy This?

Strips leave your teeth whiter for longer. If your first and final resort has always been stripped, then don’t settle for anything other than the best. Crest 3D Luxe leaves you with a 3D white smile, and the longer it’s used, the better your results will be.

Conclusion

There is no reason to fear yellow teeth now that teeth whitening kits are widely accessible. You can choose whichever method you prefer; toothpaste, whitening strips, LED lights, and even whitening pens! With all of the options available, you have no excuse to not treat your teeth to the proper treatment and bright shine they deserve.