What a Dentist Wants You to Know About Whitening Your Teeth at Home

Crest's Whitestrips are probably the most popular at-home whitening kit out there—and Tozzi says they are tried and true. They have a no-slip grip so you can talk and drink water while you're wearing them. They've also got the approval of the American Dental Association.

Opalescence's whitening trays are another recommendation by Tozzi. I can also vouch for them, as I've been using this bleaching gel for years. You'll need to get a custom tray made for you at your dentist's office, and all you have to do is apply the gel to the tray and let it work its magic. I find that I only have to use them once a month for upkeep.

This pen makes it easy to whiten your teeth pretty much anymore. Made with 35% carbamide peroxide, apply the pen to teeth, smile for 60 seconds, and that's it. Make sure you don't eat or drink for an hour after application.

These strips contain coconut oil, lemon peel oil, sage oil, and Dead Sea salt for a gentler whitening experience. The treatment only takes 30 minutes.

If you have sensitive teeth but still want to try Whitestrips, Crest makes a gentler version for you. They also have the ADA seal of approval.

Apply this quick-drying pen to your teeth after you brush your teeth and leave it on overnight. You're supposed to see results after one week of daily use.

Glo's kit uses heat and blue LED light to whiten teeth. Add the whitening gel to teeth, insert the mouthpiece, and power up. After the mouthpiece turns off after eight minutes, reapply the gel and repeat the process. It's recommended you do this three times for seven consecutive days to see results.

ISmile's whitening formula is made with 35% carbamide peroxide. Each LED tray treatment only takes about 10 minutes. When you first start, it's recommended to use it every day for seven days.

This kit uses both blue-light technology to whiten and red light (to protect against tooth decay, bad breath, and gum inflammation). 

AuraGlow's device has an LED light with five bulbs for extra power, plus a built-in timer and beeper so you don't have to keep track of time. The gel is made with 35% carbamide peroxide, and each treatment takes 30 minutes.

MySmile's whitening gel is formulated for sensitive teeth. The LED light treatment can be done in 10 minutes each day, and it's made to remove food, coffee, and wine stains.

ADA-approved, Colgate's whitening toothpaste works to remove stains beyond the surface, thanks to hydrogen peroxide. Use it twice daily and you should be able to see a difference in a week.

This vegan toothpaste has ingredients coconut oil, aloe vera, xylitol, erythritol, tea tree oil, and farm-grown mint. It's made to whiten teeth but also detoxify, protect against cavities, and freshen your breath.

This natural toothpaste from Tom's of Maine is ADA-approved. It contains naturally derived silicas to whiten teeth instead of chemicals. It's also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Popular Italian dental care brand Marvis also makes a whitening toothpaste. The formula works to both whiten teeth and prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup.

Another toothpaste with the ADA seal, this one from Burt's Bees removes stains with hydrated silica instead of peroxide. It's also made without artificial flavors and sweeteners, preservatives, and dyes.

ACT's mouthwash is alcohol-free so you won't feel that burning sensation. This particular formula is made to whiten, strengthen tooth enamel, and freshen breath.

Colgate's hydrogen peroxide formula is enamel-safe and alcohol-free. It works to both whiten teeth and protect against new stains.

Listerine's HealthyWhite mouthwash is supposed to brighten teeth on contact. The enamel-safe product removes stains and prevents cavities, thanks to fluoride.

Add this mouthwash to your daily dental routine to whiten teeth, deal with bad breath, prevent cavities, and strengthen enamel. It's also alcohol-free.

Next: 7 Ways to Whiten Teeth Naturally