Products
Teeth Straightening
Teeth Whitening
Updated on November 6, 2023
7 min read

Does SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Work? (Complete Review)

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SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Review — Does it Work?

Yes, SmileDirectClub's teeth whitening products work on natural teeth. Their teeth whitening systems use a whitening agent and an LED (light-emitting diode) light to brighten the teeth.

The whitening agent is made with hydrogen peroxide. The LED light activates the whitening agent, causing a chemical reaction that lifts stains from the teeth.

What People Are Saying

We compiled reviews from four websites that offer SmileDirectClub teeth whitening products. From these sites, there were over 5,000 customer reviews.

Most of the reviews are positive, while a small percentage of them are negative or somewhere in the middle. Over 80 percent of Amazon reviews rate SmileDirectClub teeth whitening products 4 stars or above.

Many positive reviews say that the results come instantly or after a few uses. They also say the whitening products cause minimal to no sensitivity.

I can’t say enough good things about this whitening kit! I’ve used white strips for 10+ years and have always had success, but the process was time-consuming, messy, and I end up with a lot of tooth sensitivity and sore gums.

Amazon reviewer

I have tried numerous whitening agents over the years, including baking soda and peroxide. None have worked as fast as this one. I used to smoke and still drink dark soda. After 3 uses, the difference is amazing and surprising.

Walmart reviewer

Some people were not completely satisfied with the products. However, keep in mind that people who have thin enamel or dental restorations cannot whiten their teeth.

Some are also more prone to sensitivity than others (and sensitivity is a common side effect of all teeth whitening, even professional treatment). Neglecting to read the instructions carefully before use can also result in poor outcomes.

The pens are nice, but the mouthpiece didn’t work. At least they refunded me.

Amazon reviewer

For me, the system would be easier if it were strips that you put on your teeth, or if the mouthpiece was the kind you put the gel into and then put your teeth into. 

Walmart reviewer

Review of SmileDirect’s Teeth Whitening Products 

Waterpik Sonic Fusion

This kit contains two full whitening treatments (a year's supply), plus an LED whitening accelerator light.

The blue LED wavelength accelerates the Bright Boost™ formula for bright teeth in less time.

Sale: $15 impression kit - FREE after return, plus 6 months FREE teeth whitening. Code: NYNY23

Features

  • Eight bright on premium whitening pens (2 full whitening treatments)
  • Hands-free, smartphone-powered LED accelerator light mouthpiece
  • 20-LED light
  • Android- and iPhone-compatible
  • Low battery consumption
  • Professional-quality teeth whitening at home
  • Enamel-safe whitening gel
  • Cool mint flavor
  • Fast-absorbing
  • No-mess brush applicator
  • Vegan & gluten-free

How Does SmileDirectClub Whitening Work?

SmileDirectClub's active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. It is the bleaching agent in their whitening kits that helps people achieve brighter smiles.

Hydrogen peroxide passes into the tooth and breaks down discoloration that causes tooth stains. The LED light activates the peroxide, speeding up the bleaching process.

LED whitening is safe for at-home use. However, if you don't follow the manufacturer's instructions closely, teeth whitening can irritate the gums.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using an LED teeth whitening system to prevent unwanted side effects.

How to Use SmileDirect's Bright on™ Teeth Whitening Kit

Whitening your teeth with the Bright on kit is a simple process:

  1. Brush your teeth before use. Clean teeth will absorb the teeth whitening gel better.
  2. Remove the cap and twist the bottom of the pen until gel appears on the brush.
  3. Brush the gel on your six top and bottom front teeth in a circular motion until it foams.
  4. Dispense more gel as needed until your teeth are covered.
  5. Plug the LED accelerator light into your phone or USB port, and gently bite down on the mouthpiece. Pull your lips over it and use the light.
  6. After 5 minutes, remove the mouthpiece and unplug it from your phone. Spit out the excess foam if needed. 
  7. Do not rinse, eat, or drink for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, rinse with water or mouthwash. You should start to see results in as little as one week.

When using the LED accelerator light, ensure your power adapter is fully plugged into your phone's port. Wipe off any debris that may be present.

If the light is plugged into your phone, your device must remain active, not in sleeping mode or with a locked screen. Otherwise, the light may shut off prematurely. Unlock your phone and ensure it has at least 50% battery to power the LED light for the full treatment.

How Often Should You Use SmileDirect's Bright on™?

According to SmileDirect's website, you should whiten your teeth every morning and night for one week. After this, you’ll whiten them weekly every six months to maintain results.

Waterpik Sonic Fusion

These whitening pens contain the same enamel-safe whitening agent used by dentists for less than half the cost. 

With the no-mess brush applicator, you have full control of the application as you paint the gel directly onto your teeth. Each treatment only takes 5 minutes, so it’s easy and convenient to get your best smile ever.

Features

  • Eight pens for one year of whitening
  • Two full one-week treatments
  • Results last up to 6 months per one-week treatment
  • 5-minute treatments, twice daily for one week
  • Up to 9 shades whiter in only one week
  • Removes years of tough stains, including red wine stains
  • The same enamel-safe whitening gel used by dentists
  • No-mess brush applicator
  • Fast-absorbing gel
  • Cool mint flavor
  • Vegan & gluten-free

How to Use SmileDirect's Teeth Whitening Pens

These premium teeth whitening pens work the same as any other over-the-counter system like trays or whitening strips. These pens use the same whitening formula as the teeth whitening kits, and allow oxygen to penetrate and lighten teeth enamel.

To use SmileDirectClub’s Teeth Whitening Pens, follow these simple steps:

  1. Brush your teeth beforehand. Clean teeth will absorb the whitening product better.
  2. Remove the cap and twist the bottom of the pin until you see gel in the brush.
  3. Paint the gel directly onto your teeth in circular motions until it foams. Avoid the gums.
  4. Continue to dispense more gel as needed until your teeth are covered.
  5. After five minutes, spit out any excess foam. Don’t rinse, eat, or drink for 20 minutes after.
  6. After 20 minutes, rinse with water or mouthwash.

How Often Should You Use SmileDirect's Whitening Pens?

You only need to use these pens for a week – once in the morning and once in the evening – to enjoy whiter teeth for six months. Because you receive two full treatments (a year's worth of supplies), you won't have to restock when you repeat the whitening process in 6 months.

Pros

  • A membership option that allows you to subscribe to regular deliveries
  • An LED light is not necessary to see whitening results quickly
  • Easy-to-use products 
  • Only two to 16 minutes of whitening is needed per day
  • Affordable products (even cheaper with the membership option)
  • 60-day money-back guarantee (if you are unsatisfied for any reason)
  • Enamel-safe ingredients
  • No strips or trays are necessary

Cons

  • Mixed reviews on product effectiveness and customer service
  • Some customers mention issues with subscriptions/billing
  • It may take longer than a month to see results (without the use of an LED light) 
  • Products do not whiten dental restorations (not possible)

Where to Buy SmileDirect Teeth Whitening Products

SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Products are available on their website. You can also buy the products at any of their SmileShops, which can be found in over 30 states.

Why Trust Us?

All medical content on this site, including this guide and other product reviews, is written by our experienced writers and researchers.

All NewMouth writers vet products that are recommended and reviewed in the industry. 

In cases where this is not possible, our team will:

  • Compare hundreds of positive and negative reviews on the products
  • Talk to company leaders to ensure their products are safe and effective
  • Look into costs to ensure customers are getting the best quality products at reasonable prices
  • Read research studies to compare the pros and cons of each product

Every piece of content is heavily reviewed by our team of editors before publication. All content on NewMouth is also medically reviewed by a licensed dentist, specifically any content where we recommend products.

Our dentists flag any recommendations they don’t agree with. Any products that don’t meet their professional standards are removed.

Last updated on November 6, 2023
6 Sources Cited
Last updated on November 6, 2023
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. About Us.Smile Direct Club.
  2. Hayward, et al. “A clinical study of the effectiveness of a light emitting diode system on tooth bleaching.” The Open Dentistry Journal, 2012. 
  3. Leighton, Mara. “SmileDirectClub's $79 LED Whitening Kit Worked Exceptionally Well - and It Didn't Cause Me Any Tooth Sensitivity.Business Insider, 2019.
  4. Epple, et al. "A Critical Review of Modern Concepts for Teeth Whitening." Dentistry Journal, 2019.
  5. Moldovan, et al. "Various Aspects Involved in the Study of Tooth Bleaching Procedure: A Questionnaire–Based Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022.
  6. Eachempati, et al. "Home‐based chemically‐induced whitening (bleaching) of teeth in adults." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018.
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