Save Up to 45% on Best-Selling Teeth Whitening Products for a Wedding-Day Smile Every Day (2024)

These cult-classic strips first launched back in 2001 and have remained one of the most popular at-home whitening products since. Using the same whitening ingredient as is used in dentist’s offices—hydrogen peroxide—these strips earn top marks for not only how well they work but also how easy they are to use. We found that these are super convenient and work quickly—teeth were about six shades whiter after two weeks of use.

However, those with sensitive teeth should use these sporadically, as the powerful whitening ingredients can cause added sensitivity and discomfort. We recommend to begin using these a few months before your wedding and to avoid using them two days in a row. Just pop the adhesive strips onto the top and bottom teeth for 30 minutes, then relax while they do their thing.

Affordable, fast-acting, and long-lasting, this is a great all-around pick. Brush on the whitening gel from the pen-like applicator, and pop in the LED light for just five minutes, twice daily. Those with sensitive teeth were pleasantly surprised that the gel caused no burning or tingling. We were especially impressed by how well the whitening kit worked. Teeth looked 10 shades whiter by the end of our testing period.

Although using this kit twice a day can feel daunting, the light plugs into a smartphone, making it easy to move around and do other things while you whiten (though we think the cord could be a bit longer). Use this at the start of your wedding planning process for a whiter smile that will last up to six months—perfect for all of the bridal festivities to come!

This one-stop shop comes with whitening toothpaste, whitening gel, and a sonic toothbrush that uses blue light technology and delivers up to 33,000 strokes per minute. That blue light activates the toothpaste and gel, which is clinically proven to kill bacteria and germs on contact. In other words, you get not only whiter teeth (in less than 30 days), but you get healthier teeth, too.

We also like that the brush has an automatic interval timer. It tells you when to move to a different part of your mouth and shuts off after two minutes, the amount of brushing time recommended by the American Dental Association. You also get two replacement brush heads with antibacterial bristles that helpfully change color when it’s time to toss them out.

Whether you’re constantly on the go or are looking for a quick touch-up, this pen fits the bill. The twist-up brush applicator lets you easily and quickly paint the whitening gel onto each tooth in less than a minute. The active ingredient, carbamide peroxide, tends to be less irritating than hydrogen peroxide, making this an especially great option for those with sensitive teeth.

We found that this product is incredibly easy to apply and bring anywhere (though it can cause the mouth to water, so be prepared with tissues or somewhere to spit). It’s so simple and portable that you could even keep it in your wedding day clutch for a quick brightening boost pre-photos. Use it once or twice per day to whiten your teeth up to eight shades—each pen offers enough for 15+ treatments.

Using whitening toothpaste alone may not be the most effective way to achieve an ultra-white smile, but it's a good way to maintain brightness after a whitening treatment, according to Dr. Lipari. This formula is a popular option because it uses hydrogen peroxide to whiten and fluoride to prevent cavities. We suggest packing it with you on your honeymoon to make all those pre-wedding whitening results last as long as possible.

Ever wish you could turn your favorite toothpaste into a whitening toothpaste? With this supplement, you can. All you have to do is add a pea-size dot of the gel on top of any toothpaste every time you brush. The dentist-created brand is all about efficacy, using the same ingredient (hydrogen peroxide) as is used during in-office treatments. It’s gentle enough to use daily and delivers noticeable results quickly. Make it a standard part of your routine or just incorporate it whenever you notice that your smile is starting to fade.

This ready-to-use whitening tray, which is prefilled with a whitening gel and made to conform to individual teeth, proved to work fast. We saw a visible change in whiteness in less than 15 minutes. According to Dr. Asaro, custom bleach trays are superior to whitening strips "because they allow the whitening gel to more evenly disperse over the facial surface and also prevent saliva and crevicular fluid from contaminating and diluting the bleaching gel."

The product offers a 15 percent or 10 percent concentration. We suggest starting from the lowest percentage and using the tray for a few minutes less than the recommended time if you have sensitive teeth or are new to whitening, as there might be some discomfort.

If your teeth are ultra-sensitive, you’ll want to stick with peroxide-free formulas. Enter this unique pick, which relies on color theory. Remember that color wheel hanging on the wall of your elementary school art class? On that wheel, purple and yellow are opposite, meaning they’ll cancel each other out. It’s the same reason why purple shampoos are often used to brighten blonde hair. Here, the combo of the violet-hued toothpaste and rinse work together to combat the appearance of yellowish stains, leaving teeth looking up to five shades whiter in just two weeks. Both are peroxide- and fluoride-free but do contain antibacterial coconut oil and peppermint oil to leave breath feeling fresh.

The whitening gel in this system is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free with a short, clean ingredient list. Use the pre-filled syringes to fill the trays (which are BPA-free and made of medical-grade silicone), then pop them in along with the cordless light. Wear them for 10 to 30 minutes for 10 days to get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter. Plus, this gel uses carbamide peroxide, minimizing the likelihood of any sensitivity or discomfort.

Professional, in-office whitening treatments utilize heat and LED light in order to boost the bleaching prowess of hydrogen peroxide. This complete kit offers the same technique right from home. We were pleased to find that this device whitened teeth without causing any sensitivity. We also liked that it comes with a lip balm to apply to the inside and outside of your lips for added protection.

While the gel and light were comfortable, we found that the 24-minute application time (three consecutive eight-minute treatments) was a bit inconvenient. There is a lanyard around the device, so you can walk around while you apply the whitening product, but it's still necessary to block out the allotted amount of time.

FAQ

• Is it safe to whiten my teeth at home?

  According to our experts, it's safe to whiten your teeth at home, mainly because these products use lower levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide than what you find in a dentist's office. That's why it takes longer to see the results and they might not be as drastic as professional treatment. However, you should avoid whitening products with charcoal, according to Dr. Lipari, since it's too abrasive for tooth enamel and can result in the thinning of enamel with repeated use.

• When should I start whitening my teeth before a wedding?

  Like the rest of your beauty routine, you want to give yourself the right amount of time to achieve those pearly whites.

  "I would recommend starting about three to four weeks in advance if you’re going to try an at-home strip or gel," says Dr. Lipari. "This gives you enough time to see what kind of result you will end up with and still gives you time to seek out an in-office treatment if you feel as though the results are not significant enough."

• What else can I do to keep my teeth white?

  In addition to whitening your teeth chemically, certain habits can prevent unwanted stains. Before a big event, Dr. Asaro recommends avoiding dark beverages like coffee or red wine. If you can't completely cut those out, you can drink through a straw to prevent the liquid from touching your teeth. He also recommends rinsing your mouth with water after eating.

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