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Brushing at least twice a day is critical to your health and hygiene, but if you really want your smile to sparkle, you may want to grab a pack of teeth-whitening strips.
While there's no shortage of teeth-whitening products available over the counter, I have sensitive gums, so for me, a good teeth-whitening product is one that's effective but doesn't sear my gum tissue. I know not everyone has tooth sensitivity; to help you find the best ones for your teeth, I've rounded up the best whitening strips on the market right now below.
A note before you get started: Wanting a brighter smile is valid, but maintaining healthy teeth is important. It's a good idea to consult with your dentist before you try any at-home whitening kit. This may be especially important if your dentist has told you in the past that you have some enamel erosion (enamel is the protective layer on your teeth), or if you know you need dental work, like a cavity filled. Also, whitening strips won't work on existing dental work like veneers, filings, crowns or caps.
Crest 3D Whitestrips are our pick as the best overall teeth-whitening strips, because our tests determined that they had the best results with the most effective active ingredients. If you have stains from years and years of tea, coffee and wine, Crest 3D Whitestrips can effectively whiten your teeth by as much as 23 levels.
Crest 3D Whitestrips are truly a classic. They're easy to find and easy to use, and I've used them many times in the past. Each Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects box contains 48 strips for 24 treatments. Wear one strip a day for 30 minutes, and Crest claims that you can remove up to 14 years of stains by the end of your last treatment.
One thing to keep in mind is the coverage is a little less than other brands on this list (such as the Rembrandt strips). I found that the cover was OK, I just wished the strips would reach over my canines more. Despite that, Crest 3D is still my No. 1 on this list, because time and time again they're effective.
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$40 at Amazon $40 at Amazon
If you don’t like the feeling of whitening strips sitting on your teeth for up to 30 minutes, you can try dissolving strips, instead. Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips are applied just like any other strips, but after 15 minutes, they completely dissolve. There’s no unnecessary waste nor mess and no need to rinse. The strips are also peppermint flavored.
Moon states that in two weeks or less, you can whiten your teeth up to seven shades lighter. In addition to being vegan and cruelty-free, these dissolving whitening strips are free from SLS/SLES (which can irritate skin), triclosan, parabens and artificial flavors.
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$45 at Amazon $45 at Amazon
Anyone who has sensitive teeth should check out Lumineux Oral Essentials. Lumineux products don't include hydrogen peroxide and instead use a combination of dead sea salt, essential oils, coconut oil and aloe vera. The fit and coverage were great, although they did slip around a bit. Lumineux products are also cruelty-free.
I tested these for three consecutive days, so I can't speak to the long-term efficacy compared with other brands, but Lumineux did conduct a clinical trial that concluded Crest 3D Whitestrips were no more effective than Lumineux natural whitening strips. (The study was funded in part by Lumineux, so keep that in mind.) Still, I think they're worth a shot for people with sensitive teeth and gums.
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$20 at Amazon $31 at Walmart $20 at Amazon
Zimba whitening strips are both affordable and effective at lightening the shade of your teeth. One pack comes with 28 strips for results in 14 days or less. Wear one strip for 30 minutes a day.
This cruelty-free brand has found a way to combat one of the negatives of whitening strips -- the strong, bitter taste. Zimba offers 10 different flavors to choose from, like watermelon or spearmint. On top of that, the strips have a nonslip design that grip the teeth during each treatment.
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I began this list of whitening strips with products that could potentially make it into this roundup, looking at things like brand reputation, buyer reviews on Amazon and full reviews by other writers. After narrowing the lengthy list of teeth-whitening strips, I started testing.
Because it would be impossible to test the long-term efficacy of all of these whitening strips without annihilating my enamel and gum tissue (or working on this project for literal years, because I wouldn't be able to adequately judge how much whiter each of them made my teeth by using them back to back), I judged each product against a few criteria that I think will help you make a buying decision.
Show moreBefore buying your next box of teeth-whitening strips, consider these factors.
You want your strips to fully cover your teeth and not go up over your gums -- that can cause gum sensitivity. Additionally, their fit should be snug. While you go about your day, waiting for it to be time to take the strips off, they should not slip and slide around your mouth.
While whitening your molars is not necessary (since you hardly see them anyway), your whitening strips should still cover a good percentage of your teeth. After you apply the strip, smile and look in the mirror. Is the strip touching all of the teeth you can see in your normal smile? If not, time to try another brand.
Whitening strips should be simple. Apply the product, wait a specified amount of time and take them off. If the teeth-whitening strips require other steps or seem difficult to use, try another brand.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, look for products that will give you the least amount of sensitivity. Oftentimes, hydrogen peroxide is too strong for sensitive teeth, so try coconut oil, instead. Don’t suffer through a product if it burns your gums or hurts your teeth.
Most strips require at least 30 minutes of wear in order to get the best results. If you have sensitive teeth or not enough time for whitening strips, look for products that don’t require much wear.
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If you have healthy teeth and good oral health, using a reputable whitening kit should be fine when used as directed. However, whitening products are only meant to be used occasionally and in moderation, and it's always a better idea to speak with your dentist first about finding the best option for you. Additionally, steer clear of whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide.
People who need dental work or have tooth pain should consult with their dentist to find out if teeth whitening is right for them.
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Over-the-counter whitening products may not be powerful enough for very stained teeth. If you're looking for exceptional results for yellow teeth, consult your dentist.
Show moreContact us to discuss your requirements of pap+ teeth whitening strips quality. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
The negatives of teeth-whitening strips include possible tooth and gum sensitivity. If you use whitening strips too often, it can damage your enamel, and some of the results might not be the exact shade you imagine.
Show moreHere are the best (and most effective) teeth whitening strips that PEOPLE tested.
With all of these benefits to consider, it’s no wonder there are dozens of teeth whitening strips on the market. Our PEOPLE Tested team tried 23 different options from Amazon, Crest, Burst, and more to find the 10 best teeth whitening strips. Throughout the process, variations of Crest Whitestrips stood out among the rest, and the only major drawback was tooth sensitivity after a few applications.
If you experience tooth or gum sensitivity, Ang says at-home whitening strips can also be worth trying as they are typically designed with more gentle formulas. “Most at-home whitening strips use a hydrogen peroxide concentration under 16 percent, whereas in-office treatments use a concentration of 25 to 40 percent,” she explains. Because of this, Ang says patients with a history of tooth or gum sensitivity might have a more comfortable experience with at-home teeth whitening strips.
“The average cost of getting your teeth professionally whitened ranged from $650 to $1,000, and professionally-dispensed kits that you get from the dentist's office average $100 to $400,” says Brittany Ang, DMD, MDS, MBS, of Curve Orthodontics. She explains that, although an in-office whitening treatment is more involved, at-home whitening strips can yield effective results.
Similar to sheet masks , these whitening strips are simple and easy to apply to the teeth — and most only require a 30-minute treatment time. Additionally, at-home teeth whitening strips are a cost-effective solution for achieving a whiter smile, as a majority of options cost less than $60 for a week’s worth of treatment.
Whether we’re sipping on a Starbucks latte, eating a bowl of pasta doused in our favorite marinara sauce, or munching on a piece of dark chocolate, our pearly whites are constantly in contact with teeth-staining foods. And, just like we might turn to at-home skin treatments for evening skin tone and erasing dark spots , we can use at-home treatments, such as teeth whitening strips or LED whitening kits , to target yellowing teeth and provide an overall brighter, whiter smile.
While the strips get a little slimy when dissolving, that is expected with dissolving whitening strips. Plus, we love how effective these are at brightening teeth and removing stains, and the treatment time is only 15 minutes, so they’re well worth a little bit of slime.
If you prefer a dissolving option, we found the best quick-dissolving teeth whitening strips are the Moon Oral Care Dissolving Whitening Strips. Formulated with gentle hydrogen peroxide, these strips are a great option for sensitive teeth and gums. They also effectively lightened teeth after just one treatment session. The super-thin feel is barely noticeable on the teeth, making them one of the more comfortable options on our list.
When they dissolve, they do feel a little slimy on the teeth.
The treatment time is only 15 minutes, which is a much shorter period than most whitening strips.
If you want ultra-effective whitening strips and can commit to a one-week treatment plan, we recommend the REMBRANDT Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit, which you can order on Amazon. This teeth whitening kit comes with 14 treatments that you use morning and night for seven days. Although the strips touch the gums and aren’t the greatest fit, they were by far one of the best options for actually whitening teeth as they lightened our pearly whites from S24 to S10. They also don’t have any of that weird foaming or sticky residue that can often come with whitening strips, and they only take one week to achieve incredible results.
They didn’t have a lot of foaming or sticky residue, which isn’t usually the case with whitening strips.
While they have a comfortable fit, we found that the bottom strips weren’t as secure as the top strips, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind if you have fit concerns. Additionally, the strips felt a bit slimy halfway through the treatment time, so if you’re sensitive to texture, we recommend trying something else, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit .
Dentists love the Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White , and after testing them for a couple of weeks, so do we. These Crest Whitestrips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for a gentle yet effective glow-up and take only 30 minutes to cure on the teeth — but we totally noticed a difference after just one use and without experiencing sensitivity. We love these as both an at-home whitening treatment and for maintenance, as they work effectively at reducing stain build-up. After 14 treatments, our teeth went from S10 to S8.
The strip for the bottom teeth isn’t as secure as the strip for the top teeth.
These brightened teeth after just one use, and after 14 treatments, our teeth went from S10 to S8.
For the easiest application, consider the Burst Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips, which are a great value for 10 treatments. We love these because they are not only super convenient, but they have an excellent fit and a barely-there feeling that stays put the entire treatment time. In addition to their great value and excellent application, these whitening strips are formulated with only 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, so they’re another good option for sensitive gums and teeth (though this also means they aren’t strong enough to brighten teeth beyond a few shades). Plus, they feature nourishing and soothing aloe vera and coconut oil for added gum and teeth perks.
These are super easy and convenient to use, plus they have a great fit.
These whitening strips feature 22 treatments and are still much cheaper than in-office treatments. Plus, they fit well on the teeth and can whiten teeth by several shades without irritating gums and teeth, making them well worth the price.
If you’re looking for a less expensive way to brighten sensitive teeth, try the iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips. The PEOPLE Tested team member who tried these strips has highly sensitive teeth and usually experiences sensitivity with almost every whitening formula. However, they only noticed a few tingles here and there over the two-week testing period. And, despite their more gentle formula, the strips were still able to lighten teeth from S24 to S16, thanks to their hydrogen peroxide-based formula.
The strips are difficult to remove and the gel gets stuck to the teeth and fingers.
Even though we usually experience sensitivity when whitening teeth, we found these were most comfortable and rarely caused a tingle over the two-week testing period.
Although the application process is challenging and the strips are a tad bit uncomfortable to wear, the daily processing time is low and the results and lack of teeth sensitivity make it worth it.
While we loved the efficacy of these whitening strips, the consistency of the strips was offputting and the application was challenging. The strips are oddly shaped and we felt they didn’t provide adequate coverage for our teeth. After snipping the strips in half length-wise, however, we were able to get full coverage. They were also really wide, so we had to position them perfectly so they wouldn’t touch our gums. The paper consistency made the strips difficult to adhere correctly without tearing and we noticed our lips would stick to them, making it awkward to talk or carry on as normal during the whitening process.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums and are looking for at-home teeth whitening strips that can brighten and whiten without causing irritation (or those awful shooting pains that can occur), we recommend the Superstrips Professional Teeth Whitening Dissolving Strips. In just one week for 15 minutes per day, Superstrips promises to get teeth eight shades whiter. While we didn’t achieve those lofty results, we did notice our teeth were at least two shades whiter and noticeably brighter than when we started.
The treatment time is only 15 minutes per day — one of the shortest on our list.
Additionally, they are formulated with gentle yet effective hydrogen peroxide and although they only brighten teeth by a few shades, we saw a noticeable difference in our teeth color after just one use.
For another less expensive option, consider the Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips. These whitening strips are designed with excellent grip and a snug and comfortable fit, so you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding during the 30-minute treatment period.
They only brightened the teeth by a few shades (though we still loved the results).
We found these were quite comfortable to wear compared to others we tested.
We saw a change in teeth brightness after the first use.
Due to the shape of our teeth, these strips were a little more noticeable compared to the express option and overlapped our gums slightly but, despite that, never caused sensitivity. We wish they were available in a mint flavor, but beyond that, they were comfortable and stayed put throughout the 30-minute treatment time.
Formulated with gentle hydrogen peroxide, these white strips are meant to be used once per day for 30 minutes. After the testing period finished, our teeth were whitened from S12 to S8. They’re easy to use, have a secure fit, and the residue doesn’t leak through the sides.
If you’re looking for another Crest whitening strip product that is a little less expensive, we were also highly impressed by the Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit. Unlike the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express , these whitening strips are designed to be used over an 11-day treatment period and can effectively whiten teeth by several shades.
We wish these had a mint flavor, which would make the taste experience more enjoyable.
These are a little more noticeable on the teeth compared to the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express.
These whitened our teeth up to four shades during the testing period.
Although highly effective, we would not recommend this kit for anyone with sensitive teeth. Our tester noticed issues with sensitivity after the first use and was unfortunately unable to finish the treatment plan. However, if you don’t struggle with teeth sensitivity, have an hour to spare each day, and want whiter teeth in two weeks, these strips will get the job done.
The application process was a breeze and only took about 30 seconds to get the strips situated on the top and bottom teeth. With no-slip grips, the strips stay in place for the allotted time and are super thin so they’re comfortable and barely noticeable while wearing. (You could even toss these on before your morning commute.)
If you’re looking for rapid results, look no further than the Crest 3DWhitestrips Radiant Express At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit. This kit is meant to be used for one hour a day for just two weeks to achieve professional-level whitening at home. After just one use, we noticed our teeth were two shades whiter and significantly brighter and more even in tone than before.
The thin strips stay in place on the teeth, thanks to no-slip grips, and they are comfortable to wear.
Throughout the testing period, we found that one of the most impressive aspects of these strips — especially considering the one-hour treatment time — is the tacky surface, which sticks to teeth effectively for long periods of time. We also loved the shape and size of the strips as they never touched our gums and, therefore, didn’t increase the risk of sensitivity. The strips are on the more expensive side; however, we think they’re worth the price, considering you can use them as a one-time treatment and over time for brighter, whiter teeth.
After testing 23 options, we found that the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express are the best at-home teeth whitening strips. These whitening strips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide and are designed as a quick solution to brighten teeth in just a single one-hour session. Upon our first test, we noticed a change in our teeth color, which was impressive for one-time use. However, we found that these Crest whitening strips were the most impressive after several uses as they effectively removed stains and made teeth whiter by six shades.
They are the most expensive option on our list (unless they're on sale).
Due to the size and shape of the strips, they don’t touch the gums.
They have a firm and tacky surface that sticks to the teeth well.
Other Teeth Whitening Strips We Tried
People / Jhett Thompson
Things to Consider Before Buying Whitening Strips
Ingredients
To find the most effective teeth whitening strips, Ang says to consider the formula and look for ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. “These are the two most common whitening agents used in both professional and at-home treatments since they have been proven clinically effective at whitening teeth,” she tells PEOPLE.
With this in mind, all our top picks — including our best overall pick, the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express — are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for an effective at-home teeth whitening solution.
Concentration
In addition to ingredients, Ang says to look at the concentration of active whitening ingredients (such as hydrogen peroxide) as a higher concentration equates to faster results. “Most over-the-counter treatments will have a concentration under 16 percent peroxide,” she explains. For fast-acting teeth whitening strips, consider the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, which is formulated with 10 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove stains in a single one-hour session with results lasting up to six months.
With that said, Ang says don’t discount lower concentrations entirely, as higher concentrations come with a greater chance of tooth or gum sensitivity. So, if you have a more sensitive mouth or are concerned about sensitivity caused by teeth whitening, look for lower-concentration formulas (just know that these might take a little longer to reach full effect). Although it wasn’t one of the most effective teeth whitening strips we tried, the Made by Dentists Express Teeth Whitening Strips (which include 1 percent hydrogen peroxide) are safe for sensitive teeth and worth considering if you have sensitivity. They can provide some whitening effects over time and also won’t irritate the gums or teeth.
Treatment Time
Since teeth whitening strips are supposed to be convenient, it’s also worth looking at the treatment commitment and how long it takes to see results. In most cases, whitening strips take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, twice daily, over one or two weeks. However, quicker solutions, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, provide a whitening effect in a single one-hour session. According to Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist, the time frame doesn’t mean a formula is better or worse instead, it’s about choosing a product that fits into your preferred time frame for results.
People / Jhett Thompson
How We Tested
To find the best teeth whitening strips, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options before narrowing it down to 23 top picks. From there, we conducted real-world testing based on the strips’ individual treatment times and instructions to better understand how each formula works at lifting stains and brightening teeth.
Throughout the testing period, we carefully considered the ease of use, effectiveness, and value while also making note of comfort to find options that work well and are comfortable on sensitive gums and teeth. Additionally, we examined the treatment requirements, including individual times and overall treatment length, to determine convenience and effectiveness.
After testing the whitening strips based on their individual treatment requirements, we compiled all of our notes together and thoroughly reviewed our experiences. We compared treatment time requirements, convenience, and how effective each formula was at removing stains and whitening teeth. Plus, we noted the overall price and value for each treatment to determine which whitening strips were worth it.
After much deliberation, we narrowed down our top picks to the 10 best whitening strips, plus a few additional honorable mentions worth considering.
People / Tamara Staples
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best whitening strips for fast results?
Our top pick for the best whitening strips for fast results is the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express. These teeth whitening strips are designed for single-use sessions and can whiten teeth effectively in just one hour, with results lasting for up to six months. For something a little less expensive, we also loved the Persmax Teeth Whitening Kit, which were comfortable to wear and improved our teeth's appearance immediately.
Do white strips work on yellow teeth?
According to Kosdon, teeth whitening strips work best on teeth with yellow staining caused by foods, coffee, and aging, as they can lift away the stains over time and restore your natural tooth color. With that said, if your natural tooth color is slightly yellow and you want to make them brighter, Kosdon says whitening strips aren’t effective as they won’t whiten teeth beyond the color they grew in.
If you’re unsure about whether or not whitening strips can transform your teeth color, Ang recommends consulting with a dentist to find out what kind of staining (if any) you might have and if white strips are the best solution.
What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes?
Just like with other whitening products, when whitening teeth at home with strips, always follow the recommended treatment time. “If whitening strips are left on the teeth longer than the recommended time, this can lead to potential side effects including gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, uneven whitening results, and even potential gastrointestinal upset due to ingesting the active ingredients,” says Ang. Additionally, overuse or extended use beyond what is recommended can damage the tooth's outer layer (a.k.a. the enamel).
If you experience any of these side effects or a negative reaction to whitening strips, Ang says it’s advised to discontinue use and discuss concerns with your dentist.
Do I rinse after whitening strips?
Rinsing after whitening strips is recommended to remove any excess whitening gel on the teeth. “This could help prevent the excess gel from migrating to the gums and causing irritation,” Ang notes.
Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips?
You can definitely brush your teeth after whitening strips to remove the residual whitening gel from the teeth. However, Ang says to keep in mind that active gels can cause damage to the tooth if brushing is aggressive or a hard-bristle toothbrush is used. “Use a soft or even extra-soft bristle toothbrush and be cognizant to gently brush all surfaces to prevent damage to the teeth and gums,” she explains. “Brushing gently and with a soft-bristle toothbrush will not interfere or affect whitening unless the manufacturer specifically instructs not to brush after the use of the strips.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best teeth whitening strips, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s notes and insights from the testing period to get an idea of how well each formula worked and carefully considered their treatment time, price, value, ease of use, and comfort, too. Additionally, Jessie connected with dental experts to learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening strips and what to consider when shopping for safe and effective at-home whitening treatments. Kayla Kitts, a shopping editor for PEOPLE, updated this article with the most recent insights from our PEOPLE Tested lab, including two new top picks.
Meet Our Experts
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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