8 Different Teeth Whitening Options - Discover the Best One!
There are multiple ways you can whiten your teeth – at-home treatments, professional whitening, whitening strips – the list goes on.
However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to make the right pick or even know where to start.
That’s why Dr. Sanjay Patel shares his breakdown of the 8 most common teeth whitening methods, looking at their advantages and disadvantages.
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes are a good option to help keep your mouth clean and make your teeth appear whiter.
These toothpastes typically contain either mild abrasives that scrape off stains or enzymes that break them. This helps remove surface stains, making your teeth appear a shade or two whiter.
The advantages of whitening toothpastes are that they’re easy to use and affordable because they simply replace your normal toothpaste. They’re also widely available and are specially developed to not be harsh on your teeth and gums.
On the flip side, the results are on the mild side. Because it’s only surface-level stains, you typically won’t see significant changes to the brightness of your teeth, especially if your natural shade is on the yellower side.
It’s also worth noting that you have to be careful, as it can cause sensitivity with prolonged usage. Thankfully, we have fixed that with our products!
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Affordable and easy to use |
Mild results only |
|
Gently removes surface stains |
Doesn’t change natural tooth colour |
|
Widely available |
May cause sensitivity with overuse |
Whitening strips
Whitening strips are simply thin, flexible plastic strips that you apply to your teeth. They’re usually coated in a peroxide-based whitening gel that gradually whitens your teeth over time.
However, whitening strips are risky.
Although they are cost-effective and quite convenient, also giving you noticeable results in a few days, they can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity if wrongly applied or left on for too long.
Whitening strips are typically only one size. This means that it can be difficult to get even coverage on all your teeth.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Noticeable results in a few days |
May irritate gums or cause sensitivity |
|
Easy and convenient to use at home |
Can whiten unevenly on crooked teeth |
|
Affordable option |
Effects may fade over time Not available over-the-counter if they contain peroxide |
Whitening pens
A small pen is filled with whitening gel that you can then use to apply to your teeth. With a pen, you can topically apply the whitening solution (which is like the solution found on whitening strips).
The benefit of whitening pens is that they’re easy to use on the go and they let you target specific spots – perhaps the bits that strips miss.
However, it’s worth considering that they have limited whitening power – they can’t make your teeth nearly as white as a professional treatment.
They can also be difficult to use as you have to keep your lips separated otherwise the gel simply washes away.
Using a pen can also lead to spotty patches of white if improperly applied. So, it’s important to follow the instructions and take your time, should you wish to try pens.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Great for targeted whitening |
Limited coverage and effect |
|
Portable and convenient |
Short-lasting results |
|
Easy to use on the go |
Uneven whitening possible |
Whitening mouthwash
Substituting your normal mouthwash for a whitening mouthwash is a common way to see results.
Whitening mouthwashes contain low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that can help to lift surface stains over time.
It’s easy to integrate a whitening mouthwash into a normal routine, and it helps combat bad breath while it whitens.
It’s worth noting that the whitening effect isn’t strong, and you won’t notice significant changes; it’s more of a supplemental treatment you use to help maintain whiteness after a professional treatment.
If you have deeper stains, whitening mouthwash may not be for you, as it only helps on newer, surface-level stains.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Easy to use daily |
Minimal whitening effect |
|
Helps prevent new stains |
Requires long-term use |
|
Refreshes breath |
Ineffective on deep stains |
At-home whitening kits
Whitening kits usually take the form of pre-formed or custom trays filled with hydrogen peroxide gel. By wearing these trays, you can typically see noticeable results in as little as a few days.
Although they’re more powerful than whitening strips or using a pen, it can be a messy way to whiten your teeth. Because of the chemicals, misuse can also lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
If you’re sold on at-home whitening strips, be careful. Make sure you follow the instructions exactly, or you risk doing more harm than good.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Stronger than strips or toothpaste |
Can be messy and time-consuming |
|
Custom-fit trays offer good coverage |
May cause gum or tooth sensitivity |
|
Visible results in days to weeks |
Can be expensive Frequent top-up treatments needed |
Professional whitening treatments
If you’re in the market for whitening treatments, your best option is to have them done professionally.
Not only is it the safest method, as treatments are being carried out by trained dental professionals, but it also produces the longest-lasting results.
For example, Enlighten’s teeth whitening treatment guarantees the brightest shade – B1 whiteness – that lasts for several years.
The only downside is that it has a higher upfront cost than other treatments. However, if you’re already spending money on other treatments that don’t last as long, you might find it’s a worthwhile investment.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Immediate and dramatic results |
Most expensive option |
|
Applied safely by professionals |
May cause temporary sensitivity |
|
Long-lasting with proper care |
Touch-ups may be needed later |
Natural remedies
Natural remedies – like a baking soda scrub or activated charcoal – can yield results for some people with prolonged use.
However, you should consider that there is very limited scientific backing and evidence for their effectiveness.
As well, any results will be surface-level at best.
Products marketed as natural remedies for teeth are typically on the cheaper side, making them accessible to most people. However, natural remedies – namely, activated charcoal in particular – can be abrasive and damage the enamel if overused.
Veneers
Veneers, or other treatments, can give you dramatic results. Not only can they correct misshapen teeth, but also give you the perfect shade of white.
It must be said, however, that they are by far the riskiest treatment and the most expensive. It’s a permanent and invasive treatment which, if it goes wrong, can only be fixed with a complete removal and refitting. This is not only expensive but poses long-term risks for your oral and dental health down the line.
In recent years, their prevalence has grown, making them attractive to some, but the risks often outweigh the benefits. It’s worth exploring other options before committing to major oral surgery, especially if you’re younger.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Instantly transforms a smile |
Very expensive |
|
Covers deep or resistant stains |
Can cause Irreversible damage (requires enamel removal) |
|
Also improves shape and spacing |
Not a whitening treatment—cosmetic masking |
Want a professional teeth whitening treatment? Try Enlighten
At Enlighten, transforming smiles is what we do best. Our gentle, non-invasive whitening treatment is specially developed to brighten your teeth while protecting their natural strength.
Curious about the latest in teeth whitening? Explore expert insights and updates on our blog.
For a safe and effective way to improve your smile, book a consultation with one of our certified dentists. And don’t miss our advanced range of toothpastes—designed to prevent stains, reduce discolouration, and support long-term oral health.
Our signature whitening toothpaste removes plaque and surface stains, while our Enlighten Serum toothpaste helps seal enamel micro-cracks and reduce sensitivity.
