Teeth whitening gel trays are ubiquitous these days. Instead of having to get your teeth whitened at the dentist, you can get the professional results all in the comfort of your own home. This has been a game changer for those wanting to whiten their teeth without going through the hassle of a dentist appointment.
This article will cover the top 5 teeth whitening gel trays that have been rated the highest and most effective in 2022. Each product below has been rated at least 4 starts on Amazon with thousands of reviews. We recommend checking out all of the detailed information and reviews on Amazon, but rest assured these are all great products that get the job done easily and effectively.
This list will be continually updated as new, quality products are found. If any products fall below a certain review threshold, they will be removed to ensure only quality products are being highlighted.
Editor Picks for Teeth Whitening Gel Kits
The 3 products in the table below are the top kits and designated as the Editor’s choice. The iSmile, SmileDirectClub, and GLO Brilliant are 3 of the best teeth whitening gel trays on the market today.
Each of the top-rated products features the latest LED lighting technology, has been proven safe and effective by the FDA, and contains thousands of reviews from real people who have used the product.
Past the comparison table are more in-depth descriptions and specs available for each kit, as well as various other kits for different prices ranges and other features.
iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit
The iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit is our top pick when it comes to the best teeth whitening gel trays available. And that pick is because of a few reasons. The first and most obvious reason is the price. At $48, it’s one of the lowest priced teeth whitening kits on Amazon. For kits that go up to $200 and professional whitening that can cost hundreds more, $48 is a steal.
Add to that low price is the number of features you get, combined with thousands of positive reviews, the iSmile is a great pick up if you’re looking for whiter teeth.
iSmile Features
The amount of features this economical kit packs away is impressive. The biggest and most exciting feature is that the tray contains LED lights to enhance and accelerate the whitening process. These LED lights are relatively new in the at-home kits, but have been prevalent in the dentist’ office. As a result, seeing these lights appear in the at-home kits is a great sign of how these kits are improving.
The LED lights are meant to accelerate the whitening process and since we see it used in a dentists’ office, we’re confident that this is a big step in the right direction for at-home kits.
The iSmile gel try also contains a patented retainer, which is a great feature that we’ll talk about in the Other Callouts section below.
iSmile Sensitivity
Similar to most kits, the iSmile product contains 35% peroxide, which means it has been designed for low sensitivity. That’s great news if you already have sensitive teeth. Even if you don’t, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t feel much discomfort, if any.
But just because the product is designed for low sensitivity doesn’t mean you won’t get results. iSmile claims that the kit will whiten teeth up to 8 shades. And most reviews on Amazon mention that you’ll see results in as soon as just a single application.
iSmile Other Callouts
Another quick call out of the iSmile kit is the fact that the mouth piece is apparently patented. While that doesn’t make a huge difference, it’s a good sign that this isn’t just a fly-by-night product. They do claim that the mouth piece contains integrated ventilation holes for easier breathing, which is a huge relief.
One of the most annoying and uncomfortable parts of teeth whitening with these types of gel retainers is the inability to take full breaths. If you’ve ever had a mold done of your teeth for a retainer, then you know the uncomfortable feeling. As a result, having the ventilation is a huge benefit that shouldn’t be understated.
Finally, we always recommend reading the Amazon reviews of each of the products listed in this article. From what we’ve seen, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive in terms of sensitivity, effectiveness, and price.
VieBeauti Whitening Kit
Similar to the iSmile whitening kit, this one from VieBeauti is a strong competitor for the top pick due to it’s numerous features and surprisingly low, low price tag of $30. We’re continually surprised at how fast these at-home kits are improving and becoming more and more comparable to a dentists’ office for just $30.
VieBeauti Features
The LED lighting kit is becoming a staple feature of these at-home kits and that’s great news for all of us. It means that we’re getting the same features in a dentists’ office without the hassle of making an appointment and paying out-of-pocket because teeth whitening generally isn’t covered by insurance.
Another surprising feature is a built-in timer so you know exactly when to take the kit out of your mouth. The last thing you want to do is leave the uncomfortable kits in your mouth for longer than necessary, so this is a nice surprise to the kit, although not entirely necessary when we all have our phones right next to us these days.
VieBeauti Sensitivity
The VieBeauti kit also contains 35% peroxide for low-sensitivity, so if that is something you’re concerned about, then don’t worry when choosing this kit. But always remember that you should check with your dentist before using any at-home kits. They know your oral health and can make the right recommendation.
35% is generally the highest a whitening kit will go to remain safe for all types of teeth, but if you are particularly sensitive or worried about it, some of the kits below go down to 15% or even 6%. Those products should be kept in mind if sensitivity is a top priority for you.
VieBauti Other Callouts
One thing to call out is that this kit does take a little longer than the other kits at 10 – 30 minutes per day and 5 – 10 days for best results. They did provide a range and if it only takes 10 minutes a day at 5 days, that would be the okay. However, if you go with the upper range at 30 minutes per day and 10 days, that is far longer than the normal amount.
One other thing to mention is that there are over 10,000 reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.4. That speaks volumes for any product and as such, we’ve included it here in the best teeth whitening gel trays.
SmileDirectClub Pro Kit
You may recognize the name of SmileDirectClub because they are one of the most well-known teeth whitening brands. Compared to the other brands listed here, SmileDirectClub may be the only one to actively advertise their brand and product in traditional channels.
SmileDirectClub Features
As would be expected by any market leader, the SmileDirectClub kit comes with all of the features you’d expect, including the oh so popular LED lights. However, SmileDirectClub advertises that there are 20 LED lights in their retainer, while some of the other products we’ve seen only contain 5. So whether 15 additional lights makes a difference is up for debate, however it’s worth noting that these lights will increase the shades of your teeth up to 9x.
One of the other advertised features of the SmileDirectClub kit is the fact that the gel is mentioned to feature stain resistance. So not only are you whitening your teeth, but you’re also preventing stains from future coffees and other dark drinks.
SmileDirectClub Sensitivity
One of the biggest negative callouts on Amazon reviews is that the peroxide level isn’t mentioned and people have experienced higher sensitivity after using the product. That’s probably because the peroxide level is higher than other products, but it also means you’ll likely see stronger results sooner. Just keep this in mind if sensitivity is something you’re concerned about.
SmileDirectClub Other Callouts
Finally, we always like to call out what makes a product different than the others and in this case, the most prominent difference between SmileDirectClub and others is brand awareness and recognition. It’s always nice to purchase products from a brand that is well-known and if that’s what you’re looking for or what makes you comfortable with a purchase, then SmileDirectClub is the product for you.
Opalescence Go Kit
We’ve talked a lot about products with all the fancy bells and whistles, such as LED lights and timers, but contrary to the name Opalescence, this product just wants to get the job done and get it done simply. And it does a very good job at that.
Opalescence Go Features
This section may be shorter than the others because it seems the sales pitch for this product is no “fads” such as LED lights or activated charcoal. While that’s an interesting twist on the sales pitch, it’s interesting to see that this is priced higher than the other products with those additional features. At $75, this is the second-most expensive kit, which is kind of surprising.
This kit doesn’t contain the LED lights like the other kits, but it does come with 10 pre-filled trays, which while not ground breaking, is still a convenience.
Opalescence Go Sensitivity
Compared to the other teeth whitening kits that feature a 35% hydrogen peroxide formula, this kit only contains 15%. That means the likelihood of sensitivity will be much lower, so if your teeth are naturally sensitive this is probably the kit for you.
While a 15% formula is great to reduce pain and discomfort, the more telling part is the many reviews that mention they have sensitive teeth and how this kit didn’t cause any pain or discomfort. That’s a great sign from real users that this kit is great for sensitive teeth.
Opalescence Go Other Callouts
Something we have to call out with this product compared to the others is the maintenance ability that comes with the 10 trays. Instead of having to purchase an entirely new kit every 6 months, you can just pop a new try in your mouth to keep your teeth whitened for a long time.
That’s a great benefit that isn’t really called out in the other products at all. That means you can continually do the “maintenance” of a whitening refresh every 3-6 months or when needed. It provides more flexibility when some of the other kits.
Finally, one of the major drawbacks of the simplicity of this kit, is that you have to wear each of the trays for 30 – 60 minutes each time. That’s much longer than the other kits and without all the additional features and higher price tag, there are better options listed if sensitivity isn’t an issue for you.
GLO Brilliant Whitening Kit
This kit is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something more substantial than something disposable or with a cheaper feel. If you’re looking to make teeth whitening a part of your lifestyle, then the GLO Brilliant is the product for you.
GLO Brilliant Features
With a $200 price tag, you want to see the features and the GLO Brilliant doesn’t disappoint. Not only does it contain LED lights to accelerate the whitening process, but it also contains a warming feature. That’s advertised as being able to accelerate and enhance the process even further. Yet another feature of a dentists office that has been brought to the at-home market.
GLO Brilliant also advertises that it increases cavity prevention, however we’re not sure where that claim is proven or how exactly cavities are prevented, especially because these types of whitening products generally remove enamel. That reduction in enamel can sometimes increase the likelihood of getting cavities.
GLO Brilliant Sensitivity
This product comes up with the lowest hydrogen peroxide percentage at only 6%. Compared to 35% for some of the other products and 15% for the Opalesence, the GLO Brilliant has the lowest percentage by far. This means that it’s excellent for people with highly sensitive teeth.
Generally, the higher the hydrogen peroxide percentage, the more effective the product. However, it’s likely that GLO Brilliant was able to offset the lower hydrogen peroxide with the additional features, like LED lighting and warming.
Regardless, the reviews that discuss sensitivity are very positive. The users who noted they have sensitive teeth or gums or compared the GLO to other products, noticed a substantial improvement in terms of sensitivity.
GLO Brilliant Other Callouts
We love products that aren’t “use it and toss it” and this product is the exact opposite of that. You won’t need to purchase another whitening product, but you can purchase gel refill packs in the future for maintenance and additional whitening if needed.
Compared to all products on the list, the GLO Brilliant Whitening is the product with the most longevity and even with the high price tag, it’s a product definitely worth considering.
Now that you know what whitening gel trays are best, let’s talk more about the reasoning why you should use a gel tray and some things to watch out such as sensitivity and other factors.
There’s a lot to know other than just the products you’re using, so let’s dive right into it.
Why Use Teeth Whitening Gel Trays
The reasons for using a teeth whitening gel tray can vary by person, but the most common reason is that you’re looking for whiter teeth. Kind of obvious, right?
However, there’s more to it than that. For some people, going to the dentist is not a pleasant experience, so they would prefer to complete any procedures at home if possible. Now, you won’t be filling cavities at home, but teeth whitening is a procedure that has been adapted for home use, so it’s no problem.
On the flip side, some users just prefer the convienence and price of an at-home application. If you don’t have insurance, teeth whitening at the dentists’ office can cost hundreds of dollars. Compare that to the products above, you can get teeth whitening for only $30. And for all intents and purposes, the results are the same.
There are some things to watch out for, such as sensitivity, but if your oral health is in good shape, then at at-home kit is a great alternative to getting the same procedure done at an office.
Sensitivity With Whitening Products
One of the most common issues when considering a whitening product is sensitivity. If your teeth are naturally sensitive, especially to cold or hot temperatures, then teeth whitening is probably not for you. That’s because the whitening process will increase the sensitivity of your teeth, ultimately causing additional discomfort.
That discomfort comes as a result of the whitening product stripping your teeth of the top layer of enamel. And as a result, removing a barrier of protection against sensitivity. By removing those barriers, your teeth actually become more sensitive to cold, hot, and different types of foods.
The amount of sensitivity you can expect from a product comes from the percentage of hydrogen peroxide. If a product has a higher percentage, it will be more likely to cause sensitivity. Lower percentages are generally recommended for people who have more sensitive teeth.
The table below breaks down the 5 best whitening gel trays products in this article and the percentage of hydrogen peroxide in each:
| Product | Hydrogen Peroxide % |
|---|---|
| iSmile | 35% |
| VieBeauti | 35% |
| SmileDirectClub | Not mentioned |
| Opalescence Go | 15% |
| GLO Brilliant | 6% |
Based on the table above, if you are worried about sensitivity, you will want to go with either the Opalescence Go or GLO Brilliant kits. However, those are 2 of the pricier ones. So ultimately it’s a trade off between effectiveness, sensitivity, and price.
However, read the reviews of each to see what real people are experiencing when it comes to how the product affects their teeth sensitivity. That will give you a good sense of what will be right for you.
This is something you should absolutely consider before going with a teeth whitening product. It will increase the sensitivity, so if that’s already an issue, you may want to at least talk to you dentist before going through the process. They can help answer your questions and make the best recommendation based on your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of questions surrounding teeth whitening kits, so let’s dive into a few of the most common in an effort to reduce the mystery around these products.
Are at-home teeth whitening kits safe?
Yes, at-home teeth whitening kits are completely safe. They use the same materials and formulas as what is used at the dentist office and it is difficult for teeth whitening to “go wrong” so to speak.
The biggest issue that everyone should be aware of is the sensitivity that comes with teeth whitening. When you apply the formula to your teeth, it can increase the sensitivity. If you’re not a trained dentist, you might go overboard with the whitening gel at first, which can cause a significant increase in sensitivity.
Teeth whitening kits are safe, but be sure to check for sensitivity before applying.
A dentist knows to test for sensitivity beforehand and may even recommend against teeth whitening if your teeth are already sensitive. That increase in sensitivity can cause pain in some patients. Now that doesn’t mean that at-home kits aren’t safe. It’s just something to keep in mind when using these products.
Should I tell my dentist that I’m using a teeth whitening kit?
Yes, you should inform your dentist that you have used a teeth whitening kit at home during your next appointment. You don’t need to call the dentist the day you apply the product, but it’s always a good idea to let them know the next time you’re in the office so they can test for sensitivity and generally be aware of anything you’re doing that will affect your oral health.
Most dentists do offer teeth whitening as a service, so they might recommend you go to them the next time you want to whiten your teeth, but that’s completely up to you.
However, you should listen to your dentist and if they find issues of sensitivity or other decay, then it is worth listening to their recommendations. But it’s a fine balancing act of making sure your dentist isn’t just trying to get more of your money. This is uncommon and mosts dentists are great, but make sure that they have your oral health as their top priority.
What’s the difference between teeth whitening gel and strips?
There are two types of teeth whitening products, gel and strips. The strips first came out years ago and are still a common product, while the gel is quite newer.
The biggest difference is how the whitening formula is applied to your teeth. Strips are easier to produce and more disposable, but they don’t work quite as well as gel. But on the other hand, a gel based application requires more materials, such as a retainer and other packaging so they’re generally more expensive.
Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Gel
Here are the pros and cons of teeth whitening gel. All of the products listed earlier in this article are gel and not strips. Gel is generally recommended more than strips because of their effectiveness.
Gel is generally more effective than strips. That’s why they’ve been the main type of whitening procedure in dentist offices for years. You rarely see dentists applying strips as part of the whitening process. Also, the gel provides more flexibility than the strips. It’s easier to apply the gel and avoid any mishaps with the strips getting tangled or not actually setting upon the teeth.
Second, gel is generally longer lasting. Because it’s more effective and it’s easier to apply directly to the teeth, you’re going to see results longer.
Finally, gel is generally thought of as safer, but ultimately this is up for debate. They’re considered safer because they’re the primary method for dentists and what dentists do is generally the safest option, but there’s no evidence that strips themselves are harmful.
The biggest downside to using gel based whitening kits is that they’re generally more expensive. And expensive is all relative, right? There are products listed earlier in this article for $30, which really isn’t that expensive at all compared to a procedure in a dentists office. But for gel kits that go up to $200, that’s probably more expensive than you’ll ever pay for strips.
Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Strips
Compared to the gel, whitening strips have some benefits, but generally you’re going to see more drawbacks because they’re a lower end product. But let’s talk about the pros and cons of whitening strips.
First, the positive. Strips are seen as an inferior product because they’re quicker and cheaper. If that’s what you’re going for, then strips are perfect. They’re not the dental office procedure that you might expect from the GLO Brilliant kit, but they get the job done.
Strips are aptly named because they are little pieces of material that basically lay on your teeth like tape. The strips contain whitening material and that material then gets “taped” to your teeth. This process is quicker than a gel retainer, however because the strips are more flimsy, sometimes they’re not as effective.
And talking about that flimsiness, they can also be hard to apply and sometimes frustrating. Imagine trying to lay a piece of tape evenly across your teeth. You can imagine how it might crinkle and become uneven? That’s basically what using a whitening strip is like.
There are pros and cons to both whitening gel and strips. However, the gel is generally the preferred method by dentists and as companies get better at recreating the “dental office” teeth whitening experience at home, you’ll see that the products generally become more effective.
That effectiveness comes with a cost increase, but ultimately it depends what you’re looking for. If you want a quick and cheap whitening solution, go with strips. If you want something more effective, but more expensive, go with the whitening gel.
How do I use the teeth whitening gel kit?
All teeth whitening kits will contain instructions on how to apply the product. Generally, all you need to do is fill the provided tray with the whitening gel and put it in your mouth for anywhere from 5 – 30 minutes. That’s an over simplification of the process, but it’s really not anymore complex than that.
Some whitening kits, like the Opalescence Go, will have pre-filled trays that you can just pop in your mouth. That’s a nice added benefit, but overall it’s not difficult at all to fill the tray with the gel yourself.
If you’re more of a visual learner or like to watch videos, then you can check out the video below. But keep in mind that your kit might be slightly different. So be sure to read the instructions on your kit first, watch the video, and then refer back to your kit instructions. You want to make sure that you’re applying the product as the manufacturer intended.
The video does mention that these are custom trays. Most gel whitening kits available to you won’t use custom trays because frankly they’re more difficult to make at-home and more expensive. For the most part, a general tray mold works just fine, so keep that in mind when watching the video.
However, the application part stays true whether you use a custom or general tray.
Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
This is a great question and one that has already been answered on our blog in the aptly titled post, Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
To save you a click, generally no, insurance does not cover teeth whitening because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary.
Cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance because 99% of the time insurance only covers what is medically necessary and cosmetic procedures like nose jobs (for looks, not for health) and teeth whitening is not covered.
With that said, everyone’s insurance is different and it can’t hurt to call your insurance company and ask whether or not they will cover the purchase of an at-home kit or professional whitening at your dentist. Also, call your dentist and ask if they take insurance for teeth whitening or if they have any promotions. Often times, they will so it is always a good idea to ask.
How Often to Use Teeth Whitening?
The topic of how often to use a teeth whitening product comes up quite often. There’s no right answer to this question because ultimately it depends. There are wrong answers though.
Here is when you should not use a teeth whitening product:
- If your teeth are currently sensitive or hurting
- Too often, such as every week
- Right before or after dental procedures, such as fillings or wisdom teeth removal
Ultimately you want to make sure you keep your teeth healthy. While teeth whitening is safe, if it’s done too often there can be long-term damage to the enamel, which is the coating on the teeth. When this enamel is damaged or removed, it will not come back. It is gone for good.
That’s why it’s so important to be smart about your teeth whitening and why you should ultimately run everything by your dentist first. You don’t want to cause permanent damage over something so silly.
With that said, as long as your teeth are feeling strong and you aren’t exhibiting too much sensitivity, you should be able to use a teeth whitening product every 2-3 months. You likely won’t need to do use the entire kit, but just a small maintenance application.
Applying a small amount or 1 tray every 2-3 months should keep your teeth white, while avoiding any long-term damage.
How Much Do Teeth Whitening Products Cost?
This one should be easy to answer if you’ve made it this far because you saw the top products listed earlier in this article. You can expect to pay anywhere between $40 and $200 for an at-home teeth whitening product.
The prices usually fluctuate because of the different features offered by each product. Whitening strips are usually the cheapest because they are the most disposable with only a small strip to apply and then throw away.
When you start getting into gels with retainers that have embedded lights and warming features, you’ll pay more. The GLO Brilliant is a great example of this. At $200 it has all the bells and whistles, but ultimately accomplishes the same goal as the cheaper products.
When searching for a product, don’t only look at price. You should read the reviews to make sure the product is effective and potentially made for someone with the same dental makeup as yourself, such as sensitive teeth.
What Teeth Whitening Do Celebrities Use?
This is a surprisingly common question because we often see celebrities out and about and they always have bright, white teeth. Celebrities don’t often use at-home products, instead opting to get professional whitening done at a dentist’s office.
And the reason for that is because they want to ensure there are no imperfections. With at-home kits, you run the risk of an uneven application or just not seeing the results you want. When you’re getting photographed on the red carpet or interviewed on TV, every imperfection is more pronounced. That’s why celebrities prefer to go with professional whitening in an office.
That’s not to say that every normal Rick and Jane need to get professional whitening, unless you’re constantly getting photographed and interviewed on national television.
It also doesn’t mean that you’re going to see uneven application and poor results with at-home kits. It’s more likely than getting the same treatment from a dentist, but at the end of the day it’s a trade off between money and results. For some celebrities, a $500 whitening treatment is nothing. Whereas for other, normal folks, that $500 is completely mind boggling, so an at-home kit is preferred.
If you want to go the route of the celebrities, go with professional whitening. If you want a middle ground between the celebrities look and the at-home kits, go with the GLO Brilliant, which is the most expensive at-home product, but still cheaper than a dentists office in the long run.
Which Teeth Whitening Product is the Safest?
Nearly all of the products out there are considered safe because they are all approved by the FDA, if sold in the United States. But just because they’re marked as safe doesn’t mean they can cause damage.
As mentioned earlier, whitening product can remove the enamel of your teeth, which doesn’t come back. That removal is permanent.
Conclusion
This article has covered a lot about teeth whitening. Everything from the best teeth whitening gel trays in 2022, to why you should whiten your teeth, comparing strips vs. gel kits, and answering the most commonly asked questions.
As was mentioned throughout this article, make sure to talk to your dentist before and after doing any at-home whitening. While the whitening products are safe and approved by the FDA, that doesn’t mean they can’t potentially cause damage, pain, or discomfort. Everyone’s oral health is different and you don’t want to do irreversible damage.
Dentists go to years of schooling for a reason so use their expertise to your advantage, but know that you also have the ability to complete some basic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening at home.
And make sure to read the reviews of any products you’re interested in. Having feedback and the ability to read experiences from real people goes a long way in understanding the effectiveness and effects of a product. We hope this article has been helpful and wish you the best in your teeth whitening journey.
This post features affiliate links and if you purchase an item on Amazon from any of the links listed, we may receive a commission.
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