The best teeth whitening kits for a sparkling smile

Achieve long-lasting results with at-home whitening kits.

Best teeth whitening kit

by Eleanor Weaver |
Updated on

The dental market is flooded with teeth whitening products, with the best teeth whitening kits being one of the most efficient methods. We’ve all fallen victim to yellowing teeth. It’s a natural part of ageing after all, but having less-than-perfect pearly whites can leave us feeling less confident in our smiles.

Teeth whitening kits use a mouth guard, an activating solution, a syringe of gel, and a UV light to help you achieve a more dazzling smile. Claiming to have more noticeable effects than other at-home natural teeth whitening treatments, these aren’t great if you suffer from sensitive teeth, but are good if you want to see more instant results.

Best teeth whitening kits at a glance:

Best long-lasting kit: White Glo White Accelerator Blue Light Kit - view on Boots
Best gel-free whitening kit: BlanX White Shock Power White Treatment - view on Boots
Best top-rated teeth whitening kit: SmileTime Teeth Whitening Kit - view on SmileTime Teeth

It’s perhaps the most expensive form of teeth whitening, but compared to in-surgery professional teeth whitening treatment, a kit is much more affordable.

Check out our guide below to buying the best teeth whitening kits, from options with quick results, to gel-free kits. As well as this, we have a full FAQ section, answering all your burning questions on at-home teeth whitening and how to get the best results.

The best teeth whitening kits

Best long-lasting kit

White Glo White Accelerator Blue Light Kitboots
Price: $20 (was £30)

www.boots.com

The White Glo teeth whitening kit uses the latest dentist blue light technology for the effective removal of stains, yellowing, and discolouration. Developed to be suitable for sensitive teeth with a sodium chlorite and natural ingredients formulation, the kit includes 50 applications for a month of use. It also contains five powerful LED lights for rapid and effective results, an instant-fit comfortable mouth tray, and a handy 10-minute timer.

It claims to give up to eight shades of whiter results in seven days and visible results in the first 10 minutes.

Customer review: "Very happy. From day one I saw a change in my teeth. The instructions are clear. If you follow them correctly you should see a positive effect. For a £30 product, you’ll see whiter teeth. But don’t expect to look like a Hollywood actor that has paid thousands."

Pros

  • Great price
  • Offers effective stain
  • 10-minute timer

Cons

  • Some reviewers had issues with the light stop working after a couple of uses
  • Kit includes: Blue Light Accelerator Unit, Instant Fit Mouth Tray, 50 Application of Light Activated Whitening Gel, Instruction Manual, Results Monitoring Guide

Best gel-free whitening kit

BlanX White Shock Power White Treatmentocado

If you're worried about a gel formula being too abrasive on your teeth, the BlanX White Shock Power White Treatment uses toothpaste instead. Using a combination of Arctic Lichens, non-abrasive Silicas, and ActiluX, the toothpaste formula will be activated with the LED bite to achieve teeth up to four shades whiter in two weeks (the maximum recommended use time). With visible whiteness from the first use, the treatment effectively removes stains and bacteria to give you a brighter smile.

Customer review: "Okay, I have tried many things on the market but I always come back to BlanX. This kit is amazing. People are always commenting on how white my teeth are. I used to use photo apps to whiten my teeth but now I don’t even need them. This really does work. I recommended it to my cousin and my friend and they’ve both had great results too."

Pros

  • Can achieve up to four shades whiter in two weeks
  • Great value for money
  • Uses a whitening toothpaste rather than a gel

Cons

  • One reviewer mentioned that the LED bite doesn't reach the back teeth so they felt the treatment was more concentrated on the front teeth
  • Kit includes: BlanX LED Bite

Best top-rated teeth whitening kit

SmileTime Teeth Whitening KitSmileTime

Not only does the SmileTime Teeth Whitening Kit claim to deliver results quickly in 15 minutes over six days, but it's also the most highly rated kit by customers (with over 3,300 reviews rating an average of five out of five stars!) Using this UK-approved, vegan-friendly, PAP formula, it'll brighten your teeth without pain or sensitivity. There will be visible results after just one use.

Customer review: "The kit is simple to use and comes with clear, helpful instructions. My teeth are noticeably whiter as a result of using the product. In addition, the customer service is amazing. The company is happy to answer questions and provide any ongoing assistance that is required. I'm impressed!"

Pros

  • Highly rated
  • Brightens teeth without pain or sensitivity
  • Vegan friendly

Cons

  • Some may expect quicker results
  • Kit includes: Mouth Tray, LED Light, 6 x Applications of Teeth Whitening Gel, Instruction Card, Results Chart

Best whitening kit for home and away

Easy, safe, and effective to use, the clinically approved Mr Bright LED Teeth Whitening Kit can provide you with whiter teeth in just 10 minutes, and results in up to eight shades whiter in two weeks. Made using natural ingredients and no harmful chemicals (including no peroxide) this three-week supply can help to remove enamel stains and reduce tooth decay.

It even comes with a handy little zip case for carrying your kit on the go or for keeping your supply safely stored at home.

Customer review: "I have been using this for the last two weeks, maybe about four times now and the results speak for themselves. I could not be happier, loving my smile lately. I find it very easy to use, the syringe is a great tool I can inject the right amount of gel into the mouth tray, with no mess. I never actually thought I would try these teeth-whitening kits at home, but I think I'm hooked. It is easier than I ever imagined and I genuinely think my teeth have not been whiter from using other teeth whitening products. I am very pleased."

Pros

  • Simple to use
  • See results in just 10 minutes
  • Formula doesn't contain harsh chemicals

Cons

  • Some found the gel to be quite sticky
  • Kit includes: LED Light, Mouth Tray, 4 x Whitening Gels, Zip Case, Instruction Manual

Best for the number of applications

Smile Avenue Teeth Whitening KitSmile Avenue
Price: $59 (was £89)

smile-avenue.com

Like the Hismile kit, the Smile Avenue Teeth Whitening Kit uses the proven whitening ingredient PAP to safely and effectively brighten your smile without pain or sensitivity. With the new brush requiring less gel, you can expect your kit to last for 24-30 sessions with the LED light powered through your phone. It comes with different adapters for different devices, and the light turns off all on its own when your session is up.

For dazzling results, they recommend using the kit before bedtime for 10-12 consecutive days, or once a week for maintenance.

Customer review: “As a newbie to teeth whitening, the Smile Avenue whitening kit was perfect in guiding me through exactly what to do. The whitening gel pen was so easy to apply on the surface of my teeth and I loved that the LED light could be plugged into my phone (and had adaptors included for every brand). Then you simply pop it in your mouth and you’re good to go! The LED light handily times the 16-minute treatment time for you and then turns off automatically when you are done. Results were subtle, perhaps too much for some people, but I was very pleased.”

Pros

  • Protects enamel
  • Uses less amount of gel compared to others so it will last longer
  • USB rechargeable LED light

Cons

  • Some would expect more from the initial result in fewer days
  • Kit includes: 4 Smile Avenue Gel Pens, Smile Avenue LED Light with Micro-USB Plug, 3 Connectors (USB, USB Type-C, Lightning iPhone), Smile Avenue Pouch, Shade Guide, User Manual

Best tasting teeth whitening kit

Billion Dollar Smile Teeth Whitening KitBillion Dollar Smile
Price: $19.99 (was £39.99)

billiondollarsmile.com

We might not have all the money to spend on professional teeth whitening, but with this kit, your smile should look like a billion dollars! The gentle gel formula is enamel-friendly to help remove stains and whiten teeth without causing pain or damage. Packed with natural ingredients, including aloe vera, chamomile, and pomegranate, it uses sodium fluoride in its formula for effective whitening that protects the teeth and gums. For best results, it advises using daily for six days.

Customer review: "I bought this after a friend recommended it to me. I had my teeth whitened at a dentist and cost me £500, but now they have been stained by red wine and coffee so thought I would give this a try. IT IS AMAZING! There is no sensitivity at all, which I had with the dentist treatment, although it did take longer than going to a dentist to get my desired result... but it was definitely worth the wait and I am amazed! Will be trying the strips next!"

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Tastes great as the gel contains aloe vera, chamomile and pomegranate
  • Includes shade guide so you can easily track the changes in your tooth colour

Cons

  • One reviewer felt the batteries in the LED light ran out very quickly
  • Kit includes: 5 LED Mini Light, Mouth Guard, 3x 3ml Non Peroxide Gel Syringes, Instruction Manual, Shade Guide

Best teeth whitening kit FAQs

What is PAP?

PAP, or phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, is a relatively new ingredient used as an active bleaching agent in many teeth whitening kits instead of peroxide. It uses the same process of oxidation to whiten, breaking down stains to brighten the teeth, but is often considered a safer alternative for at-home use.

PAP still gives you that whitening effect but is considered to be less harmful compared to peroxide; peroxide is more likely to cause sensitivity to your enamel and release free radicals that will irritate your gums.

If you're unsure of the effectiveness, PAP formulas have been scientifically proven to whiten and brighten teeth after a few uses, as shown in the clinical trial study by the Journal of Applied Oral Science.

How to use a teeth whitening kit.

With each teeth whitening kit, make sure to follow the specific instructions for the treatment, as different kits can vary in their application and required frequency. However, as an overview, you’d typically use a kit as follows:

  1. Brush your teeth, with a regular or teeth-whitening toothpaste, and rinse the mouthpiece with water
  2. Syringe a thin layer of gel into the top and bottom of the mouthpiece
  3. Pop it into your mouth and turn on the LED
  4. Leave in your mouth for the allocated time
  5. Remove, spit and rinse after use

Are home teeth whitening kits safe?

An at-home teeth whitening kit is a safe teeth stain remover, as long as you use it as outlined, checking for any safety advice listed. For example, some kits are not suitable for anyone under the age of 16 and can’t be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have overly sensitive teeth, or have existing dental concerns.

Always make sure to do your research before purchasing to make sure you're getting the best teeth whitening kit. Check the ingredients list if you have any known allergies. And, of course, if irritation occurs, stop using the treatment. It’s recommended to seek advice from your dentist before undertaking new treatments if you’re in any doubt.

Does whitening damage teeth?

According to the NHS, as with any teeth whitening product, there’s a chance your gums will be sensitive to the treatment. You should always make sure that the mouthguard is fitted properly. Also, make sure that no bleaching gel leaks out of your gums as this can cause blistering, sensitivity, and damage to tooth enamel.

How long will teeth whitening last?

The best teeth whitening kits can produce results that last anywhere from a few months, to a year or longer, when combined with proper oral hygiene. However, if you want even longer-lasting results, it’s recommended to receive professional teeth whitening via your dentist. Some dentists offer at-home teeth whitening kits designed similarly to the ones listed above. While it is much more expensive, the treatment comes with custom-made trays and dentist supervision. Plus, its gel solution is more concentrated, meaning more beneficial results.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.

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