I’ve whitened my teeth so much that I think I qualify as a teeth-whitening professional. In fact, my dentist had to ask me to stop whitening my teeth because I’m doing it too much! So, believe me when I say that I’m obsessed with teeth whiteners, and I’ve tried almost all of them. Here are ten consumer favorites and my take on them.

1. Rembrandt Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste

Price: $7.00 a tube
Claims: Brighten, whiten, and protect teeth with each use.
My experience: I started with this one because it is the most common, easiest to find, and easiest to use. However, I don’t think it works! Rembrandt is by far the most expensive brand of toothpaste on the market, and I didn’t notice any big whitening when I used it. I’d save my money and buy a bargain brand of toothpaste, then use a better whitener.

2. Crest Whitestrips

Price: $44.99
Claims: Safe, easy, and effective whitening in ten days.
My experience: I think this whitening system is by far the best one out there. I’ve used a lot of products, and this one always works. Yes, it is pricey, but I always see three to four levels of whitening in the two or so weeks it takes me to use them all. Just place the little gel-covered strips on your teeth twice a day, and you’re done! (And here’s a little tip.. I’ve bought the Target generic brand for $24.99, and they worked just as well!) The only downside I’ve found with these is that I had some little white dots on my teeth for several hours after using it.

3. Colgate Simply White

Price: $15.99
Claims: Provides an easy way to sparkling white teeth.
My experience: Of all the paint-on whiteners, I liked this product the best. I did feel like this product stayed on my teeth fairly well, and I did see about two levels of whitening while using it. However, I didn’t like having to hold my mouth totally open for thirty seconds after applying it, and I’d rather just save my money and buy the Crest Whitening Strips. I probably wouldn’t use this product again, but for people who don’t like the slimy feel of strips, this would be my favorite paint-on whitener.

4. Rembrandt 2-Hour Whitening Kit

Price: $19.99
Claims: Get a whiter smile in just two hours.
My experience: I really liked this product. I’ve used it twice, both times before a big event that evening (a high school reunion and my husband’s work holiday party). It is kind of a pain to keep the mouthpiece in your mouth for two hours (you take it out every twenty minutes to rinse and refill), but I did get great results… my teeth were a lot whiter at the end of that time. The other downsides were the little white dots on my teeth that went away after a few hours and increased sensitivity to cold. I would definitely use this one again, but I would make sure I used it early enough in the day to let those spots fade.

5. Crest Night Effects

Price: $14.99
Claims: Whiten your teeth while you sleep.
My experience: I’m not a huge fan of paint-on teeth whiteners. I just feel like they don’t stick to my teeth as well as ones with strips or trays. I felt like this product had rubbed or washed off as soon as I opened and closed my mouth a few times, and it definitely limited my … ummm… romantic nighttime activities. Haha! I saw about two shades of whitening with this product, but it wasn’t my favorite.