Best teeth whitening products - our top picks

Based on our own experience and the feedback of others who've tried them, here are our choices for the best teeth whitening products available in each of 6 categories!

Bookmark this page - we'll be updating it as newer and more exciting products come on the market!

Best whitening toothpaste

Most whitening toothpastes are more useful for maintaining white teeth than for the actual whitening. The exception to this is Rembrandt Plus. Regular use over a couple of months whitens teeth up to 5 shades. Active ingredients Citroxain and peroxide whiten your teeth without harmful abrasion, and available in mint or wintergreen flavor.

If you're looking for a toothpaste to use between and during other whitening treatments, we loved the refreshing GoSmile aromatherapy toothpastes! GoSmile toothpastes contain whitening and anti-cavity ingredients and also reduce tooth sensitivity - a consideration if you are using a daily tooth whitening treatment such as whitening strips. The Morning Rush A.M. toothpaste combines a hint of fresh peppermint along with orange, mandarin and lemon for an invigorating start to your day. Their Nighttime Therapy toothpaste contains essential oils of soothing vanilla, lavender and chamomile, helping you unwind from your day and relax for a good night's sleep.

Best teeth whitening strips

Whitening strips are an effective and economical way to whiten your teeth at home. Our favorite is Crest Whitestrips Premium Plus. Use twice a day for just 10 days for whiter teeth which will last for up to 18 months.

If your teeth are sensitive, try the original Crest Whitestrips classic . It takes a few days longer, and according to the manufacturer the effect will only last up to 12 months, but its a gentler formula for those who need it.

Best paint-on tooth whitener

I admit I'm not a big fan of the paint-on teeth whiteners - I find most of them a pain to use and difficult to apply well. However, the BriteSmile To Go Pen is pretty easy to apply, dries quickly, and their time-release formula is both gentle and effective.

Best tooth bleaching trays

Whitening teeth with gel trays is quickly losing ground to the faster and more popular light-activated methods, however some people still prefer this tried and true way to a whiter smile.

We strongly advocate getting a product with trays which are custom made to fit your teeth. One-size trays are prone to leakage and mess. The "boil and bite" trays (where you heat the material and bite to form a mold of your teeth) are better but not the best. Two solutions offering custom trays are Zoom Teeth Whitening Take Home and Direct White - both provide detailed instructions so you can take the impression of your teeth yourself at home then send it to their dental lab.

Best light-activated teeth whitening (home)

Inspired by the dentist's office procedures, these home whitening systems enjoyed short-lived popularity. No question that it's more convenient to have a dental professional do it for you. However if, like many of us, you have better things to do with $600, home whitening is much less expensive and definitely worth trying. Ionic white and Perfectly White were leaders in this category.

Note: PerfectlyWhite is no longer available - for similar home tooth-whitening kits, click here.

Teeth whitening in your dentist's office

Professional teeth whitening produces the very best results. It's considerably more expensive than doing it yourself, but you can't go wrong with either Zoom or BriteSmile teeth whitening as done by your dentist (see our comparison). Both are quick, safe and effective processes involving a light-activated peroxide solution applied to your teeth. According the the information we found, BriteSmile may produce slightly better results for a lower price.