Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-use at-home kit or a professional one that will give you the best results, there are countless teeth-whitening options out there. While many over-the-counter whitening kits use high concentrations of bleach, there are also some that contain gentler ingredients. Regardless of which type you choose, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your teeth. Ideally, you should only whiten your teeth once a day for about 30 minutes. If you are a heavy coffee or tea drinker, consider whitening twice a day to see the most noticeable results.
A good teeth whitening kit should contain ingredients that won’t damage your teeth or gums, such as potassium nitrate, glycerin (vegetable), and hydrated silica. It should also be free of triclosan, parabens, phthalates, sodium saccharin, and artificial flavors. If you have sensitive teeth, look for products with less hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel.
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One of the most popular options is a whitening strip. These are available in a wide variety of strengths and can be used at any time of the day. Simply lift the whitening strip from its liner, place it on your teeth, lining it up with your gums, and then push it in gently. Leave it on for the amount of time indicated on the packaging.
Another option is a teeth whitening pen. These are available in a range of strengths, including a low-level whitening gel, and have the benefit of being able to be applied in under a minute. Lana Rozenberg, DDS, a New York City-based cosmetic dentist, recommends Plus White’s 5 Minute kit, which she says causes “very little [tooth] sensitivity.”