No matter how much we try, our teeth can’t really go back to how they were when we were kids. Their color changes significantly from the pearly whites you once liked to a darker shade as you grow older. However, this is relatively normal as your lifestyle changes once you hit a particular stage.
Teeth whitening gels have been helpful in maintaining brighter smiles over the years. But how much do you really know about them? What are the best tooth whitening gels to get in 2024? Find all your answers in our comprehensive review of the best teeth whitening gels of 2024.
Why do you need teeth whitening gels?
Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied directly to your teeth. The active peroxide-based ingredient helps lighten tooth discoloration and brighten your smile. Other teeth whitening gels include carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient.
Although most teeth whitening gels can be bought over the counter, the strength of their active ingredients vary.
Teeth whitening gels help to lighten the shade of your teeth. However, this depends on the strength of the active ingredient and how dark your teeth were initially. While you can use them as the go-to option for whiter teeth, they are best recommended for those that have had their teeth whitening done at the dentist’s and wish to maintain that smile.
Teeth whitening gel pros and cons
- Clear braces that are virtually invisible
- You can remove the braces at any time for your convenience
- You get your kit delivered to your preferred location
- App follow up
- All clinic visits are included in the price
- They are more effective than most DIY teeth whitening methods
- In-office teeth whitening delivers better, quicker results
- The dentist uniformly whitens your teeth but you risk some parts of your teeth left out during your at-home teeth whitening
- It safe, but to some extent, there may be risks
Some teeth whitening gels may have high concentrations of their whitening agents. These may cause irritations and other damages when not applied correctly. This is why it would be prudent to consult with your dentist first before you settle on teeth whitening gels as you may not be an ideal candidate.
Types of teeth whitening gels
Teeth whitening gels come in different forms, and you can choose the method that you most prefer. Some of the popular forms of teeth whitening gels include:
You can find tooth whitening gels in toothpaste. The gel is administered into your teeth through a toothbrush. You simply add a bit of the toothpaste on a bristle brush and apply as you would when using regular toothpaste.
Teeth whitening trays are some of the most popular methods of administering teeth whitening gels. Depending on the brand, you can simply squeeze out some gel into the tray or use a syringe. Thereafter, you simply place the tray onto your teeth and let it stay on for a specific period. You can also use your clear aligners as trays to use when whitening your teeth. You can check out the options some of the best teeth whitening with Invisalign.
How do you apply teeth whitening gel?
There are different types of teeth whitening gels and the application varies from one to the other. However, as a rule of thumb, there are certain things that you can follow to obtain the best possible results. Here’s how to apply teeth whitening gel to your teeth:
- Desensitize and heal your mouth beforehand. You should do this to reduce the chances of irritations and sensitivity complications. Use a desensitizing toothpaste before using the whitening gels and also wait for any wounds or internal injuries to heal before placing the gel in your mouth.
- Put a small amount of gel into the tray.
- Wipe out any extra gel that moves away from the tray and might possibly run into your gums.
- Use the tray for the prescribed time.
- Remove the tray or strip after the prescribed time and clean your mouth.
- Clean and store the tray after each use.
5 best teeth whitening gels in 2024
With many options to choose from, you may be wondering what is the best teeth whitening gel. It can be a daunting experience for a first-timer to choose the best one. You don’t have to go through all that hassle as we have done all the heavy-lifting for you, to get you a comprehensive list of the best teeth whitening gels of 2024:
Smileactives Whitening Gel
This whitening gel from Smileactives is pretty easy to use as it blends with any toothpaste to enhance your tooth-brishing regimen. The product is made with proprietary Polyclean® technology to ensure its effectiveness. It is a professional teeth whitening gel that gives you guaranteed results depending on your initial condition.
Its powerful micro-foam gets into your enamel to remove stains with its results visible as soon as 30 days from the first application.
Benefits
- Easy to use — simply add it to your regular toothpaste and brush your teeth.
- Takes less time. Since you’re brushing your teeth with the gel, it will only take you about 5 minutes every day.
- Cheaper compared to in-office whitening
Auraglow Whitening Gel
Having been producers of some of the best teeth whitening kits, Auraglow is a reliable brand for teeth whitening gels. This product is 100% enamel safe meaning you don’t have to worry about sensitivity during or after use. Based on its effectiveness, Auraglow promises teeth that are up to 7 shades lighter after the first 10 days of use.
Benefits
- Cheaper than most teeth whitening gels.
- Less toxic ingredients (gluten-free, vegan, organic, kosher, etc.)
- 100% enamel safe ingredients.
- Comfortable LED mouthpiece that comes with the gel.
Where to buy
At only $45 for each treatment, you can easily buy Auraglow whitening gel and get the results that you wish for in no time.
Go Smile teeth whitening gel
The Go Smile whitening gel seamlessly fits into your regular oral hygiene regimen. This is a product made with Hyperox™ Technology which includes an advanced teeth whitening formula.
You simply add the product with your toothpaste and brush your teeth to whiten them. Moreover, this is one of the few whitening gels that are completely safe for use on braces, fillings, and veneers.
Benefits
- Advanced teeth whitening formula with Hyperox™ Technology.
- No teeth sensitivity after use.
- Penetrates the teeth for deep whitening and not just the surface.
Where to buy
The Go Smile teeth whitening gel costs $29 making it one of the most affordable teeth whitening gel you can buy online.
Opalescence teeth whitening gel
Opalescence is yet another teeth whitening gel that boosts your smile. It whitens teeth with 35% carbamide peroxide that comes in syringes. You can still opt for lighter concentrations if the Opalescence 35% teeth whitening gel is too much for you. Get to choose from 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations.
Furthermore, depending on your preference, you can also choose your ideal flavor from mint, lemon, or regular. The only drawback is that the syringes don’t come with whitening trays, which you’ll have to get custom-made by your dentist.
Benefits
- Clinically proven to brighten teeth upto 10 shades lighter.
- Option for different flavors to choose from.
- Different peroxide concentration levels to choose from depending on preferences.
Where to buy
Buy the opalescence teeth whitening gel from Amazon at only $54.99 for an 8-pack 35% concentration syringes.
Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening Gel
Just as the name implies, this product gets you a brighter shade of teeth in just five minutes of application. The Plus White 5 minute speed whitening gel reviews indicate the product gives users the freedom and flexibility needed to brighten your smile as you can apply it through different means, including a q-tip, mouth tray, or toothbrush.
Benefits
- Works in just five minutes with noticeable results in a few days.
- The results are long-lasting.
- Effective formula that easily gets rid of tough stains.
- Gentle and enamel safe.
Where to buy
As one of the most affordable whitening products in the market, you can purchase the Plus White 5 minute speed whitening gel at $11.23.
Conclusion
Getting your pearly whites can be easy, but maintaining them can prove to be an issue. Maintain your brilliant smile by using the best teeth whitening gels based on your preferences, which includes the mode of application. Ensure that you consult with your dentist first before settling on any product.
FAQ
Medically approved teeth whitening gel does not cause any permanent damage to your gums. However, you may feel some irritation in the first few minutes, hours, or days after application. Moreover, you should also learn how long to leave whitening gel on teeth as exceeding the allocated time might bring forth irritation.
You should start seeing results from teeth whitening gels in about a week to two. Others may take longer up to a month. The main factor that determines how long it takes is the peroxide concentration and the mode of application.
Most teeth whitening gels are FDA-approved, meaning they do not cause any serious harm in case you swallowed them. However, some components in the formulas might make you feel sick or nausea after swallowing. As a rule of thumb, ensure to thoroughly clean or rinse your mouth after each whitening session.
