Do Top Teeth Whitening Brands Really Work? Here’s What a Dental Expert Has to Say

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Published 06/04/2024 | By Dr. Plotnick

As a dental professional, I’m asked on a regular basis about the best way to get whiter teeth. It’s not just about dental health. Our smile plays a large role in how we feel about ourselves. Lifestyle factors such as our daily coffee routine are enough to lead to yellow teeth, even with regular brushing and dental cleaning visits. Sometimes, it’s necessary to seek help from teeth whitening products. But how do you know which ones really do their job? I reviewed the top 5 teeth whitening brands — and while some are effective, one certainly stood out above the rest.  

How I Chose the Best Teeth Whitening Brands

To evaluate which brands made the cut, I looked at specific criteria to determine my ratings. First and foremost, the brand’s effectiveness at truly making teeth whiter. Second, I looked at the ingredients used in each brand, how safe they are, and how likely they were to cause sensitivity. A whitening system with strong efficacy that causes sensitivity is no good when the user can’t stand to leave it on for the instructed time —or less. Finally, I looked at a range of customer reviews to see what people were saying and how common their experiences were.

Side note: Stick with me until the end of the article for a surprise that will change the way you feel and look.

BRANDTEETH SENSITIVITYEFFICACYRESULTS TIME
Polar MDLowExcellent3 uses
AuraglowHighGreat7 uses
ColgateHighFair3 uses
HiSmileMediumFair7 uses
iSmileLowGood7 uses

LeVaye’ Polar MD

  • Efficacy: Excellent
  • Sensitivity: Low
  • Duration: 3 uses for notable and lasting whitening

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When asked which of these treatments I would recommend to my patients, colleagues, and close circle, LeVaye’ Polar MD is the clear winner. Polar MD also requires applying the whitening serum with a gel pen and activating it with an LED-equipped tray. But that’s where the similarities with other systems end — Polar MD’s results are unbeatable. 

Up to 98% of users report whiter teeth within just a few days of using the system. Even more impressive, 97% of users report zero teeth sensitivity. It’s no wonder Polar MD has earned 21,000 five-star reviews.

Auraglow

  • Efficacy: Great
  • Sensitivity: High
  • Duration: 7 uses for notable whitening
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Auraglow uses carbamide peroxide as the central ingredient for their Teeth Whitening Kit. You’ll sit for a 30-minute session while Auraglow’s whitening gel and the activating LED light do its work. Auraglow says that results may take up to seven uses, but some users reported visible results in fewer uses.

The kit is effective for most users, but a notable handful of users have reported teeth sensitivity after using Auraglow. Plus, some have reported discomfort from wearing the large tray.

Colgate

  • Efficacy: Fair
  • Sensitivity: High
  • Duration: 3 uses for fair and not lasting whitening
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit also harnesses the power of LED technology to bring you a brighter smile. Colgate claims you’ll see as much as 10 years of stains gone after just three 10-minute sessions — however, isn’t it what they promise with their toothpaste as well? This is yet to be confirmed. You can start the whitening process by applying the hydrogen peroxide serum pen to each tooth, then sit and wait while the LED tray activates the gel. 

Users seem to have the opposite problem as the Auraglow tray, reporting that the size is a bit too small. A majority of users do report seeing whiter teeth, but some have had to discontinue use because of heightened teeth sensitivity. Additionally, Colgate keeps testing on animals, which is a huge downfall.

HiSmile

  • Efficacy: Fair
  • Sensitivity: Medium
  • Duration: 7 uses for fair and not lasting whitening
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐

HiSmile’s PAP+ Whitening Strips utilize phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid as the main ingredient. Unlike peroxide-based whiteners, this formula is meant to reduce teeth sensitivity which often comes with whitening treatments. You’ll just thoroughly dry your teeth and apply the strips for 30 minutes. 

Many users agree that HiSmile does live up to its claim of preventing sensitivity and pain. However, it’s not as effective at actual whitening for all users across the board. A few that did see results immediately reported that it didn’t last, even when they avoided drinking coffee and other common staining products. 

iSmile

  • Efficacy: Good
  • Sensitivity: Low
  • Duration: 7 uses for good whitening but not lasting
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

iSmile states that their LED-activated Teeth Whitening Kit provides a brighter smile after just 7 uses. The gel itself is infused with peppermint, which is a refreshing experience from other products that have a more chemical-like taste. 

Carbamide peroxide is also the main ingredient, and many users report that they don’t experience sensitivity when using iSmile. The whitening efficacy seems to be a mixed bag, though. Some users saw visible results, while others couldn’t tell any difference from when they started using the product. 

The Best Dentist-Approved Whitening Kit: LeVaye’ Polar MD

While other teeth whitening products may do a good enough job, only one fits all checkboxes. LeVaye’ Polar MD gives you professional-level results without discomfort. Next time a patient asks me what to do about yellow teeth, I’ll continue to have the same answer for them. 

Besides the great benefits I stated above about LeVaye’ Polar MD, I myself have experienced lasting results after using their whitening kit. Now, as I promised a surprise for you, Polar MD has partnered with top dental professionals across the US — including me, to offer a limited 40% OFF with FREE shipping ($99.00 now $59.40), so you won’t have to wait any longer to brighten your smile. 

I assure you won’t be disappointed with the product. If that’s the case —which I doubt—, LeVaye’ offers a 30-day-money-back-guarantee, so fear not. Are you ready to get brighter and healthier teeth?

Lindsey-Before-After-Teeth-Whitening-Polar-MD

My dentist personally uses Polar MD and recommended it to me. I’m a daily coffee drinker and my teeth have gotten yellow as I’ve aged. Polar MD was so easy to use and I didn’t have any sensitivity issues. It gave me really white teeth and boosted my confidence when I smile now!”

— Kathy