Best teeth whitening kits

Want to transform your smile for the summer season? If you’re after pearly whites but don’t want to fork out on a pricey dental treatment, then a DIY kit could be your best bet. Whether your teeth are stained from coffee or wine, there are plenty of simple and fuss-free options on the market that can help.

Many at-home teeth whitening systems come with special trays, which need to be placed over your teeth, along with a whitening gel. Others consist of brush-on formulas that are quicker and easier to use, but can take a bit longer to deliver the results you’re after.

To save you the hassle, we’ve tried and tested a range of methods that will help improve your smile without hurting your wallet.

Pearl Drops Pure White Whitening Kit

A simple 3-step system that’s ideal for those who are new to DIY teeth whitening. After brushing with your regular toothpaste, paint on the brightening serum to the front and top of teeth and leave for 30 seconds. Apply the activator serum in the same way, then rinse and leave for 20 minutes and finish by brushing teeth with the polish. Each kit comes with a complimentary toothbrush.

£25 | Boots | Buy it now

​Nano Intensive Whitening Kit

Gentle and dentist-approved, this was our favourite option for sensitive teeth. The kit consists of two mouth trays for the top and bottom that mould to the shape of your teeth as well as the brand’s non-peroxide whitening strips and whitening gel. Unlike some whitening treatments, the gel had a pleasant taste that was similar to peppermint chewing gum. Each product was mess-free and a cinch to use – thanks to the clear instructions. The results after one week were impressive, but you’ll need to complete the whole 14-day course to see a dramatic shift in tone.

£35 | Boots | Buy it now

Instant Whites 7 Day Whitening System

If mouth trays aren’t for you, the Instant Whites 7 Day Whitening System is a worth a try. It claims to whiten teeth by up to 9 shades and comes with enough treatments for each day of the week. When applying, the gel-filled swabs need to be held upright and gently squeezed from the bottom to release the minty-tasting formula. After rubbing each tooth in a circular motion for around 5 minutes, you simply rinse your mouth with warm water and wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. We started seeing results after one day and felt comfortable throughout the treatment. As it was super-quick and didn’t require the hassle of boiling, biting or strips, this was most convenient to use in the morning before heading out.

£30 | Boots | Buy it now

Luster Pro Light Teeth Whitening System

Tricky stains from coffee and smoking can be treated in 3 steps with this quick and easy system. Use the whitening solution to preheat teeth, brush each tooth with the gel and apply the light for two minutes. Noticeable results can be achieved in just ten treatments, but those aiming for an extra-white smile should try twenty.

£40.68 | Look Fantastic | Buy it now

iWhite instant teeth whitening kit

Stick on this mouthpiece for just 20 minutes a day to whiten and toughen up your gnashers. Designed to fit all sizes, the ready-to-use trays are prefilled with a safe and instantly effective formula that’s free from peroxide and provides a high source of calcium to strengthen the teeth. Just be sure not to try and speak while wearing the trays or it could get messy.

£20 | Look Fantastic | Buy it now

Blanx White Shock Intensive Whitening Treatment

This little kit is perfect if you’re looking for a comfortable treatment that makes a difference in a matter of weeks. The non-abrasive product can be used twice a week for a fortnight to get your teeth up to 4 shades whiter and should be used in place of your regular toothpaste. Place the LED Bite in your mouth after brushing and allow it to illuminate your teeth for up to 10 minutes.

£16.49 | Feel Unique | Buy it now

Somatox Coco Bianco Coconut Oil Pulling Kit

Looking for a pure way to lighten up your smile? Coconut oil pulling is an ancient Indian way to whiten teeth, improve oral hygiene and reduce inflammation of gums. Designed for daily use, this natural formula is made with peppermint essence to make your mouth feel minty fresh and works best when used first thing in the morning. Swirl and swish around mouth for 5-15 minutes and spit out before brushing teeth as normal.

£15.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Colgate Max White Expert Toothbrush and Pen

An easy way to 3 shades whiter teeth, this Colgate duo is suitable for daily use and can be joined with your normal toothpaste. The medium-sized toothbrush is designed with polishing bristles that help to remove surface stains, while the gel pen contains whitening ingredients to lighten up your smile.

£12 | Superdrug | Buy it now

Billion Dollar Smile LED Mini Light Kit

This handy mouthpiece uses LED technology to speed up the whitening process.By using it for just ten minutes a day you can gently remove stains without damaging the enamel on your teeth. Just pop the gel onto the mouth insertion and turn on the light. Use for six days in a row for the best results.

£40 | Billion Dollar Smile | Buy it now

Diamond Whites Home Whitening Kit

Another fast-acting option, this generous kit is designed to remove most tricky stains - such as tobacco, coffee and red wine - and is super affordable. As well as plastic mouth trays and a syringes to apply a non-peroxide formula, a new LED light is included to get the job done quick.

£29.99 | Diamond Whites | Buy it now

Mr Bright LED Teeth Whitening Kit

Originally sold in Australia, Mr Bright has recently launched in the UK, bringing its teeth whitening expertise with it across the pond. What sets it apart from a lot of other brands is its peroxide-free formula which takes out the harmful enamel-destroying chemicals that strip the teeth, leaving them sensitive and vulnerable to damage. After trying Mr Bright for around two weeks, we have found that it works just as well as- if not better than-several brands that include peroxide. It didn’t leave our teeth feeling sensitive and we started to notice a difference within a week.

£49.95 | Fragrance Direct | Buy it now

Verdict

We found the most effective kit to be the Pearl Drops Pure White. It tasted good, was easy to use and mess-free, offering noticeable results within a few uses. If you're looking for something with fewer chemicals, go for the Mr Bright kit.