Whether it’s the prevalence of luminous gnashers on TV and social media or the Zoom effect, but according to a survey on Dentistry, 43 per cent of UK respondents wanted to improve their teeth with whitening, veneers or Invisalign.
We Brits have not always had the best reputation for our pearly whites, quite the opposite in fact.
The stereotype for those of us residing on UK shores was that of an Austin Powers-like smile with crooked misalignment, discolouration and questionable dental health. But the tides have turned and for those looking to transform the tint of their teeth, it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg in professional dentist treatments for a Hollywood sheen.
There’s just something about a gleaming bright smile that can bring a confidence boost. Still, for those of us with a penchant for red wine, coffee or a naturally yellow tint, we had to choose between painful enamel-destroying at-home treatments or costly in-clinic alternatives. This is no longer the case and it has never been easier to grin from ear to ear with whitened gnashers.
The main whitening product used is hydrogen peroxide, although there are innovative alternatives that are kinder on the enamel. In the UK, it is only legal to sell 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide products versus the 6 per cent in professional dentist treatments.
The market is awash with various treatments to slip into your oral care routines with ease. From teeth whitening strips to teeth whitening pens to whitening toothpastes, and the focus of this article, LED kits that offer a speedy and advanced process. Pair these with electric toothbrushes.
Shop the best teeth whitening kits at a glance:
- Best for an all-encompassing kit: CurrentBody Skin Teeth Whitening Kit - £109, CurrentBody
- Best for clinical results in two weeks: Rapid White - Blue Light Tooth Whitening System - £32.99, Amazon
- Best for stain removal for coffee connoisseurs: MySmile Teeth Whitening Kit - £9.99, Amazon
- Best for peroxide-free: Stylsmile Whitening Tray - £21.99, Amazon
- Best for: eight shades whiter: iWhite Instant 2 Professional Teeth Whitening Kit - £19.98, Amazon
- Best for transformational results: Crest Glamorous White 3D LUXE White Strips - £38.99, Amazon
- Best for a confidence boost: MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Strips - £17.99, Amazon
- Best for a pain-free experience: DrDent Premium Teeth Whitening Strips - £18.95, Amazon
- Best for sensitive teeth: Smile Science Professional Teeth Whitening Strips - £16.99, Amazon
- Best for a two-pronged approach: Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening System - £36.99, Amazon
- Best for five-minute treatment: Rapid White 5 Minute Dissolving Tooth Whitening Strips - £15.55, Amazon
- Best for a coconut infusion: Glo32 Teeth Whitening System - £15, Amazon
- Best for a Jenner-worthy smile: Moon Oral Care Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen - £10.99, Amazon
Is whitening safe for your teeth?
“Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures” explains Dr Raj Juneja, Principal Dentist at Face Teeth Smile Dental Clinic. “This is because it is the least invasive way of improving the shade of your teeth, requiring no drilling of the teeth”.
Teeth whitening kits will not be for everyone. It is important to first visit a dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums are in good nick. “We need to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy to be able to receive the whitening before you embark on treatment,” says Dr Safa Al-Naher, the director and principal dentist of Serene Dentist. “The only people who will know if you are ready for a tooth whitening treatment is a dental professional, either a dentist or a hygiene therapist”.
She continues, “There is a very small chance that you might have an allergic reaction - dentists will know how to deal with any issues you might have”.
This is emphasised by Payal Bhalla, Lead Dentist and Clinical Director of Quest Dental “Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste, may be less effective and potentially harmful if not used properly. These products can cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and even damage to the enamel if overused or applied incorrectly”.
How do home teeth whitening kits work?
Dr Bhalla breaks it down. “Home teeth whitening kits typically work by using a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to remove surface stains from the teeth. These kits usually come in the form of whitening strips, gels, or trays”.
First, he dives into teeth whitening strips. “Whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic strips coated with a peroxide-based gel that you apply directly to the teeth. The strips are left on for a specified amount of time, usually around 30 minutes, and then removed”.
Next up is the gels. “Whitening gels come in small syringes and are applied to the teeth using a brush or tray. The gel is left on for a specified amount of time, usually around 30 minutes, and then rinsed off. Whitening trays are custom-fitted to your teeth and are filled with a peroxide-based gel. You wear the trays for a specified amount of time, usually several hours, each day for a period of several days or weeks”.
Do teeth whitening kits remove stains?
Quite simply, “Yes” reveals Dr Bhalla. “Teeth whitening kits can remove stains from the surface of your teeth. The bleaching agent in the whitening kit, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, penetrates the porous outer layer of your teeth and breaks down the stain molecules, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile”.
To be more specific, the dentist explains, “There are two main types of stains that can occur on teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are typically caused by consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, or by smoking. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, occur beneath the surface of the teeth and may be caused by certain medications, trauma, or excessive fluoride exposure”.
Dr Raj Juneja believes that the former extrinsic stains may be more challenging to remove and thus may require “visiting your dentist or hygienist beforehand to have the teeth cleaned and polished”.
How long does home teeth whitening take to work?
It may not be as immediate as you like. “The length of time it takes for home teeth whitening kits to work can vary depending on the type of product and the severity of the staining on your teeth,” says Dr Bhalla. “In general, most home teeth whitening kits take several days to a few weeks to achieve noticeable results. Whitening strips, for example, are typically used for 30 minutes a day for a period of two weeks, while whitening gels and trays may be used for several hours a day for a period of several days to a few weeks”.
How often can you whiten your teeth?
“I often recommend patients not whiten their teeth more than every three months per course of whitening” advises Dr Juneja. “The frequency of when teeth should be whitened is often a personal choice by patients and down to their lifestyle. For example, patients who smoke, drink excessive amounts of coffee or regularly have staining foods may have to whiten more often”.
Dr Bhalla says that you must pay close attention to the information provided by the brand. “It’s generally recommended to whiten your teeth no more than once every six months to a year, as excessive or frequent whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity and damage to the enamel. If you’re using an over-the-counter whitening product, such as whitening strips or toothpaste, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and not to overuse the product”.
How we tested
I’ve always been obsessed with having white teeth. I have quite a toothy grin, and a yellowish tone knocked my confidence - but I was reluctant to fork out the £400+ for a professional treatment and worried about destroying the enamel on my teeth. So I set out to find affordable treatments that worked, and more importantly, did not negatively impact my gnashers in the process.
The Crest whitening strips were the first I tried after being recommended them by a friend, and I found them to be incredibly effective. To top them up, the Kendall Jenner x Moon pen was easy to use and relatively tasty, although not the most whitening. The Smile Science strips gave subtle whitening over a two-week period, while I had high hopes for the MySweetSmile as the most popular teeth whitening brand in the UK.
Shop the best at-home teeth whitening kits below
MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Powder
With a peroxide-free formula, enamel-safe ingredients and stain-lifting power from active whitening agents, MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Powder is your new bathroom essential. It’s clinically backed to remove all sorts of stains from coffee, wine, and general ageing, and it’s gentle enough for everyday use.
Buy now £24.99, MySweetSmile
CurrentBody Skin Teeth Whitening Kit
Best for: an all-encompassing kit
This all-in-one kit comprises everything you need for effective teeth whitening. The syringes contain no harsh ingredients and no peroxide, but still make great strides to help you achieve the pearly whites of your dreams.
The kit is made up of a UV light and gel where a huge quantity of people reported results of six shades whiter in just one treatment - and best of all, it only takes 20 minutes with each use. Relatively speedy and effective.
The reviews attest to the ease in use of this product with one rave summary detailing, “I have pretty sensitive teeth and gums so was apprehensive about using this but it didn't affect them at all! Highly recommend”. There is only one size of the tray, however, so keep this in mind if you have a smaller mouth.
Buy now £109.99, CurrentBody
MySmile Teeth Whitening Kit
Best for: stain removal for coffee connoisseurs
This teeth-whitening set has over 3,000 reviews on Amazon that boast about the fast-acting results, where you’ll be able to see the effects in just one use. Even those with sensitivities note the ability to use this product without any pain (the formula is peroxide-free).
There are nine treatments packed into the box, where each syringe should see you through three sessions and the blanching gives you up to 10 shades brighter and whiter without damaging your teeth’s natural enamel. Place the formula into the tray and place it into your mouth. The device beeps every 10 minutes to give you ultimate control over your teeth whitening experience.
One tester said, “I've been using it most days for 3 weeks and my teeth look a lot brighter. I wouldn't say dazzling but a lot nicer than before. I'll carry on using it several times a week to keep the stains away. It doesn't sting either”. Some did not rave about this product, however, complaining about the size of the mouthguard and its battery life.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Stylsmile Whitening Tray
Best for: peroxide-free
Like the product above, the Stylsmile tray has three syringes and a blue light accelerator to speed up your teeth whitening time. You only need to keep the formula on for 15 minutes, and you’ll see your gnashers shine two shades brighter in just six days. Tea or coffee addicts - this one’s for you.
The reviews praise just how easy it is to use this kit but most say it’s a great top up option for a quick refresh, rather than transformational brightness.
Buy now £21.99, Amazon
iWhite Instant 2 Professional Teeth Whitening Kit (10 Trays)
Best for: eight shades whiter
As a whole, teeth whitening kits make a lot of seemingly wild claims that are difficult to live up to but this product from iWhite holds up to its end of the bargain to both remove stains and protect your soon-to-be pearly whites at the same time.
The brand uses a specialised FFC (Filmo-crystallised calcium) technology with clinically proven success - up to eight shades whiter if you use 20 minutes a day with 10 trays included.
One regular whitening user said, “These are by far the easiest and best whitening products I’ve used! They come in little trays you open and just push on, they fit comfortably and don’t make a mess at all”. Another agreed, “These are by far the easiest and best whitening products I’ve used! They come in little trays you open and just push on, they fit comfortably and don’t make a mess at all”.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Teeth whitening strips
Crest Glamorous White 3D LUXE White Strips
Best for: transformational results
While many teeth whitening strips are created to lift just surface-level stains, these strips go deeper to get at those set-in stains - all while protecting the enamel. These strips are a favourite from Crest and provide a comfortable and effective brightening and lightening experience.
These strips have been the whitening option of choice of all my friends for years and years - and it is for the simple reason that they work. They just work. My friends and I are not alone in this assessment, other reviewers think the same. One said, “Good to use it for three to four months every year, no other whitening needed”, while another praised the difference from just one use.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon
MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for: a confidence boost
Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker who has noticed discolouration or have naturally yellow teeth, you may be looking to do something about it to bring confidence to your smile. This doesn’t have to cause you pain, far from it, in fact. Brands like MySweetSmile have created brightening solutions free from sensitivities.
The label removes any harsh ingredients from the whitening process with these strips that require just 30 minutes out of your day to get the pearly white results that you’re looking for. While remaining kind to the enamel and free from peroxide, they are infused with a PAP formula to lift stains. Use the number of strips provided as a 14-day treatment or for top-ups when you need it.
I use these strips when I first notice signs of discolouration and they work in just a couple of days to restore a pearly white smile.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon
DrDent Premium Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for: a pain-free experience
The endless rave reviews almost speak for themselves with these whitening strips from DrDent, one of the most popular of this product type on Amazon. Stop teeth insecurities in their track with these brightening strips that should make a visible difference to the shade of your gnashers in just a few uses.
There are almost 1,500 five stars in the comment section, many from returning customers. One detailed, “Safe to say i’m never looking back! These whitening strips really are the best of the best. I’ve tried many different whitening products but nothing comes close to these!”. As for the negatives, well, they complain about the taste.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Smile Science Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for: sensitive teeth
While trays may feel like you’re a professional dentist in the comfort of your own home, strips are undoubtedly easier and less fiddly. As you will expect, you peel them off the backing and place them directly onto your teeth.
Smile Science provides a 14-day treatment in this pack and the strips themselves stick well and mould to the shape of your teeth with a design fit for the top and bottom set and without igniting sensitivities. These were the first teeth whitening strips that I ever used and found them to be a gentle, subtle option. You’re not going to get an immediate whitening hit, but you should get a gradual lightening the more than you use.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Rapid White 5 Minute Dissolving Tooth Whitening Strips
Best for: five-minute treatment
Teeth whitening strips have got smart over at Rapid White with an innovative formula where the strips actually dissolve to ensure the optimal treatment that is safe and controlled.
As you’d expect, these strips are super thin and almost transparent in appearance. They don’t contain peroxide or leave gloopy gel remnants, all while sticking well to the teeth, removing stains and freshening your breath with the minty taste. There is no mess involved in the whitening process nor tenderness.
Buy now £15.55, Amazon
Teeth whitening pens
Glo32 Teeth Whitening System
Best for: a coconut infusion
If you’re unsure which type of teeth whitening product you prefer, Glo32 offers this pack that has both strips and a stilo. The strips are a 20-30 minute treatment, while the pen should be left for around 10-20 minutes. Both need a few applications in order to see the best results and the pen can even be used multiple times a day.
The Glo32 Teeth Whitening System is easy to use, and you can be content in the knowledge that there is no sensitivity-inducing peroxide in the formula.
Buy now £15.00, Amazon
Moon Oral Care Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen
Best for: a Jenner-worthy smile
Kendall Jenner has teamed up with Shaun Neff - the founder of Moon - to create a supermodel-worthy teeth whitening treatment in the form of this pen. The chic black packaging means that this is not an eyesore in your bathroom - but not all style over substance, it is a great product for quick-fix stain removal.
It uses a blend of antioxidants like lavender oil, strawberry extract and honeysuckle flower extract to prevent further sensitivities and should be brushed directly onto teeth. The formula has a vanilla-mint taste, which is very welcomed, particularly as the brand suggests for eating or drinking for 30 minutes after applying.
This whitening option is about a touch-up after using one of the above. It’s not an all-over treatment, nor is it transformational. If you’ve found you have missed a spot after using a strip, that is where the pen shines.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Read More: Best whitening toothpastes
