We all enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine, but over time, these indulgences, combined with poor oral hygiene, can lead to stained, yellowing teeth.
“The best way to prevent staining is to stay ahead of it”, says Australian dentist Dr. Daniel Tankard. Alongside brushing twice a day and flossing, he advises to “avoid or limit common culprits like coffee, red wine, and dark sauces – and if you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water soon after. Smoking is another major cause of yellowing, so quitting will make a big difference to your oral health and the whiteness of your teeth”.
Fortunately, teeth whitening is no longer limited to the dentist’s chair. At home teeth whitening treatments have risen in popularity, offering a convenient and easy way to brighten your smile.
According to Dr. Tankard, who co-founded teeth whitening company Smilie, at home treatments can be highly effective, provided you choose the right product. “Many over-the-counter options only remove surface stains or offer very minimal whitening”, he explains. “At Smilie, our kits are formulated with 6% hydrogen peroxide, which is clinically proven to lift stains beneath the enamel safely and effectively. It’s the same active ingredient used by dentists, just in a more gentle, enamel-safe concentration suitable for home use.”
If you’re considering whitening your teeth at home, an at-home kit is a great place to start for tackling stains effectively. To maintain your pearly whites and prevent future staining, consider whitening toothpaste or products like strips and gel pens for convenient touch-ups.
Ready to brighten your smile? Here are the best teeth whitening treatments available in New Zealand.
2025’s BEST AT-HOME TEETH WHITENING PRODUCTS
- Boost Teeth Whitening Kit, $129, Smilie (here’s why)
- Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit, $112.50, SmilePro (here’s why)
- On-the-go Whitening Pen, $25, Smilie Triple Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste, $13, Gem (here’s why)
The best teeth whitening products NZ
01
Boost Teeth Whitening Kit
$129 at Smilie
Best for: A dentist-approved teeth whitening kit that delivers quick results
Developed by Australian dentists, this at-home kit has received hundreds of glowing customer reviews. Users say it’s one of the best teeth whitening kits they’ve tried, praising its ability to remove tough stains while being gentle on teeth and gums.
The solution contains 6% hydrogen peroxide, the key ingredient for a whiter smile. It’s also formulated with desensitisers and soothers that whiten teeth without pain, making it suitable for people who suffer from sensitive teeth.
The kit is best used over six days. Each day, apply the whitening gel to your teeth, activate the LED whitening device for 16 minutes, then rinse your mouth. It’s as simple as that. If you’re not satisfied with your results, Smilie offers a risk-free 30-day return policy.
Kit contents: 3 pre-filled gel whitening pens (30 treatments), 1 LED whitening device, USB charging cable
02
Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit
$112.50 at SmilePro
Best for: A teeth whitening kit with dual blue and red LED lights to support oral health
SmilePro’s teeth whitening kit is simple to use: just 10 minutes a day for seven consecutive days. Its standout feature is the dual-action LED light system. The blue LED light speeds up the whitening process, while the red LED light promotes oral health by reducing bacteria and soothing gum inflammation.
From coffee to wine stains, SmilePro’s enamel-safe, sensitivity-free formula penetrates deeply to restore your bright smile. The kit has earned over 2,600 five-star reviews, and in the rare event it doesn’t deliver results, you can contact SmilePro’s support team within 30 days of receiving your order for a full refund.
Kit contents: 3 advanced teeth whitening kits (30 treatments), LED accelerator light, battery charger
03
On-the-go Whitening Pen
$25 at Smilie
Best for: An affordable teeth whitening pen for easy upkeep
If you’ve used a whitening kit and you’re looking for an easy solution to maintain your smile, try this portable teeth whitening pen. It’s simple to use and leaves no unpleasant aftertaste.
04
Triple Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
$13.08 at Gem
Best for: A whitening toothpaste that brightens and thoroughly cleans your teeth
This is one of the best teeth whitening toothpastes on the market if your oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. Its unique formula prevents plaque buildup, includes an oral probiotic to combat bacterial buildup, and leaves your breath feeling fresh.
Gem’s Triple Whitening Fluoride toothpaste is also gentle enough for individuals with sensitive teeth. It’s available in two refreshing flavours: mint and watermelon.
Available at:
- $13.08 from Gem
- $14.60 from Adore Beauty
- $17.20 from Nzsale
05
PAP+ Whitening Strips
$37.97 at Hismile
Best for: Convenient, on-the-go teeth whitening
These teeth whitening strips harness Hismile’s signature PAP+ formula to target stains without triggering sensitivity or pain. They don’t leave residue on your teeth, so they’re convenient to use on-the go.
Wear the strips for 30 minutes, then wait another 30 minutes before following up with Hismile’s PAP+ whitening toothpaste (available here) for concentrated results.
Available at:
- $37.97 from Hismile
- $32.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $33 from Life Pharmacy
- $38.60 from Adore Beauty
- $56 from Sephora
06
V34 Colour Corrector Serum
$37.97 at Hismile
Best for: Quick teeth whitening for a special event
Acting as a concealer for yellow tones, this serum is ideal if you’re short on time but want fast, noticeable results or don’t want to commit to teeth whitening just yet.
Available at:
- $37.97 from Hismile
- $23.39 from Chemist Warehouse
- $23.40 from Life Pharmacy
- $27.30 from Adore Beauty
- $40 from Sephora
07
Dr. Brite Extreme Whitening Toothpaste
$19 at iHerb
Best for: A fluoride-free whitening toothpaste
Gentle yet effective, this mint toothpaste removes stains over time without fluoride. Add on other products in the Dr. Brite range, including the whitening mouthwash and whitening pen for a brighter smile.
Can anyone whiten their teeth?
Most people can safely whiten their teeth, but whitening products are only effective on natural teeth. They won’t work on veneers, crowns, or fillings.
Dr. Tankard advises caution for certain groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Additionally, if you have gum disease, tooth decay, or very sensitive teeth, it’s best to consult your dentist before starting any treatment. “At Smilie, we always recommend following directions carefully and doing a patch test if you’re prone to sensitivity”, he says.
Are at-home teeth whitening kits effective?
At-home teeth whitening kits are an affordable alternative to professional treatments and deliver effective results when used properly.
Dentist-formulated kits from trusted brands like Smilie use hydrogen peroxide to break down stains, often paired with LED light devices to speed up the process. Importantly, they’re gentle on teeth and gums, minimising sensitivity and discomfort.
Dr. Tankard explains that “professional treatments often use stronger concentrations of peroxide and may involve custom trays or in-office lights to accelerate results, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily better. At-home kits like Smilie’s are designed to deliver similar results over a slightly longer period, with added convenience and at a fraction of the cost.”
However, “a whiter smile should never come at the cost of your dental health”, Dr. Tankard emphasises. “Be wary of products that promise extreme results with high concentrations or aggressive formulas. Sensitivity and enamel erosion are real risks if whitening is done incorrectly.”
Can yellow teeth really become white again?
“Most people see their teeth become 3 to 5 shades whiter”, says Dr. Tankard. However, results are dependent on the individual, the severity of discolouration, and how consistently the treatment plan is followed.
“At Smilie, many customers notice a visible difference after just one use, with optimal results typically seen after 7 to 10 days of use”, Dr. Tankard says.
Does whitening toothpaste work?
Whitening toothpaste can be a helpful tool for maintaining a bright smile, but it’s important to manage expectations.
“Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a whitening toothpaste with gentle abrasives can help remove surface stains before they build up.” says Dr. Tankard.
He adds, “whitening toothpaste is best used as a maintenance product rather than a solution for deep stains. It can help prevent new stains from forming and keep your smile looking bright between whitening treatments.”
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