Teeth whitening kits are a quick, affordable way to lighten discoloration caused by food, drinks, and more. These easy-to-use at-home products remove external stains (like the kind you get from a coffee habit) as well as intrinsic stains that are found underneath the enamel, and can lighten teeth a few shades or more.

These whitening kits come in a variety of forms, from strips infused with whitening gel to whitening trays to whitening pens. The best option for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. For instance, whitening strips are typically recommended to be worn twice per day for 30 minutes each time; whitening trays should be left in place for one to two weeks, while whitening pens deposit the product more directly onto your teeth and can be used more frequently but for shorter periods of time.

Teeth Whitening Kits: Do They Really Work

In general, these products should only be used for a few weeks at a time; any longer can cause tooth sensitivity and the risk of gum irritations. In addition, while these products can lighten your natural teeth, they won’t work on fillings or other restorations that have been placed by a dentist.

All the dentists we spoke to for this article agreed that these at-home kits are safe to use, but you should always be sure to follow instructions carefully and avoid using a teeth whitening kit for more than two or three days in a row. Additionally, you should also take good care to maintain your oral health by brushing regularly and flossing, and using mouthwash as directed.