Teeth whitening kits: Discover at-home solutions for a brighter smile

For a smile that looks like a million bucks, you don’t need to spend a million bucks. Nowadays, you can find a huge number of options for teeth whitening at your local drugstore — strips and pens and gels, oh my! And they’re typically more affordable than professional whitening treatments done at the dentist’s office, which can cost hundreds.¹

Whitening your teeth at home also allows you to consider more personal factors, such as how much time you have per day and your preferred application method.

Here, we’ll look at how teeth get stained in the first place, the benefits of at-home teeth whitening products and how to figure out which product might be right for you.

In this article:

• Understanding teeth discoloration
• Benefits of at-home teeth whitening kits
• Types of teeth whitening kits
• Tips for using teeth whitening kits effectively

Understanding teeth discoloration

Teeth discoloration is when your teeth look yellow, brown, purple, gray or even white.² This occurs from teeth staining, which can be caused by either internal or external factors that discolor teeth from the inside out,³ explains Robert Martini, DDS, a dentist with Emerson Dental Association in Emerson, New Jersey.⁴

Things that can cause internal staining include the following:

• Age. Over time, the natural enamel covering our teeth wears away, which can reveal more of the yellowish layer underneath.⁵
• Medications like tetracycline (used to treat infections⁶)⁷ as well as some antihistamines and blood pressure drugs.⁸
• Excessive fluoride during tooth development, which can lead to brighter white spots on teeth.⁹
• Trauma to the tooth, which can kill the nerve and blood vessels, resulting in a gray tooth.^10,11
• Genetics. Teeth naturally come in a range of shades, so yours may not naturally be as bright as someone else’s.¹²

Things that can cause external staining include the following:

• Dark foods or drinks,¹³ such as blackberries or coffee.¹⁴
• Tobacco products.¹⁵
• Inadequate dental care. Stains stick to plaque, which builds up in teeth that don’t see regular cleaning.¹⁶

While certain causes of tooth discoloration can’t be avoided, others can be managed. Brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly can help stave off the buildup of extrinsic stains caused by food, drink and tobacco products.¹⁷ And at-home teeth whitening kits may be able to lend a hand when stains or discoloration occur.

Benefits of at-home teeth whitening kits

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products come with a number of advantages. But always discuss with your dentist before starting anything new. Benefits include the following:

• Convenience. You can use an at-home teeth whitening product whenever your schedule allows.
• Cost. Many drugstore products are less expensive than in-office treatments.
• Results. Whitening technology in and out of the dentist’s office largely relies on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lift stains and bleach teeth.¹⁸
• Inclusivity. The universal nature of over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening kits makes them suitable for most people, including teens, Dr. Martini explains. One exception: If you’re allergic to hydrogen peroxide, consult with your dentist.¹⁹

Types of teeth whitening kits

There are a variety of teeth whitening kits available. Most work the same way: by lifting stains and bleaching teeth. But they differ in how the whitening solution is applied to the teeth. Once you know the difference between strips, pens, LED devices and trays, you’ll be better equipped to decide which at-home whitening kit is best for you. 

Teeth whitening strips

Teeth whitening strips have been around for more than 20 years.²⁰ Across different brands, the process is largely the same: Apply a flexible, transparent strip to your top and/or bottom teeth, press to affix and then wait the recommended amount of time noted on the product label.²¹ Strips are typically easy to use and a convenient way to whiten while you do other things.

Crest Whitestrips are typically the most well-known in this category.

Teeth whitening pens

While whitening strips are great for covering a whole row of teeth at once, teeth whitening pens can be applied to the exact areas you want to whiten. Think of them as a magic marker for your smile. Just remove the cap and use the applicator to apply.

Some pens are designed for overnight use, while others can be used on the go without having to rinse your mouth out. You may just have to avoid eating or drinking for a specified time.²² As always, read the product instructions carefully.

Teeth whitening trays

Teeth whitening trays provide a reservoir for the whitening gel or solution to sit in. But because over-the-counter trays come in limited sizing (versus custom trays at the dentist’s office), it may not be easy to get the right fit.²³ However, some retailers like CVS® offer custom teeth whitening trays that allow you to make impressions of your teeth, mail them in using a prepaid shipping box and receive customized upper and lower trays (along with the whitening gel) within 7 to 14 days.

Tips for using teeth whitening kits effectively

There are a few rules to follow to ensure you’re using teeth whitening products safely and effectively and to help you get the most out of the experience.

• Check with your dentist. Before trying an at-home solution, talk to your dentist about the options available, what to be aware of and what may work best for you.
• Start with a healthy mouth. Pay a visit to your dentist to make sure you don’t have cavities or gum disease, both of which could be exacerbated by the bleaching agents in teeth whitening products.²⁴
• Follow instructions carefully. It’s best to read the directions fully before you begin using your teeth whitening kit.