Best Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products For 2024

Want to know the best over the counter teeth whitening products? If you’ve decided to go down the at-home teeth whitening route, we’ve put together all there is to know to help you choose the best teeth whitening treatment for your needs. So, let’s jump in and get started.

If, like me, you can’t function in the morning without a steaming hot mug of coffee, or you find it hard to say no to a glass of red wine with friends after work, you’ve probably noticed the effect your habits are having on your teeth.

Years of coffee and red wine consumption can lead to staining that no amount of brushing or whitening toothpaste can fix. And the alternative – giving up these habits – doesn’t even enter the equation.

If you want to put the sparkle back into your smile, you need a teeth whitening solution. However, a professional teeth whitening treatment can make a massive dent in your wallet.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by spending hours researching products or choosing and wasting money on the wrong whitening kit. Some products don’t work, and others could damage your tooth enamel.

Don’t take any chances. We’ve carefully hand-picked the best over the counter teeth whitening products based on price, value for money, and customer satisfaction. But first, let’s look at how off-the-shelf whitening products work.

 

How does home teeth whitening work?

A home-based teeth whitening treatment works in one of two ways: as an abrasive – (whitening toothpaste) or as a bleaching agent in products such as whitening strips, pens and kits.

At-home abrasive teeth whitening

Don’t be worried by the term ‘abrasive’. We’re talking about minuscule particles added to whitening toothpaste. These particles gently scrub the teeth, scraping off some of the outer stains on the tooth enamel while you brush your teeth as usual.

Whitening toothpaste is a low-cost option, and while it may gradually produce visible results, it’s typically not long-lasting. This is a problem because excessive or long-term use of abrasive toothpaste can damage the tooth enamel.

 

At-home teeth whitening (with bleaching agents)

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products typically contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, which acts as the active bleaching agent. The process of teeth whitening is actually quite simple. In a nutshell, the whitening agents penetrate the pores of the tooth enamel, breaking down the bonds of the stain molecules and lifting them out of the enamel, resulting in teeth that appear whiter and brighter. Whitening toothpaste will set you back between $3 and $10 a tube although you may more for premium brands.

 

Teeth whitening products – your options

Choosing the best over the counter teeth whitening products depends on the severity of the staining, how much lighter you want your teeth to look, and how much time and money you’re willing to spend. We’ll discuss some of the most popular options below before reviewing some of the best products to help you decide.

 

Whitening strips 

As far as teeth whitening options go, whitening strips are easy and convenient to use at home and cheaper than professional teeth whitening treatment from the dentist or home-based whitening kits.

Typically the peroxide-coated strips are applied to the front of the teeth and left for around 30 minutes. When used daily, teeth may appear one to two shades lighter in about a week, with the final results lasting around two to three months.

 

Whitening kits 

These are typically for those with more heavily stained teeth that don’t respond well to whitening toothpaste or strips. Whitening kits usually involve applying a gel or cream containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to a mouth guard worn over the teeth, accompanied by a bright LED light device that accelerates the procedure.

 

Whitening pens 

Looking like …  well …. a pen, these are tubes of whitening gel applied directly to the teeth and left for a few minutes to brighten a smile. Typically, they’re referred to as teeth whitening on the go and are used to touch up the smile when needed following a teeth whitening treatment.

So, now you know the various types of whitening products you can buy off the shelf, check out our top recommendations by category.

 

Our pick of the best over the counter teeth whitening products

 

Best teeth whitening treatment for sensitive teeth and gums 

 

Smilie Teeth Whitening Kit 

Developed by a prominent ADA dentist, Dr Daniel Tankard, and offering a 100% money-back guarantee, the Smilie teeth whitening kit ticks many boxes, being cruelty-free, vegan, and gentle on tooth enamel for those with sensitive teeth and gums. The kit is supplied with a dual-light LED device, USB charging cable and 3 pre-loaded gel whitening pens. Users can track their progress with the included shade guide.

For the best results, this product should be used for 16 minutes a day for 6 consecutive days then a teeth whitening treatment should be completed every two weeks to maintain the results.

Cost: from AU$95.00 (sale price)

 

 

Best teeth whitening treatment for fast, peroxide-free whitening 

 

Hi-Smile – PAP + Kit

This cult-favourite teeth whitening kit is one of the easiest and fastest products to use at home, with 3 easy steps that take up just 10 minutes of your time and, best of all, many reviewers found it produced visible results with just 1-2 treatments. Hi-Smile utilises PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproicacid) as its active whitening agent, which is less aggressive than hydrogen peroxide, helping to eliminate sensitivity, gum irritation and demineralisation.

The kit contains 6 tubes of whitening gel, a LED light, a mouth tray, a shade guide and an instruction leaflet.

Cost: AU $149

 

 

Best teeth whitening treatment for a customised whitening 

 

Pearly Whites teeth whitening starter kit

Not only is this one of the most affordable teeth whitening kits, but it contains 2 mouldable mouth guards – one for the top and one for the bottom teeth. The starter pack includes everything you need to achieve a brighter smile in the comfort of your home and is shipped directly to your door (in Australia) for free. It utilises 18% carbamide peroxide and should be used once a week for 4 weeks and then as needed (no more than once a month).

Cost: AU$ 22.50 (sale price)

 

 

Best value for money teeth whitening kit 

 

Brighter White 

Believe it or not, this value-for-money teeth whitening kit contains double the whitening gel that most other kits contain. It’s easy to use, and the price includes a wealth of items, including:

• an LED accelerator device,
• whitening gel,
• thermoforming mouth trays,
• sanitary mouth case,
• desensitisation gel
• advanced teeth whitening pen

Most reviews were positive, with users saying they saw visibly whiter teeth after 7 days. The whitening pen was also praised for maintaining results quickly and easily.

Cost: AU$69 in September sale (usual price $220)

 

Best teeth whitening strips for fast, long-lasting results

 

Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects 

Crest is a brand known for its high-quality products, and these whitening strips are no exception. Whitening strips can be hit and miss, particularly if they’re not a good fit for your teeth. Crest has addressed this problem with strips that mould to the shape of the teeth combined with their Advanced Seal technology that prevents the strips from slipping and sliding. Crest also states that results last up to 12 months and beyond. Most customers saw noticeable results within 3 days. However, due to their concentrated strength, these strips should not be used by those with sensitive teeth.

Cost: AU$29.90-$94.90

 

Best teeth whitening pen with natural ingredients

 

Gem Coconut Mint Whitening Pen

Whitening pens are a great way of rejuvenating a dull smile and are easy to use on the go because of their portability. We particularly like the GEM range, which aims to elevate oral care from mundane to a moment of luxury every day.

The GEM coconut mint teeth whitening pen is full of healthy ingredients and uses natural spearmint and coconut flavours to give your breath a fresh minty hit. This low-sensitivity, high-performing whitening pen lightens teeth gently and effectively and is ideal for brightening dull teeth between teeth whitening treatments. And did we mention it tastes amazing too?

Cost: AU$20 for a one-time purchase or $16 with a subscription

 

Final considerations and takeaway

Achieving a whiter smile is easier than ever, thanks to the availability of at-home whitening products. However, we have a few words of advice you should remember:

• Consistency is key. Establish a routine and stick with it.
• Be careful of what you eat and drink after teeth whitening.
• Always follow the instructions. Teeth whitening products are safe to use, provided you follow the instructions and don’t use them too often. Excessive use can lead to extremely sensitive teeth and dull tooth enamel.
• Smile. Be proud of your smile and show it off to everyone.

So now you know the best over the counter teeth whitening products, it’s up to you to do it the right way. We recommend visiting your dentist before trying teeth whitening products to ensure your mouth is healthy and free from gum disease. You should also be aware that teeth whitening products will not change the colour of dental restorations such as crowns and fillings. If your teeth are yellow because of genetics or medication, veneers could be a better option for a long-lasting beautiful white smile.

 

Do you want a whiter smile?

Why not schedule an appointment with the friendly team at Dental 266 to discuss your best teeth whitening options? Call us today on 02 9051 0600 or use our online booking system.

 

References

ToothIQ – Tooth Enamel Demineralization
https://www.toothiq.com/dental-diagnosis/tooth-enamel-demineralization/

News Medical Net – What Foods Should Be Avoided After Teeth Whitening?
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Foods-Should-be-Avoided-After-Teeth-Whitening.aspx