What are the most effective teeth whitening strips?

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

For more information, please visit Onuge.

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.

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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.

A good oral health routine requires more than just brushing your teeth twice a day. Of course, brushing helps and you should brush and floss, but that's not always enough. Over time, your teeth can still lose their bright white color. To overcome this -- and get a whiter smile -- teeth whitening is a solution worth considering. The best option is to use at-home teeth whitening solutions instead of professional whitening because the former is more affordable and can yield excellent results when maintained consistently. That's why we set out to find the best teeth-whitening strips 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 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.

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.

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$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

$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.

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If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Teeth Whitening Strips.

$45 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

$45 at Amazon

Best whitening strips for sensitive teeth

Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips

$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.

• 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

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$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.

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Best Teeth Whitening Strips of

Teeth Whitening Strips Number of StripsResults in...Level of whiteningPriceCrest 3D Whitestrips 48About 24 days23 shades$46Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips days or less7 shades$40Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips 423 weeks or less14 shades$45Zimba 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As seen on Allure, Dr. Hadaegh recommends one of his favorite drugstore teeth-whitening kits.

In an ideal world, brushing your teeth routinely would be enough to keep your set of pearly whites, well, pearly and white between routine dentist appointments. But alas, for many of us (particularly those of us with a serious coffee habit), that&#;s just not the case. We feel moved to hit up the local drugstore for whitening products to freshen up our smiles &#; perhaps without giving much thought to what those products actually are and how they work.

&#;Tooth enamel [is] a crystal,&#; Matthew Messina, DDS, spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), says. &#;If you were to look at tooth enamel under a really powerful microscope, [the structure] kind of looks like chicken wire&#; (or wire mesh). He explains that removing stains within the matrix of the tooth enamel is like getting out dirt stuck in chicken wire: &#;So what happens in whitening is we want to&#;open the matrix and bubble out that color, the stain, and then close it back up.&#;
That&#;s where peroxide comes in. Dr. Messina says peroxide causes that bubbling to occur, so the active ingredient in whitening kits you buy will be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (a diluted version of hydrogen peroxide). &#;Carbamide peroxide is used because it&#;s a comparatively stable compound,&#; Neil Hadaegh, DDS, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Beverly Hills, California says. &#;This helps the manufacturer to insure product quality and consistency at the consumer&#;s end.&#; Dr. Messina notes that aside from the peroxide, over-the-counter whitening products usually contain some additional ingredient to improve the taste.

Peroxide is the main active ingredient in the products dentists use to do professional whitening in their offices, too. The only difference is the concentration. &#;If we&#;re doing something where we can mask off the gum tissue&#;where the gum tissues are protected, we can use a stronger whitening agent&#;because it&#;s only touching the teeth,&#; Dr. Messina says. &#;Something you&#;re using over-the-counter has the potential to touch the gum tissues or be swallowed. So, we have to use a much lower strength of the active ingredient because&#;it might burn [the patient&#;s] gum tissues.&#; Professionals, on the other hand, &#;can take all the necessary precautions to make sure the gum tissue is safe and protected and the whitening agent is only getting on the tooth enamel that we want whiter.&#;

Ultimately, Dr. Messina says that all over-the-counter, peroxide-based whiteners will deliver comparable results as long as you follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for use. One ingredient to steer clear of? Hydrated silica. Dr. Hadaegh says that the substance is &#;made from a crystallized compound found in quartz and sand [and] can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue.&#; Aside from that, Giri Palani, DDS, a dentist in Beverly Hills and Palos Verdes, California says the most important thing is to look for when you&#;re shopping is ease of use. &#;Also, [you] want to make sure that the product you buy has a good shelf life and you store the product properly ([in] the refrigerator will last longer),&#; he says.

Once you have a kit, Dr. Messina says you can use it for seven to 10 days to start, and then once every other week or so for maintenance. Before you do so, though, consider taking a trip to the dentist for your standard teeth cleaning and to consult on your at-home whitening plans. &#;Tooth whitening is something that should only be done in a healthy mouth situation,&#; he says. &#;If somebody has cavities or periodontal disease, or some other reason why their teeth aren&#;t white, whitening is not the right choice for them. That&#;s why it&#;s always good to have a thorough examination done by your dentist before starting on a whitening program.&#; Not to mention, if you do the whitening right after having your teeth cleaned at the dentist, Dr. Messina says, you&#;ll be whitening your tooth enamel itself rather than the tartar or build-up on top of it. Regardless, he says, involving your dentist in the discussion will help you ensure you&#;re taking the right path.

Once you have that conversation, consider one of these over-the-counter kits.

1. Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit, $44.99 (target.com)

There&#;s no doubt that Crest Whitestrips are one of the most recognizable over-the-counter teeth whitening systems available. It seems almost as if they&#;ve been around forever &#; and professionals still love &#;em. &#;Over the counter, I recommend Crest 3D White Whitestrips,&#; Dr. Hadaegh says. &#;A lot of my patients who naturally have whiter teeth or slightly discolored teeth are happy with the results.&#;

Dr. Palani is also a big advocate of whitening strips. &#;I have had great results with the strips,&#; he says. &#;When people use strips properly, they can get very close to professional whitening.&#;

2. Plus White 5 Minute Dental Whitening Kit, $11.49 (riteaid.com)

When it comes to tray options, Lana Rozenberg, DDS, a New-York-City-based cosmetic dentist, likes Plus White&#;s 5 Minute system. They cause &#;very little [tooth] sensitivity, [and they&#;re] less expensive than the strips but a bit easier, due to the trays,&#; she says.

3. Dr. Collins All White 22% Bleaching System, $20.49 (target.com)

&#;The strips or the trays are more effective than the pens because of the prolonged contact of the gel to the tooth,&#; Dr. Rozenberg says. But, Dr. Rozenberg notes, over-the-counter trays are one-size-fits-all, and the looser ones could allow more gel to seep out. A custom-fit, take-home tray from your dentist is the most ideal scenario, but you can get these &#;boil-n-bite&#; trays, which you can (at least somewhat) mold to your teeth, from drugstores. Just be sure to follow all instructions, and let the tray cool enough that you don&#;t burn yourself when putting it in your mouth!

4. Walgreens Extreme Whitening Wraps, $14.99 (walgreens.com)

Dr. Messina agrees that prolonged contact of whitener with teeth is key. &#;What we have to do is keep the whitening agent on the teeth,&#; he says. &#;So strips or trays have a better ability to keep the whitening agent against the teeth [than other products like pens] because [the whitening agent is] only effective as long as it stays there and saliva doesn&#;t wash [it] off.&#; If you&#;re having trouble finding trays that fit your mouth well, these more fitted wraps from Walgreens could do the trick.

5. Hager Pharma Mirawhite Oxygen Tooth Whitening Pen, $31.99 (cvs.com)
That&#;s not to say you can&#;t use whitening pens; they just may be more difficult to use effectively. &#;That&#;s the challenge with something like a pen,&#; Dr. Messina says. &#;Can you keep the teeth isolated? Can you keep your mouth open long enough and your lips away from the teeth long enough for it to work? And if you can do that, they&#;re very effective.&#;

6. CVS Platinum Whitening Kit,

Dr. Rozenberg says that over-the-counter whitening kits should contain from 10 to 35 percent carbamide peroxide (or three to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide) and are most effective at higher concentrations. (Dr. Messina notes that in general, though, manufacturers adjust the concentration based on how the product will be used and how long it will be held against the teeth.) At 25 percent carbamide peroxide, this CVS brand whitening kit hits near the top of the allowable range. Just be sure you use it carefully. &#;The product with higher concentrations of peroxide [means] higher chances of causing tooth sensitivity if worn for an extended period of time, and may cause gum irritations as well,&#; Dr. Rozenberg advises. &#;Do not wear longer than written in the instructions.&#; There you have it &#; happy whitening!

Want more information on custom teeth whitening products? Feel free to contact us.