The best teeth whiteners

If you’re partial to a good cup of coffee or a glass of red wine on occasion, then you may notice that your teeth start to become more yellow over time. This is something that happens to all of us due to food and drink leaving stains, but it’s not something we have to live with. 

Cosmetic dentistry can be costly, but with the rise in demand of that ‘celebrity’ smile, there are tons of teeth whiteners on the market that can be used in the comfort of your own home, at a fraction of the cost. There are different methods you can use when it comes to teeth whitening kits; some of which are simply a daily toothpaste, and others contain special ingredients to get a whiter, more professional result.

There are tons of whitening toothpastes around these days which are ideal for those of you who just want to brighten up your smile with a bit of sparkle. But if you need to tackle more stubborn stains that have built up over time, then the do-it-yourself gel kits and lights can help you achieve a brighter smile. However, these take some patience and normally require you to apply a course of treatment over a period of time. 

The best teeth whiteners will come with detailed instructions and clearly state what ingredients are used in the formula. If you are unsure whether it is entirely safe to use a particular product, check with your dentist first for peace of mind. But for now, take a look at our top picks for the best teeth whiteners 2017 has to offer.

1. Just Pure White Whitening Pen

Erase stubborn stains with this handy whitening pen

Specifications

Best for: Coverage
Formula type: Gel pen
Usage time: 20 minutes
Course of treatment: One-off
RRP: £19.99

Reasons to buy

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Easy to apply
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

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Minimal results first time

This whitening pen is a handy little tool for applying whitening gel evenly across the teeth and making sure you get to those hard to reach areas in between the teeth. The pen contains 2.5ml of gel which lasts up to 14 applications. This can be used as a one-off or on a regular basis for a more dramatic effect.  

2. Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Toothbrush

Never underestimate the power of a good brush

Specifications

Best for: Everyday use
Formula type: Brush
Usage time: 3 minutes
Course of treatment: Daily
RRP: £134.99

Reasons to buy

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Whitens up to 2x more than a manual brush
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Rechargeable

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive

If you’re sceptical about fad treatments or don’t want to put particular chemicals on your teeth, then investing in a decent tooth brush is one of the fool proof ways to get a gleaming smile. The Philips Diamond Clean Toothbrush claims to whiten teeth more than two times better than a manual toothbrush. As well as whitening the teeth, investing in a decent toothbrush will ensure you maintain excellent oral health. 

3. Pearl Drops Instant Natural White Charcoal Toothpaste

Make your teeth sparkle daily with this easy-to-use treatment

Specifications

Best for: Celebrity-endorsed
Formula type: Charcoal paste
Usage time: 3 times per day
Course of treatment: 1 week
RRP: £6.99

Reasons to buy

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Cheap
+
Toothpaste formula

Reasons to avoid

-
Not instant results

Charcoal is all the rage in the health and beauty world right now, and celebrities everywhere are promoting the amazing effects of charcoal toothpaste. Simply brush your teeth with this formula 3 times a day for a week and achieve the glistening white teeth you desire. This is an affordable way to keep up with the latest trends.  

4. iWhite Instant Teeth Whitening Kit

Get whiter teeth in an instant with this easy-to-use gel formula

Specifications

Best for: Fast results
Formula type: Gel
Usage time: 20 minutes
Course of treatment: Up to 5 days
RRP: £30.00

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to apply
+
Instant results

Reasons to avoid

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A little patchy

If you’re looking for an instant solution, then the iWhite Instant Teeth Whitening Kit is an effective gel treatment that will make your teeth up to 8x whiter. Unlike some DIY teeth whiteners, this is easy to use with prefilled trays ready to apply to the teeth. The trays mould to your mouth for a perfect fit and whiten both the front and back of your teeth. 

5. Somatox Coco Bianco Coconut Oil Pulling Kit

A natural alternative to teeth bleaching, all thanks to uber-trendy coconut oil

Specifications

Best for: Natural ingredients
Formula type: Coconut oil
Usage time: 5 to 15 minutes
Course of treatment: Daily
RRP: £24.99

Reasons to buy

+
100% natural
+
Improves oral health

Reasons to avoid

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Tastes unpleasant

Oil pulling is another celebrity endorsed trend right now, with many vloggers and bloggers talking about the benefits of coconut oil. This method works by swilling the formula around the mouth for up to 15 minutes and then spitting it out. It is said that the oil will gather any impurities and brighten the teeth as well as get rid of bacteria for healthier teeth and gums all round.

6. Luster Premium White Pro Light Teeth Whitening System

Professional, long-lasting results in the click of a button

Specifications

Best for: Lasting results
Formula type: Gel and light
Usage time: 2 minutes
Course of treatment: Ongoing up to 30 minutes exposure
RRP: £45.00

Reasons to buy

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Quick application
+
Kind to sensitive teeth

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires repeat treatments

This is one of the best teeth whiteners for long-lasting results. The Pro Light Teeth Whitening System in the closest thing to cosmetic teeth whitening at the dentist. It includes whitener gel and a whitening lamp which will whiten your teeth much faster than strip and tray kits.  

7. Rapid White 1 Week Tooth Whitening System

Inspired by dentists for safe home-use

Specifications

Best for: Budget buy
Formula type: Toothpaste
Usage time: Unknown
Course of treatment: 1 week
RRP: £12.15

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Inspired by dentists

Reasons to avoid

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Intensive course

This is a dentist inspired formula that uses the mouth tray method as well as a daily toothpaste for maximum whitening power. We like this kit because it is a cost-effective way to achieve fast results and it comes with clear instructions so that you get the most from this DIY teeth whitening kit.  

8. Plus White 5-Minute Speed Whitening System

Whiter, brighter teeth in as little as 5 minutes

Specifications

Best for: Whitest results
Formula type: Gel
Usage time: 5 to 20 minutes
Course of treatment: Up to 14 days
RRP: £16.99

Reasons to buy

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Bleaches stains
+
Quick fix

Reasons to avoid

-
Not ideal for sensitive teeth

The Plus White 5-Minute Whitening System is your go-to quick fix product that really works. This product does contain bleach so is not ideal for sensitive teeth and gums, and it is important to note that the gel does not take to fillings in the mouth. However, if you have badly stained teeth then this is a strong formula that is guaranteed to put confidence back in your smile.