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ELLE Lab: 13 At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits That Actually Work
The best ways to DIY those pearly whites.
Teeth whitening kits can be a little hit and miss. You either find one that works a treat but leaves your teeth feeling super-sensitive, or fail to notice a difference at all — and that's before you've even considered the sometimes harmful ingredients found in a handful of unregulated buys, the consistency they often require and the sometimes eye-wateringly expensive price tags.
In our quest for whiter, brighter teeth, we were able to separate the wheat from the chaff — here's a quick guide to the at-home teeth whitening products that actually make a difference.
Do At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Work?
The best option for whitening is via the dentist's chair. However, if that's not an option, cosmetic dentist Dr Nina Bal advises: 'Bear in mind that over the counter kits may not have a high enough percentage of the whitening gel to make a professional level result,' so don't expect miracles! She adds that you shouldn't ever try brushing with 'natural remedies' such as bicarbonate soda as it is too abrasive on the enamel.
Much like anything where you want to see a noticeable change, discipline and consistency are key. For the best results, carefully follow the brand's instructions, finish the entire course or amount of product provided, and use it as often as recommended.
The kits should also be used alongside a good dental hygiene routine. That means brushing twice a day and flossing, regular dentist appointments, and avoiding drinks such as coffee or red wine that can stain teeth (or at least drinking them through a reusable straw, if cutting them out isn't an option).
How We Test
In the ELLE Lab, asked 318 testers to try a range of top-notch whitening kits to see which ones really delivered results. We took pictures of their teeth using our VISIA complexion analyser before and after using each product and then used a whiteness scale to determine any differences in shade. Our panel also assessed the whitening products at home, noting how easy each one was to use, how long it took, its overall effectiveness, and whether there was any sensitivity issues.
The ELLE editors have also selected their favourite kits, so you're sure to find your perfect match.