Coffee addict? We hear you. But while your tastebuds will thank you for the multiple caffeine hit, your teeth likely won't.
Whether it's a coffee addiction or a predilection for red wine (that's everybody then, right?), your teeth face multiple staining possibilities every day. You want to look as good as possible for those Zoom parties and work conference calls.
But, don't worry, if you can't get to your dentist to have a teeth mould and hydrogen peroxide gel set created, there are ways you can use teeth whitening gels at home. While these may not be quite as effective as a dentist-approved version, they will still be effective at lightening you teeth to a degree.
Clare Jayson, founder of Billion Dollar Smile, explains: "Whitening gels work when the active ingredients release oxygen molecules, dissolving stains to remove discolouration.
"In recent years, the development of non-hydrogen peroxide active ingredients has greatly improved the teeth whitening products that are available over the counter and on the high street.
"Whether due to cost, hydrogen peroxide sensitivity, or lockdown, you are unable to use products from your dentist but still want to whiten your smile, these are a great option and have produced significant whitening results in clinical trials."
We've rounded up the best teeth whitening gels to try at home below, for a lighter, brighter, more confident smile. Ready for your glow up?
Best teeth whitening gels to buy:
1. Billion Dollar Smile Teeth Whitening Kit
Get glowing with this teeth whitening gel kit, which uses an LED light to accelerate the whitening ingredient.
The natural ingredients are enamel-friendly and gentle on teeth, containing aloe vera, chamomile and pomegranate.
Use it daily for six days and remember to avoid those stain-causing foods during the process.
One fan said: "I bought this after a friend recommended it to me. I had my teeth whitened at a dentist and cost me £500, but now they have been stained by red wine and coffee so thought I would give this a try. IT IS AMAZING!! Absolutely no sensitivity at all like I had with the dentist treatment, although it did take longer than going to a dentist to get my desired result."
Price: £39.99, Superdrug - buy here now
2. Smile Now Teeth Whitening Gel Kit
Sensitive teeth? Don't panic, you can still whiten them with this gentle peroxide-free teeth whitening gel kit.
It contains three gel syringes, and an LED blue light mouth tray to accelerate the process. It also contains aloe vera and vitamin E to prevent gum disease, and calcium to strengthen teeth.
Price: £19.99, Amazon - buy here now
3. Rio Smile White Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit
Lockdown seen you overindulging on tea and wine? You're not alone. This kit uses teeth whitening gel and blue light activation technology to clear stain and gently lighten the hue.
It's really easy to use, and you can just plug it into a USB port (or even your smartphone) to get going, no batteries required.
One fan said: "Definitely worked for me. Easy to use, comfortable and teeth whiter after first use."
Price: £39.99, Look Fantastic - buy here now
4. Hismile Teeth Whitening Kit
This bestselling teeth whitening gel lightens teeth without sensitivity in a gentle yet efficient way.
Just add the gel and pop it in your mouth for 10 minutes, while you get on with other tasks, like makeup application.
The peroxide-free formula combines the effects PAP, hydroxyapatite, and potassium nitrate to whiten your smile without pain, and LED technology increases the reaction between stains and the PAP formula to accelerate the whitening process for fast results.
"Very happy with the results after my first 6 day session," said one shopper. "Would recommend it to anybody who is looking to whiten their teeth without sensitivity. This method is easy and safe and the results are amazing."
Price: £59.99, Hismile- buy here now
5. Kastiny Teeth Whitening Gel Pen
Don't want to wear a mouth tray? This teeth whitening gel pen kit is the perfect alternative.
The glycerin and deionised water formula removes yellow stains associated with coffee, tea and smoking. Simply apply the formula directly onto teeth with the flexible brush head, continuing every day for two weeks.
Does it work? One customer said: "These teeth whitening gel pens are really easy to use, you just brush the stuff on, leave it for a bit then rinse off. I used them for several days, and I can definitely see a difference. I think they are a great price and I am really happy with them."
Price: £10.49, Amazon - buy here now
6. iWhite Instant Teeth Whitening Kit
This teeth whitening gel kit makes getting a gleaming smile a whole lot easier, with 10 trays that are already pre-filled with lightening gel formula.
You simply pop the trays into your mouth for 20 minutes every day before discarding - and wait for those pearly whites to appear. It will work to remove stains as well as strengthen your teeth, too.
Price: £19.99, Amazon - buy here now
7. Autosmile Teeth Whitening Gel Kit
Plug in and get gleaming with this nifty teeth whitening gel kit that handily connects to a USB port (including your phone).
The blue light technology mixes with the stain-removing gel to improve discolouration without sensitivity.
This happy customer said: “I don't normally write reviews, however I am amazed by this. Was a bit sceptical at first, but it really does work! With lockdown and scarce dentist appointments, as well as lots of drinking tea, my teeth were looking bad. I felt uncomfortable smiling, however I'm so impressed with the results! I have really sensitive gums and I have had no problems with this, highly recommend."
Price: £24.99, Amazon - buy here now
8. Dr Dent Premium Teeth Whitening Gel Kit
If you're looking for an easy and effective at-home teeth whitening gel kit, this is your guy.
Simply apply the gel into the tray, and pop into your mouth for 20-30 minutes every day. The peroxide-free gel and blue light technology will work their teeth whitening miracles without pain and sensitivity. Polished and strengthened pegs all in one kit.
Price: £19.99, Amazon - buy here now
