What are the most reliable whitening strips?

23 Sep.,2024

 

Best Teeth Whitening Strips of

Those with sensitive teeth should look out for products without hydrogen peroxide.

Onuge Product Page

Make sure the teeth whitening strips cover the majority of your teeth.

Make sure the white strips fit snug on your teeth and don't touch the gums.

CNET&#;s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Why You Can Trust CNET

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25+

Years of Experience

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Hands-on Product Reviewers

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

11,000

12,000

13,000

14,000

15,000

Sq. Feet of Lab Space

How we test

CNET&#;s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Fit

Make sure the white strips fit snug on your teeth and don't touch the gums.

Coverage

Make sure the teeth whitening strips cover the majority of your teeth.

Ease of use

Whitening strips should be easy to apply.

Sensations

Those with sensitive teeth should look out for products without hydrogen peroxide.

Length of wear

Decide what length of time you're comfortable wearing white strips. Sensitive teeth should avoid prolonged wear.

Dealing with a situation where you feel you'd like to have whiter teeth? To overcome this -- and get those pearly whites -- teeth whitening is a solution worth considering, in particular the over-the-counter express strips type. It's one of the best options for at-home teeth whitening solutions -- instead of professional whitening -- because it's more affordable and can yield excellent results when maintained consistently. That's why we set out to find the best teeth whitening kits to brighten your smile.

There are plenty of teeth whitening products available over the counter. However, I have sensitive gums, so for me, a good teeth whitening product is effective but doesn't sear my gum tissue. I know not everyone has tooth sensitivity, so to help you find the best ones for your teeth, I've put together this list of the best whitening strips on the market below.

A note before you get started: Wanting a brighter smile is valid, but maintaining healthy teeth and oral health is more 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 enamel erosion (enamel is the protective layer on your teeth) or if you know you need dental work -- like a cavity filled. Also, make sure to take precautions when using whitening strips on existing dental work like veneers, filings, crowns or caps.

What is the best teeth whitening strip overall?

Crest 3D Whitestrips are our pick as the best teeth whitening strips overall because our tests determined that they had the best results with the most effective active ingredients. If you have surface stains from years and years of tea, coffee and wine, the whitening agent in Crest 3D Whitestrips can effectively whiten teeth by as much as 23 levels.

Best teeth whitening strips of

$40 at Walmart $46 at Amazon

Pros

  • Up to 23 levels whiter teeth in about 24 days
  • Remove up to 14 years of stains
  • Active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide

Cons

  • You might find the coverage to be less than you want
  • Most expensive on this list

Price

$$

Number of pieces

48

Active ingredient

Hydrogen peroxide

Cruelty-free

No

Results in

About 24 days

Level of whitening

About 23

$40 at Walmart

Best overall whitening strips

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects

$40 at Walmart $46 at Amazon

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.

Photo Gallery

1/1

$40 at Amazon

Pros

  • Dissolves within 15 minutes
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • A refreshing mint flavor

Cons

  • On the expensive side
  • Must avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after application

Price

$$

Number of pieces

56

Active ingredient

Hydrogen peroxide

Cruelty-free

Yes

Results in

14 days or less

Level of whitening

Up to 7 shades

Want more information on OEM/ODM Teeth Whitening Strips |Onuge? Feel free to contact us.

$40 at Amazon

Best dissolving whitening strips

Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips

$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 or 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.

Photo Gallery

1/1

$40 at Amazon

Pros

  • Natural alternative -- coconut oil is the active ingredient
  • Contains 21 treatments in one box
  • Up to 14 shades lighter in a maximum of three weeks

Cons

  • On the pricey side
  • May slip around

Price

$$

Number of pieces

42

Active ingredient

Coconut oil

Cruetly-free

Yes

Results in

3 weeks or less

Level of whitening

Up to 14 shades

$40 at Amazon

Best whitening strips for sensitive teeth

Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips

$40 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.

  • Price: $$
  • Number of pieces: 42
  • Active ingredient: Coconut oil
  • Cruelty-free: Yes
  • Results in: 3 weeks or less
  • Level of whitening: Up to 14 shades

Photo Gallery

1/1

$20 at Amazon $30 at Walmart

Pros

  • 10 flavors to choose from including mint, coconut, strawberry and wintergreen
  • Nonslip design
  • Results in two weeks or less

Cons

  • The brand doesn&#;t say how many levels of whitening is possible 
  • May not be suitable for sensitive teeth

Price

$

Number of pieces

28

Active ingredient

Hydrogen peroxide

Cruelty-free

Yes

Results in

14 days or less

Level of whitening

Not listed

$20 at Amazon

Best affordable whitening strips

Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

$20 at Amazon $30 at Walmart

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.

Photo Gallery

1/1

Best Teeth Whitening Strips of

Teeth Whitening Strips Number of StripsResults in...Level of whiteningPriceCrest 3D Whitestrips 48About 24 days23 shades$40Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips days or less7 shades$40Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips 423 weeks or less14 shades$40Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips days or lessNot listed$20

How we chose teeth whitening strips

I began this list of teeth whitening strips with teeth whitening 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.

It would be impossible to test the long-term efficacy of all of these whitening strips without annihilating my enamel and gum tissue or distinguishing results with back-to-back testing on my own teeth, so I judged each product against a few criteria that I think will help you make a buying decision.

Show more

Factors to consider when choosing teeth whitening strips

Before buying your next box of teeth whitening strips, consider these factors.

Fit

You want your strips to fully cover your teeth and not go up over your gums, which 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.

Coverage

While whitening your molars is not necessary (since you hardly see them anyway), your teeth 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.

Ease of use

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.

Sensations

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.

Length of wear

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 teeth whitening strips, look for products that don&#;t require much wear.

Show more

Best teeth whitening strip FAQs

Do dentists recommend white strips?

According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended to use only over-the-counter bleaching kits with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These include Crest White Strips.

Show more

Should I brush before using teeth whitening strips?

You can brush before applying teeth whitening strips. Brushing and flossing before doing so will remove plaque and create a cleaner canvas. It's advised to wait 30 minutes after brushing to use whitening strips.

Show more

Are teeth whitening strips OK for your teeth?

If you have healthy teeth and good oral health, using a reputable teeth whitening kit should be fine when used as directed. Teeth 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 teeth 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.

Show more

Do whitening strips work on really yellow teeth?

Over-the-counter teeth 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 more

What are the negatives of teeth whitening strips?

The negatives of teeth whitening strips include possible tooth and gum sensitivity. If you use teeth whitening strips too often, it can damage your enamel, and some of the results might not be the exact shade you imagine.

Show more

7 Best Teeth-Whitening Strips, According to Dentists

We&#;re not exaggerating when we say that we count the best teeth-whitening strips among one of the most reliable beauty tools. They&#;re so effective and easy to use: A few simple treatments, and&#;bam!&#;the evidence of all those cups of iced coffee suddenly isn&#;t as noticeable.

Teeth-whitening strips work by targeting extrinsic discoloration on the outside of your teeth due to food and beverage consumption. Dark-colored drinks (like coffee and wine), smoking, and poor oral health habits can all stand in your way of having white teeth.

To help you find the best teeth-whitening strips, we spoke with dentists and people who use at-home teeth-whitening strips. Just make sure you get the okay from your dentist before trying any of these for yourself to see if you need to worry about concerns like tooth sensitivity or a tooth condition resistant to whitening, says Joyce Kahng, DDS, cosmetic dentist and owner of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, California.

The best teeth-whitening strips, at a glance

Your teeth-whitening questions, answered