For 2020 we have some exciting new professional-grade teeth whitening products launching that we think you’ll love.

The six most dangerous whiteners had more than 100 times too much hydrogen peroxide to be legally sold. Dr Hanna Kinsella, cosmetic dentist and founder of Icy Bear Dental, explains: "Hydrogen peroxide is a weak acid with strong oxidising properties, meaning it steals the electrons that hold the staining molecules together, causing them to fall apart. It will change the colour of your teeth, rather than simply removing surface stains. Carbamide peroxide is another similar ingredient." Generally speaking, Rubinshtein says that the best teeth whitening strips are those specifically designed to hug the teeth. “The strips that work better have the least amount of extra space,” he says. “Avoid using strips that don’t contour to your teeth, they won’t get the job done properly.”

Neil N. Hadaegh, DDS

Being specialists means that we simply strive to be the BEST. Teeth Whitening at dental offices is typically overpriced, uncomfortable, and low priority. But at Nu, all of our focus and energy is offering the most effective, and long lasting results to keep our patients happy. Teeth whiteners come in all shapes and sizes, from gel-coated whitening strips or gel-filled syringes to pens with brush tips used to paint on whitening fluid. It’s not a secret—teeth whitening strips aren’t usually the most comfortable to wear. They often slip and slide around, get goopy, or cause sensitivity. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable these were to wear. They were fast and easy to apply, and once they adhered to the teeth, they remained totally comfortable to wear for the allotted 15 minutes. In fact, one of our testers even noted forgetting he had them on—they were that comfortable. Plus, we love that you only need to wear them for 15 minutes a day for seven days—the extra six strips in the box are meant to be used for touch-ups down the line. There are plenty of teeth whitening products now on the market but how do you differentiate between the different product propositions on offer and how do you know which ones are the best, both in terms of teeth whitening, but also in terms of caring for your teeth and gums? of the 36 teeth whiteners tested from online marketplaces contained more than the legal amount of hydrogen peroxide (0.1%) permitted for home use in teeth whitening kits.

It’s Worth Noting: The bottom strips aren’t fitted quite as well, which may lead to gum irritation. Dr. Lawrence Fung is a cosmetic dentist and founder of Silicon Beach Dental in Culver City, California. He is also the clinical instructor at the Center for Esthetic Dentistry at UCLA. When it comes to teeth whitening strips, Dr. Fung says a product that adheres well to the teeth is the key to ensuring you get a uniform whitening effect. “The strips have to adhere tightly to your teeth to work properly,” he says. “If there are air bubbles, you may end up with a spot that’s still stained.”We found that the Burst Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips adhere beautifully and don't slip or slide around while wearing them.

Whitening Pens

My teeth felt cleaner throughout the day, my breath smelt better, and most importantly after two weeks of use, I wasnt embarassed of my smile anymore. Those with sensitive teeth know just how painful trying to whiten them can be—for some, the burning and sensitivity are so strong that they’re unable to finish the whitening process. However, these strips claim to cause “zero sensitivity,” and according to one of our testers with extremely sensitive teeth, the claim is accurate—these were the first whitening strips ever that she could use for the allotted time frame. She was able to use them for the directed 30 minutes a day for seven consecutive days. New Which? research has uncovered the hidden dangers posed by teeth whitening products sold through online marketplaces, revealing the unsafe and illegal levels of dangerous chemicals contained within them. Then we have Advanced Silver whitening toothpaste. This contains our uniquely formulated triple action combination of activated charcoal, real silver and professional whitening ingredients to provide powerful stain removal and next generation whitening results. For the care and protection of your mouth and gums this toothpaste also contains fluoride. This, as we all know, helps protect against tooth decay as well as providing effective antibacterial protection. For an extra added level of oral hygiene, we have also included hyaluronic acid which soothes, moisturises and cares for your gums. Silver never looked so good!

When we tested these strips, we found that they were easy to apply—but that it’s important to take your time. The strips are designed to be pressed into teeth and folded over the edge. When done with care, these thin strips will stay in place, however, if done hastily, they will slide around and not be as effective. With only three of the 36 teeth whiteners bought from online marketplaces - or one in 12 - containing a legal amount of hydrogen peroxide, you should steer well clear of cheap online brands.

This product is now an invaluable part of my dental routine, and it will never be replaced by another paste. Our 2-in-1 Whitening Kit includes the dynamic duo of transparent and flexible teeth whitening strips (that are coated with a highly effective whitening gel) plus a special Whitening Pen for touch ups. Containing safe levels of key ingredient hydrogen peroxide, this professional-grade combo can deliver teeth that are immediately up to an astonishing 6 shades lighter. To use the strips, simply apply to upper and lower teeth and leave on for just 30 minutes, as the formulation rapidly removes stains and delivers you a whiter, brighter smile. Ultimately, Dr. Messina says that all over-the-counter, peroxide-based whiteners will deliver comparable results as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. One ingredient to steer clear of? Hydrated silica. Dr. Hadaegh says that the substance is “made from a crystallized compound found in quartz and sand [and] can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue.” Aside from that, Giri Palani, DDS, a dentist in Beverly Hills and Palos Verdes, California says the most important thing is to look for when you’re shopping is ease of use. “Also, [you] want to make sure that the product you buy has a good shelf life and you store the product properly ([in] the refrigerator will last longer),” he says. Teeth whitening strips are only as effective as their ingredients. According to Dr. Marina Gonchar, DMD and Owner of Skin to Smile, the best teeth whitening strips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. “These ingredients help break down stains and discoloration on the outer surface of the tooth,” she says. “Hydrogen peroxide breaks down chemical bonds on the surface of the tooth to remove staining and is available in different concentrations in different products; carbamide peroxide has a similar mechanism of action—it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and another by-product called urea. As a result of this additional chemical reaction step, carbamide peroxide is usually present in higher concentrations in whitening products, results in less tooth sensitivity, and has prolonged whitening effects.”

One of the biggest complaints about teeth whitening strips is that they cause sensitivity. The iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips are formulated with this in mind. With mint and coconut oils at the forefront, these strips are not only more pleasant to use, they’re gentler, too. Directions vary based on the whitening strips you buy, however, for best results, Rubinshtein says that saving them for a few days before a big event works best. “For optimal results, use strips a few days before a big event two times per day,” he reveals. “If you want a more long-term brighter-looking smile, it’s best to see your dentist for a professional in-office whitening treatment. They are safer, more effective, and also be customized based on your specific needs, condition, and lifestyle—it’s not a one size fits all approach like over-the-counter drugstore options like strips.” While the results weren’t as dramatic as other options we tested, given how fast, comfortable, and affordable these are, we still highly recommend them. While they’re not ideal for anyone with severe staining or discoloration, they’re fantastic for people looking to lift minor stains and brighten their smile just a bit. For best results, the kit says to apply the strips one to two times a day for seven consecutive days. In doing so, we found that these strips brightened our teeth two full shades. While that may not seem like much, it was enough for folks around us to take notice. That said, it was also gradual enough to not cause any excess sensitivity. That’s not to say you can’t use whitening pens; they just may be more difficult to use effectively. “That’s the challenge with something like a pen,” Dr. Messina says. “Can you keep the teeth isolated? Can you keep your mouth open long enough and your lips away from the teeth long enough for it to work? And if you can do that, they’re very effective.”But more than half of the whiteners we tested contained far too much hydrogen peroxide and you could be putting your health at risk by using them. Your smile plays an important part in your confidence. Teeth whitening can boost your smile and give your self-confidence a bit of a boost as well.