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We all want whiter and brighter teeth, because we all have habits that put our teeth through the ringer (here's looking at you, coffee). While pro whitening treatments at a dentist's office are an option, they can be expensive. The good news is there are plenty of at-home options these days, from whitening kits with LED attachments and even on-the-go teeth whitening pens, but the tried-and-true product for at-home teeth whitening is with one of the best teeth-whitening strips.
Shop The Best Teeth Whitening Strips
EXPERT PICK
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects
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EXPERT PICK
Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
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BAZAAR EDITORS' FAVORITE
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips 21 Treatments
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GREAT FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
Burst Teeth Whitening Strips
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GREAT FIT
Rembrandt Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
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UNDER $16
Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips Kit
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Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide gel that removes surface stains and discoloration. They're easy to use and there are a lot of options out there for you to choose from. But picking the right—and, more importantly, the most effective—one means you have to consider a few things.
Below, Walter Wang, dentist at Tend Wall Street, and Marc Lowenberg, cosmetic dentist at Lowenberg, Lituchy and Kantor in New York City, break down how teeth whitening strips work and offer their picks on the best ones you should try. We also threw in some of our favorites, so you can shop with confidence knowing each one below has been thoroughly tested and reviewed.
EXPERT PICK
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects
EXPERT PICK
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects
Pros
- Effective
- Fast results
Cons
- Reviewers say that it might irritate sensitive gums
Wang recommends these whitening strips from Crest; he says it's one of the most popular options because it actually works. "They work effectively by adhering to your teeth and bleaching away stains, providing noticeable results in a few weeks of consistent use," he says.
DISSOLVING STRIPS
Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips
DISSOLVING STRIPS
Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips
Pros
- Dissolving strips
- Effective
- Peppermint flavor
Cons
- You have to wait 30 minutes after use to eat or drink
Made with a dissolving agent that causes the strips to gradually disappear after you apply them, these whitening strips will brighten up stains in just a few weeks. It also has a nice peppermint flavor to make the teeth whitening experience a bit more enjoyable.
EXPERT PICK
Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
EXPERT PICK
Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros
- Fast results
- Great value
Cons
Crest is one of the most trusted brands out there when it comes to anything teeth-related. Lowenberg says these white strips are an effective option on a budget. "The bleach within the strips remains in contact with the tooth enamel long enough to deliver noticeable results," he explains. "They contain a flex-fit Advanced Seal Technology no-slip grip which helps the strips stay put so you can talk and drink water while whitening teeth. They give an immediate boost to your smile and when you know your teeth look whiter, you’re going to naturally go around smiling."
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BAZAAR EDITORS' FAVORITE
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips 21 Treatments
Pros
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Reviewers say the gel can be too sticky
Made with plant-based materials that are without preservatives, additives, artificial dyes, or flavorings, these whitening strips are one of the most eco-friendly options out there. It also aims to keep your teeth microbiome-safe with its non-toxic ingredients, making it ideal for sensitive teeth and gums. Bazaar's beauty director Jenna Rosenstein used these before her wedding day with great results.
Pros
- Comes in multiple enjoyable flavors
- No slippage
Cons
- Reviewers say that it can irritate sensitive gums
Zimba offers you multiple flavors (mint, peach, coconut, etc.) to enjoy while its strips work to whiten your teeth. The strips also grip onto enamel with almost zero slippage during the process. After two-weeks, you'll notice a dramatic difference.
GREAT FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
Burst Teeth Whitening Strips
GREAT FOR SENSITIVE TEETH
Burst Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- Gentle enough for even the most sensitive teeth and gums
- No-slip grip
Cons
- Reviewers say that results aren't as noticeable
Made with sensitive teeth and gums in mind, these whitening strips contain coconut oil to lift stains. It also boasts a no-slip grip where strips hug the teeth during treatment for comfortable wear.
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GREAT FIT
Rembrandt Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
GREAT FIT
Rembrandt Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Fast results
- Comfortable wear
Cons
These whitening strips guarantee a noticeable difference in just a week. It also comes with custom-fit strips for comfortable wear.
Pros
- Effective
- Gentle enough for even the most sensitive teeth and gums
Cons
These strips mix hydrogen peroxide with coconut and mint oil to remove heavy stains. It's super gentle and you'll notice a huge difference in your teeth in just a week.
15 MINUTE TREATMENT
Snow The Magic Strips
Pros
- Fast treatment
- Lavender and mint flavor
- Dissolving strips
Cons
- Pricey for the amount you get
Another dissolving strip option, this only takes 15 minutes to work its magic on your teeth. It combines hydrogen peroxide with glycerin for a more gentle whitening treatment. Plus it comes in a lovely flavor of lavender and mint.
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Pros
- Wallet-friendly
- Effective
- Comfortable wear
Cons
Can a whitening treatment be that good at a low price point? With Persmax, absolutely. Easy to apply without any discomfort and noticeable brighter teeth after a few treatments, this can't be beat.
BEST KIT
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips
BEST KIT
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- Soothes gums with vitamin E
- sulfate- and paraben-free
Cons
- Reviewers say that it might take longer to see noticeable results compared to other options
This kit contains 28 strips plus a comforting gum oil pen, so even the most sensitive among us can enjoy whiter teeth.
Do dentists actually recommend using whitening strips?
Both Lowenberg and Wang agree that whitening strips are an effective option for improving the color of teeth. Wang credits this to the peroxide gel in the strips that penetrate the enamel to bleach the stains.
"They are a great option for at-home whitening on a budget," says Lowenberg. "Using both whitening strips and whitening toothpaste is a good one-two punch for a quick whitening fix. Whitening toothpaste alone is not strong enough to achieve a whiter smile; it must be used in conjunction with other at‐home whitening products or as a follow-up to an in‐office whitening treatment."
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How does one use teeth whitening strips?
Wang says that you'll want to follow the instructions provided by the specific product, but generally it's best to apply the strips directly on your teeth for a designated amount of time once a day.
Lowenberg recommends waiting at least six hours before brushing your teeth or using mouthwash before whitening; he explains that the fluoride in the toothpaste could prevent the bleach from absorbing. Then, he says to wipe your teeth with tissue right before placing the strips on so that they stick on better. Make sure the strips don't touch your gums (the peroxide can be irritating and he says you can cut the strips if they're too large). Carefully use something like the side of the toothpick to mold the strips in place and to push them into spaces between your teeth. Don't eat or drink while the strips are on and wait the appropriate time, as instructed by the specific product you're trying, before removing. If you feel any discomfort while wearing whitening strips, he says to take them off and gently brush your teeth to remove the remaining hydrogen peroxide.
What's the best way to whiten teeth?
The best way to whiten teeth is dependent on a person's dental health and personal preferences. Wang says that there are many options to choose from, such as professional dental treatments, over-the-counter whitening products like strips or gels. That combined with good oral hygiene of regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings is a solid game plan for keeping your teeth bright. But if you have any questions, he says to consult a dentist to determine what will work best with your specific needs.
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Audrey Noble
Beauty Contributor
Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
