Comparison of Home Whitening Kits | A dazzling white smile has long been associated with health, wellness, and confidence. Whether it’s a special occasion around the corner, professional needs, or just personal grooming, many of us strive for those pearly whites. Fortunately, achieving a brighter smile has become more accessible than ever with a variety of home tooth whitening kits available on the market.
However, with so many options to choose from, deciding which kit is the best fit for you can be quite overwhelming. From strips and trays to LED systems and whitening pens, the choices are vast and varied, each boasting unique advantages and potential drawbacks.
In this blog, we delve into five of the most popular home tooth whitening kits: Crest 3D White Whitestrips, Opalescence Go, AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit, Colgate Optic White Gel Pen, and the Snow Teeth Whitening Kit. Our comprehensive review covers essential aspects such as ease of use, duration, effectiveness, and potential sensitivity issues to help you make an informed decision.
By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which whitening solution aligns best with your needs and lifestyle, guiding you toward a brighter, more confident smile from the comfort of your home.
Comparison of Home Whitening Kits
Crest 3D White Whitestrips
These are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. They are applied directly to the teeth and worn for a specified time, usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the product variant. They are known for their ease of use and effectiveness in removing surface stains, providing noticeable results within a few days to a week.
- Type: Whitening Strips
- Whitening Agent: Hydrogen Peroxide
- Ease of Use: Easy
- Duration: 30 minutes per day for 14 days
- Pros:
- Effective in removing surface stains
- Easy to apply and use
- Safe and enamel-friendly
- Cons:
- May cause sensitivity
- Strips can sometimes slip off
Opalescence Go
This is a pre-filled, disposable teeth whitening tray system that uses a professional-grade whitening gel. The trays are designed to fit most teeth comfortably and are worn for 15-60 minutes, depending on the gel strength. Opalescence Go is popular for its convenience and professional-level results, often recommended by dentists.
- Type: Whitening Trays
- Whitening Agent: Carbamide Peroxide
- Ease of Use: Medium
- Duration: 15-60 minutes per day for 5-10 days
- Pros:
- Prefilled, comfortable trays
- Good for sensitive teeth
- Professional-grade results
- Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than strips
- Can be bulky for some users
AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit
This kit typically includes a LED light accelerator, whitening gel, and a mouth tray. The LED light is used to enhance the whitening process, speeding up the breakdown of stains. It’s designed for at-home use and claims to deliver results in as little as one session, making it a favorite for those seeking quick whitening.
- Type: LED Light and Gel System
- Whitening Agent: Carbamide Peroxide
- Ease of Use: Easy
- Duration: 30 minutes per day for 7-14 days
- Pros:
- LED light accelerates the whitening process
- Refillable gel trays
- Noticeable results in a short time
- Cons:
- Requires a bit more setup
- Some users may find the LED light bulky
Colgate Optic White Gel Pen
This is a portable, on-the-go whitening solution that comes in a pen-like applicator. It’s designed for touch-ups and spot treatments, allowing users to apply the gel directly to their teeth. The gel is peroxide-based and works to remove surface stains, offering a convenient option for maintaining a bright smile throughout the day.
- Type: Whitening Pen
- Whitening Agent: Hydrogen Peroxide
- Ease of Use: Very Easy
- Duration: 1-2 minutes application, ensure gel remains on teeth overnight
- Pros:
- Very easy and quick to use
- Can be taken on the go
- Precision application
- Cons:
- Requires consistent use
- Results may take longer to appear
Snow Teeth Whitening Kit
This kit includes a LED mouthpiece, whitening gel, and sometimes additional accessories like a lip balm or desensitizing serum. The LED light is used to activate the whitening gel, which is applied to the teeth via the mouthpiece. Snow is known for its comprehensive approach, often delivering noticeable results within a few uses, and is popular for its sleek design and ease of use.
- Type: LED Light and Gel System
- Whitening Agent: Proprietary Blend (Hydrogen Peroxide)
- Ease of Use: Easy
- Duration: 9-30 minutes per day for 21 days
- Pros:
- Suitable for sensitive teeth
- Backed by celebrity endorsements
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires initial investment of time to set up
Related: Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday?
Comparison Table
Here’s a summarized comparison table for a quick overview:
| Product | Type | Whitening Agent | Ease of Use | Duration | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crest 3D White Whitestrips | Whitening Strips | Hydrogen Peroxide | Easy | 30 min/day for 14 days | Effective, easy application, enamel-safe | Can cause sensitivity, strips can slip |
| Opalescence Go | Whitening Trays | Carbamide Peroxide | Medium | 15-60 min/day for 5-10 days | Prefilled trays, professional results, good for sensitive teeth | Expensive, bulky trays |
| AuraGlow Teeth Whitening | LED Light and Gel | Carbamide Peroxide | Easy | 30 min/day for 7-14 days | Quick results, LED light, refillable trays | More setup, LED light can be bulky |
| Colgate Optic White Pen | Whitening Pen | Hydrogen Peroxide | Very Easy | 1-2 min application, overnight | Quick, portable, precision application | Requires consistency, slower results |
| Snow Teeth Whitening | LED Light and Gel | Proprietary Blend | Easy | 9-30 min/day for 21 days | Suitable for sensitive teeth, guarantees, endorsements | Higher cost, setup time |
Final Recommendations
- For Beginners: Crest 3D White Whitestrips and Colgate Optic White Gel Pen offer ease of use and convenience.
- For Professional Results: Opalescence Go and Snow Teeth Whitening provide more thorough and longer-lasting results.
- For Quick Results: AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit, with its LED light system, is designed to quicken the whitening process.
Each product has its unique advantages and may suit different needs and preferences. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully to minimize any potential side effects like sensitivity. Consider consulting with a dentist to determine the best product for your specific dental needs.
