Reviews: Best home teeth whitening options. LED light or whitening pen?

Would you like to experience the benefits of teeth whitening before summer arrives so that you can show off the beautiful contrast between your bronzed skin and gleaming white smile whilst on holiday? If you’re not so keen on the professional procedures performed by dentists, but would like to achieve the same result in the comfort of your own home, be sure to read on. We tested the best home teething whitening products on your behalf and came up with four favourites.

Before you whiten your teeth, try to find time to see your dental hygienist for an expert check-up and getting your teeth cleaned. It’s also worth visiting the dentist, having any plaque removed and asking them if home whitening is suitable for your teeth or not. 

But you should be able to manage the rest by yourself if you follow our tried-and-tested tips for simple home teeth whitening. We’ve picked out a few options which are both gentle and safe for your enamel, but also produce a striking whitened effect. Let’s get into it!

Home teeth whitening: reviews

Jane, online editor

Colgate Max White Overnight 

What I liked the most: The Colgate Max White Overnight whitening pen is designed for use before going to bed. It contains an invisible quick-drying serum which is applied using a handy, easy-to-use applicator. The whitening serum should last for around 35 evening applications. For me, it really helped whiten my yellow coffee stains.

Benefits: You only have to apply it to your teeth each evening after brushing and I really noticed the results after the first few applications. After I finished up all the serum, I would guess that my enamel had lightened by around one shade. I’ll definitely buy one of these pens again in the future and happily use it for future whitening. I was happy with the results and it was really easy to use at home. And what about value for money? Hard to beat, in my view.

Disadvantages: I imagined there would be a slightly more noticeable whitening effect. In future, I would try pairing with a whitening toothpaste and whitening mouthwash. 

Lucy, Online content editor

Hello Coco Teeth Whitening Maximum LED

What I liked the most: The Hello Coco Teeth Whitening Maximum LED set for home teeth whitening contains active charcoal and whitening toothpaste. It helped me remove the stains on my teeth caused by food, coffee, wine and tea. 

Benefits: I have very sensitive teeth so I’m pleased that this type of whitening didn’t make them any more sensitive. This method really doesn’t irritate your teeth or gums and the clear results were visible after around five uses. I liked how it is was to apply and the whitening results. For me, it was a really noticeable improvement!

Disadvantages: The battery only lasts for roughly two whitening procedures. It’s not a huge problem; you just have to remember to charge it, for example when you’re away from home.

Isabel, Online Editor

Toothy® Starter

What I liked the most: I was excited that Toothy® Starter contains everything that you need to start your teeth whitening journey. I was pleasantly surprised that the mouthpiece fitted me. The dentist always takes an impression of my teeth, so that I assumed that they weren’t universal. But it worked great.

Benefits: The teeth whitening guide was easy to follow. Simply brush your teeth and then relax for ten minutes with the LED mouthpiece and whitening gel in your mouth. This starter pack contains six days’ worth of gel, three injections with two doses that you squeeze onto the mouthpiece. The doses are clearly labelled, so it’s all easy to work with. I was afraid that my teeth would hurt because of their heightened sensitivity, but it was all fine. After six doses, I had a slightly more radiant smile and whiter teeth.

Disadvantages: I really didn’t like the taste of the whitening gel, which mixed with the saliva on my tongue and I had to remember not to clench my teeth in the mouthpiece. Six days isn’t enough time to see a huge change. But I wasn’t expecting to, so I’ll just buy the gels on their own and keep whitening.

Alice, Lead of content marketing

My White Secret PAP+ Teeth Whitening LED Kit

What I liked the most: The My White Secret PAP+ Teeth Whitening LED Kit gift set, which operates on the principles of LED light and whitening gel, is very reminiscent of a dental procedure, but at a fraction of the price. It’s suitable for sensitive teeth and takes just ten minutes per day. So it’s super-fast and effective.

Benefits: I like that the ingredients were vegan and the results really were visible after just six days. I was also fascinated by how simple it was – you place the mouthpiece into your mouth and simply squeeze the button. It turns itself off after ten minutes and you’re done.

Disadvantages: You can’t eat or drink anything for an hour after the procedure, which is important to bear in mind. So you’re better off whitening before going to bed. In any case, it’s only an hour.

Have you decided which teeth whitening product is right for you? Are you leaning more towards the effective nature of LED light or will you try the easy-to-use whitening pen first?