Teeth Whitening Rating Sources
Total of 22 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Tooth Whitener Buying Guide
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentThe editors of ConsumerReports.org use a panel of 82 staff testers to evaluate teeth whiteners ranging in value from $17 to $50. The testers share their experiences, but the scores are based mostly on the whitening ability of the products. Although the report has been updated, it is basically just a new write-up based on 2009 ratings. We would love to see ConsumerReports.org update their ratings, because many products' formulas have changed.
Teeth Whitening Product Reviews and Ratings
by Contributors to TeethWhiteningReviews.com
Our AssessmentThis website posts reviews of several popular teeth-whitening treatments. Consumers rate and review them as well. The Crest Whitestrips line is among the most popular. Be aware that there are many similar-sounding websites to TeethWhiteningReviews.com, and most of them are companies pushing a product. This site is the real deal.
Comparative Whitening Efficacy of 2-Hour Strips and Professional Laser Treatment
by J. Simon et al.
Our AssessmentA group of 43 volunteers compare the efficacy of two-hour whitening strips to that of a professional laser-assisted whitening treatment. The group using the strips wore them for two hours daily for seven consecutive days. The other group was given a single professional treatment on day one. Results -- taken on day eight -- show the whitening strips to be more effective. It's important to note that many people require more than one professional treatment for maximum results. This study was sponsored by Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Crest Whitestrips.
Clinical Comparison of Take-Home Whitening Strips and In-Office Light-Assisted Whitening
by G. Kugel et al.
Our AssessmentForty-four adult volunteers with no history of previous bleaching compare the efficacy of professional chairside, light-assisted whitening to a take-home regimen with Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal. Testers saw similar results after 20 days (30-minute sessions) using the Whitestrips compared to those of professional light-assisted whitening treatments.
Subjective and Objective Comparison Between At-Home and In-Office Tooth Whitening
by J. Da Costa et al.
Our AssessmentResearchers evaluate the amount of time needed for at-home whitening to reach the same result as in-office whitening. Twenty patients participated in the study. Results show that five at-home whitening treatments (for eight hours per treatment) with 10 percent carbamide peroxide produce the same result as one 60-minute, in-office treatment with 25 percent hydrogen peroxide. All of the products included in the test are professional products available exclusively from dental professionals.
30 Minutes to a Brighter Smile?
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping tests the Go Smile: Smile Whitening Light against its claims. Although it lightened teeth an average of only 1.6 shades, at least half of the testers were pleased with speed and degree of whitening. Editors don't compare or rate any other products in this article.
Two Minutes to a Whiter Smile
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Our AssessmentPaula's Choice Brighten Up visibly lightened the teeth of more than two-thirds of testers at Good Housekeeping. The formula promises to lighten teeth by one shade in just two minutes. Most of the volunteers were pleased with the results and say that the formula is easy to use and has a pleasant taste. No other products were mentioned or compared.
Best Beauty Buys: Body | Dental
by Editors of InStyle magazine
Our AssessmentEditors of InStyle magazine test thousands of beauty products -- including floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste and teeth whiteners -- for their annual beauty awards. Two whiteners make the list for 2010: Crest 3D Whitestrips White Professional Effects and GoSmile Whitening System. Both are given a brief description, but testing methods and judging criteria aren't clear. Whitening products aren't included in InStyle's latest awards for 2011 and 2012.
Tooth Whitening Leads in Cosmetic Dentistry
by Matthew Shulman
Our AssessmentMatthew Shulman says teeth whitening is the top procedure performed by cosmetic dentists today. Tooth discoloration occurs for several reasons, and there are various treatment options available. Each treatment is discussed and although they are not ranked, the author points out that dentist-supervised "at-home" treatments provide similar results to those performed in the dentist's office, for a much more affordable price. He says that over-the-counter products are good for touch-ups.
Cinch Teeth Whiteners for Sparkling Smile Fast!
by Editors of CBS News
Our AssessmentBeauty expert Maggie Gallant discusses products that quickly brighten your teeth with relative ease. Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips is recommended as a fast way to get noticeable results. It takes two hours for one treatment but can brighten teeth up to two shades. Other recommended products include Go Smile Whitening Light, Paula's Choice Brighten Up 2-Minute Teeth Whitener and dentist-administered treatments. Products included in this roundup are not rated, and it isn't clear if all of them were tested.
7 Ways to Get Whiter Teeth
by Sarah Smith
Our AssessmentReal Simple magazine lists seven products for at-home teeth whitening. Products include strips, paint-on systems, a mouthwash and toothpaste. A brief description of each is given, but it isn't clear if any of the teeth whitening products were tested.
2 Best Teeth Whiteners -- and the 4 Worst
by Sarah Carrillo
Our AssessmentSarah Carrillo uses a panel of 11 women to casually test teeth whiteners, and each product is shown with a before and after chart showing the level of whitening that was achieved. Two products are rated best. The site's user reviews are not considered for this article -- and in a couple of instances the two sources are contradictory.
Home-Based Chemically-Induced Whitening of Teeth in Adults
by H. Hasson et al.
Our AssessmentResearchers seek to determine whether whitening is effective and safe, according to 25 studies published in scientific journals. The conclusion is that whitening products work. Differences in efficacy between the products are mainly due to the levels of the active ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. It's noted that all of the trials were sponsored by the manufacturers of tooth-whitening products.
Best Tips and Tools to Whiten Your Smile
by Abbie Kozolchyk
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping discusses several tips for improving your smile, from basic oral hygiene to the best lipstick shades. A handful of teeth-whitening products are also mentioned, but it isn't clear if any of them were tested.
Teeth Whitening
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our AssessmentWhitening products inspire impassioned reviews at Amazon.com, where Crest Whitestrips products receive the most reviews, many of which are positive. Amazon.com also has reviews of lesser-known products, such as Nite White ACP 22%, Natural White and Opalescence PF 20%. Most of the user reviews here appraise the change in whiteness, ease of use and any associated pain. Aquafresh White Trays have many reviews that describe intense tooth and gum pain, as well as poor fit. Be on the lookout for fake reviews; we found quite a few fishy-sounding raves for lesser-known products.
Whitening Kits
by Contributors to Drugstore.com
Our AssessmentThere are many reviews at Drugstore.com for teeth-whitening products, and, in general, the comments here mirror those at Amazon.com and other user-review sites, with Crest Whitestrips products the clear standout. Aquafresh White Trays have a higher percentage of positive reviews here than on Amazon.com, but they still garner complaints from users who say they can cause pain. SprayWhite 90 isn't reviewed as often as other products, but it earns a near-perfect, 5-star rating from 18 reviewers who say it's easy to use and produces immediate results.
Oral Care
by Contributors to TotalBeauty.com
Our AssessmentHundreds of TotalBeauty.com members rate and review at-home, teeth-whitening products. Most products are only reviewed a few times, however. Only one product -- Go Smile Touch Up -- is reviewed by editors.
Misc Beauty Tools: Whitening
by Contributors to MakeupAlley.com
Our AssessmentMakeupAlley.com doesn't have nearly as many reviews listed for teeth whiteners as other sources, but it is a great supplement to user reviews at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com. There are only a handful of teeth whiteners listed, and most receive only one or two reviews apiece. A few, however, are reviewed by more than 90 owners.
Teeth Whitening Ampules
by Evelyn Perreault
Our AssessmentIn this video at eHow.com, Evelyn Perreault, a registered dental hygienist, demonstrates how to use teeth-whitening ampoules such as those from Go Smile. She says they are an especially great option for those with sensitive teeth.
Teeth Whitening: How it Works and What it Costs
by Linda Dyett
Our AssessmentLinda Dyett says teeth whitening works, though at varying degrees depending on the individual and the type of treatment used. The different types of tooth staining are discussed along with various causes, treatment options and risks associated with whitening. Specific products are not mentioned.
Teeth Whitening
by Editors of WebMD.com
Our AssessmentThis article provides a review of teeth-whitening options, risks and product-selection tips. No specific brands or products are discussed, but the general information is interesting.
3 Easy Ways to Whiten at Home
by Rebekah George
Our AssessmentThe article recommends three different drugstore products for whitening teeth. It is unclear how much, if any, testing was done, and they are not ranked in order of effectiveness.