The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile

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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.

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.

3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects

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 Whitening Strips

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.

3D Whitestrips Glamorous White At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit

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."

Teeth Whitening Strips 21 Treatments

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.

Teeth Whitening Strips

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.

Teeth Whitening Strips

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.

Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit

These whitening strips guarantee a noticeable difference in just a week. It also comes with custom-fit strips for comfortable wear.

Teeth Whitening Strips

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.

The Magic Strips

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.

Teeth Whitening Strips Kit

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.

Teeth Whitening Strips

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."

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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