WHITESTRIPS
Flexible and coated with bleaching gel, Crest’s strips really do remove stains in two weeks. The gel tastes gross, but the price is pretty appetizing. $39.99
WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
The cheapest choice, toothpastes are also the least effective–they scrub away only surface stains, much like a regular dental cleaning. “I’ve had patients tell me they don’t work,” says Price. At least they’re convenient. $4.99
LIGHT EXPOSURE
Lasers are a thing of the past. BriteSmile and Zoom! use gentler lights to bleach teeth in an hour. But expect some temporary tooth sensitivity. $600
CUSTOM TRAYS
Use gel at home for two weeks. Not pain-free, but “itty-bitty night guards” are easier on gums than light treatment, says dentist Jason Psillakis. $300
