Having stained teeth is a strike to your self-esteem. It’s no wonder people are searching for ways to regain the white gleam of their smile.

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are different options that you can choose from. You can go to a dentist and have them do it for you, or you can use a more affordable and convenient option: an at-home teeth whitening kit.

Teeth whitening kits come in a variety of forms and can be purchased at most convenience stores, pharmacies, or online shops. These kits work by lightening your yellow teeth into milky white so you can speak and smile with more confidence.

You may be on the hunt for the best teeth whitening kit you can sink your teeth into, but when there’s an abundance of similar products on the market, how do you know which one is right for your needs? To guide you, here are 5 factors you should keep in mind when looking for the best teeth whitening kit to buy:

Level of Staining

There are over-the-counter whiteners, such as toothpastes, gels, and whitening kits, while there are also professional-grade whiteners, which need to be administered by a dentist or a specialist. Before you avail any of these teeth whitening products, the first thing to consider is the severity of your tooth discoloration. If your teeth are only mildly stained, then an at-home teeth whitening kit will likely suffice. However, if you have more significant staining, you may need to see a dentist for a professional grade whitening treatment. 

Type of Whitening Kit

Once you've determined the level of whitening necessary, you can start shopping around for the best teeth whitening kit for you. There are many different types of whitening products available, from strips and gels to pens and trays.

• Strips are the most popular type of system and they are easy to use. All you have to do is stick them to your teeth and wait for them to work their magic. However, they can be a bit messy and some people find them difficult to keep in place.
• Tray systems are more effective than strips, but they require more time and effort to use. You have to mold the trays yourself to fit your teeth and then fill them with a special kind of whitening gel. You then need to bite into them for a certain amount of time each day, usually around 30 minutes, with the application of an LED device.
• Gels are applied directly to the teeth and left on for around half an hour before rinsing the mouth with water.
• Pens are used to apply the whitener to specific areas of the teeth. They allow you to hard-to-reach areas like your molars or the spaces between your teeth.

It's important to find one that is both easy and comfortable to use. Some kits are better for removing surface stains, while others can penetrate deep into the enamel to remove years of built-up plaque and discoloration. Be sure to choose a product that fits your needs and gives you the results you're looking for.

Ingredients

The next thing to consider is the ingredients in the whitening kit. The best teeth whitening kit will have the right combination of ingredients to effectively remove stains and restore teeth to their natural color.

There are three types of teeth whiteners in whitening kits:

• Bleaching agents that break down the pigment in your teeth.
• Oxidizing agents that lighten the color of your teeth.
• Abrasives that polish your teeth and remove any built-up plaque or dirt.

Under these whitener categories, these are the common ingredients you will find in most teeth whitening kits: 

• Hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient is found in most professional grade tooth whitening products. It’s the bleaching agent that breaks down the discoloration in your teeth and lightens them over time.
• Carbamide peroxide. This breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea in water. It is less potent than hydrogen peroxide, but it can last longer and is a great alternative for people with sensitive teeth.
• Sodium bicarbonate or Baking Soda. This is a natural abrasive that helps remove surface stains from teeth. It helps to neutralize acids in your mouth and remove plaque and surface stains
• Glycerin. This helps to keep your teeth moist while you are whitening them.

Some kits contain harsher chemicals than others, so if you have sensitive teeth, make sure to choose a kit that won’t irritate your teeth and gums. You may want a teeth whitening kit that uses natural ingredients like charcoal, coconut oil, and lemon juice. These ingredients are gentle on your teeth and help to remove plaque and discoloration. Also, be sure to read the instructions carefully before using any teeth whitening kit.

Budget

Consider how much you're willing to spend on teeth whitening kits. Teeth whitening can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options available. Match your needs with your available budget. At-home teeth whitening kits can be less expensive than professional-grade whiteners, but it can take longer before you can see visible results. Even these whitening kits also have a wide range of prices depending on the features they offer or the promise of effectiveness. While professional treatments can cost several hundred dollars, teeth whitening kits can range in price from $20 to $200 or more. Choose the kit that fits your budget without compromising quality.

Ratings and Reviews

Before purchasing a teeth whitening kit, be sure to check the ratings and reviews online. After buying and trying products, many people post their experiences with these different teeth whitening kits, so you can see which ones are truly effective and which ones you shouldn’t spend money on. Only buy a teeth whitening kit with high ratings and plenty of positive reviews and return buyers. These show that the product works as expected and will likely work for you as well. These also provide an insight on the manufacturer’s credibility and way of handling sales, from order transactions to delivery and shipping. Pick a whitening kit that will give you results and an overall good buying experience.