8 of the Best at-Home Teeth Whiteners, According to Dentists

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: You don't need a ton of money to attain the pearly whites you covet. You don’t even need to set foot in a dentist office. At-home teeth whitening is a booming market, and there are plenty of teeth whitening products to help switch up your smile. Plus, not only DIY alternatives more affordable than professional bleaching, but the best of the bunch are just as effective. So set down your phone and slip your insurance card back in your wallet; the first step to scoring that thousand-watt smile is pressing “add to cart.”

Of course, there’s more to a beautiful grin than it being void of stains. Before you start shopping for over-the-counter teeth whitening products, American Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson Matt Messina, DDS, recommends scheduling an appointment with your dentist for a visit to check for cavities, tooth sensitivity, and tartar build-up first. Then, with their green light and guidance, look for whiteners with ADA approval and hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient that gets the job done). But note: Patience is key as some OTC treatments can take up to a few weeks to yield results.

From teeth whitening strips to teeth whitening kits complete with LED lights, there’s a brightening solution for every smile, skillset, and lifestyle — even those low on time but still looking to upgrade their grin. With whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes, you can add into your routine that require minimal effort but yield maximum results, teeth whitening at home has never been easier. For a brighter smile, try the following expert-approved whiteners.

Our Top Picks:

• Best Overall: Crest 3D White Strips
• Best Whitening Toothpaste: Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste Gel
• Best Whitening Device: GLO Science Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device
• Best Whitening Kit: Snow Teeth Whitening Kit w. LED Light
• Best Whitening Pen: tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen
• Best Vegan Option: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
• Best for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Whitening Arctic Breeze Toothpaste
• Best Bargain: VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen