You may not like the analogy that your teeth are like a sweater, but the parallels are undeniable when it comes to whitening. The longer a stain is allowed to rest in your sweater, the harder the stain is to remove and if you get too aggressive with the stain removal, the sweater will be damaged. The same will go for your teeth and worse than just permanently damaging your teeth, you can’t buy a new set like you can with a sweater. If you’re looking to remove stains from your teeth without damaging them or hurting yourself, then you’ll want to make sure you’re buying a safe and high quality product. For the times when you feel lost in your research on teeth whitening strips, don’t stress; we have you covered.
We reviewed dozens of teeth whitening strips to identify the best of the best. We found the strips that will be gentle on your teeth and those that avoid some of the more commonly painful ingredients. We looked at teeth whitening strips that will build up to whiter teeth and those that that will work the fastest. No matter what you decide you want in your teeth whitening strips, we’ve found the best ones for you.
From the beginning of our research, it was obvious that there was one product that stood out among its peers. With the professional results and the long term effect, the Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips were an easy pick for our overall best spot.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Teeth Whitening Strips
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Teeth Whitening Strips | Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips | 4.2 |
| Best Nonslip Teeth Whitening Strips | Lovely Smile Premium Line Professional Teeth Whitening Strips | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Teeth Whitening Strips | Fancymay Teeth Whitening Strips | 4.3 |
| Best Enamel-Safe Teeth Whitening Strips | Fairywill Professional Teeth Whitening Strips | 4.6 |
| Best Teeth Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth | Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit | 3.9 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Overall Teeth Whitening Strips: Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips
The Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips is a twenty day treatment plan that will give you professional results to last for no less than four months. You’ll simple peel the back from each strip, stretch it over your row of teeth – both top and bottom, wait the thirty minutes, then remove the strip and repeat daily for twenty days. While you will begin to see the results in as little as five days and after twenty treatments, you’ll see a noticeably whiter smile.
Included in the treatment plan is an additional two sets of express whitening strips that are designed for fast results. The results may not last as long, but in just the one hour it takes to complete the express treatment you’ll see whiter teeth. This makes it an excellent choice for the day before a big event where you want to have the whitest smile.
This has the best ratings on Amazon without exception. Not only does it have an overall rating of 4.2 stars, it has earned it from over 3,500 customer reviews, making it the most convincing rating there is.
Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Key Features:
- Treatment effects remove up to 14 years of stains
- Includes 20 professional effects and two 1-hour express strips
- 30 minute application for professional effects treatments; 1 hour application for express
Best Nonslip Teeth Whitening Strips: Lovely Smile Premium Line Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
Lovely Smile Premium Line Professional Teeth Whitening Strips includes fourteen daily applications to complete the treatment and though you’ll probably see results in just one treatment, but for the kind of results that will last for up to an entire year, you’ll definitely want to complete the full treatment. With a non-slip design, you won’t need to worry about the hour wear each day; it isn’t going to be slipping off and making the treatment more challenging than it should. And with the strips staying in place, you can feel secure in the fact that you’re not going to be swallowing any harmful chemicals contained in the gel.
The best part about this whitening strip set is that, despite being an effective method to whiten your teeth, it’s still 100% enamel safe. That means you can use this product without worrying about doing any lasting damage to your teeth. (Just make sure you’re adhering to the instructions.)
After reading through a few reviews, you’ll be tempted, but when you see how many reviews on Amazon there are (just under 1,000) and the overall product rating (4.1 stars), we think you’re going to be sold.
Lovely Smile Premium Line Professional Teeth Whitening Strips Key Features:
- Sealed in airtight foil
- Includes 2-week treatment
- 1 hour daily treatment
Best Budget Teeth Whitening Strips: Fancymay Teeth Whitening Strips
The Fancymay Teeth Whitening Strips use coconut oil to whiten your teeth and give a fresh coconut taste while you do so. This treatment uses a non-peroxide formula to make absolutely certain no damage will be done to your teeth. It’s enamel-safe and gentle on your gums, so you can whiten your teeth without worrying about any pain or long-term damage looming in your future.
Whether your teeth are stained from coffee, tobacco, wine, or more, the yellow of your teeth will noticeably fade to white after completion of this treatment and when you compare it to the drawn-out and expensive dental lasers or in-office whitening treatments, there’s a lot to be said for this treatment!
While the numbers of this treatment’s reviews and ratings look undeniably good, (4.3 stars on Amazon with over 250 customer reviews), the best part of these teeth whitening strips is still definitely the price tag. You can pick up a full two week treatment for just under $15. That’s a total steal!
Fancymay Teeth Whitening Strips Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- Coconut flavor
- Money back guarantee
Best Enamel-Safe Teeth Whitening Strips: Fairywill Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
The Fairywill Professional Teeth Whitening Strips use a lower concentration of peroxide to ensure that while it will whiten your teeth, it won’t break down the enamel while it does so. It’s a mild whitening formula, so bear in mind that you’ll have a boost in your teeth’s white hue, not a complete change. Because it’s mild, however, you can be sure that it won’t be abrasive and damaging to your teeth’s enamel. – And if you plan on using this treatment in conjunction with a quality pro-enamel, gentle whitening toothpaste, you’re all the more likely to see long lasting results over time.
The strip’s gel is moisture activated, which means that it will stick onto your teeth without slipping as soon as it comes into contact with your teeth; you won’t need to dry before application to ensure a solid stick. You’ll also be safer with this kind of non-slip combination, because it ensures you won’t be eating the poisonous chemicals while you apply the strips.
Over 150 customers on Amazon have come back to review this treatment and with an overall rating of 4.6 stars, there’s plenty to build your confidence in its enamel safe effectiveness. For even more confidence building information, take a look at those reviews and we’re sure you’ll be swayed.
Fairywill Professional Teeth Whitening Strips Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- Use 30-60 minutes daily
- Peppermint flavor
Best Teeth Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth: Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit
Crest has made a name for itself in more than just toothpaste and it proves it again with the Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit. While it will also be enamel safe, the big winner for this treatment is that it will be gentle on your entire mouth, no matter how sensitive the nerves in your teeth and gums already are. Even if your mouth has been left sensitive over years of neglect or abuse, that doesn’t mean you stop caring about the color of your teeth, though it may limit what you can do about it.
Be warned that these are not the same gel-substance strips as some competitors; when you open these strips, they will appear “dried out” but that is the non-slip formula that will allow the strip to stick to your teeth so securely. The gel will activate with moisture and it will form a slight bond to your teeth, penetrating the surface for a deeper, more lasting stain removal. (But it will still pull off easily, not to worry.)
Sitting on Amazon with right around 350 customer reviews and an overall rating of 3.9 stars, this teeth whitening treatment has plenty of support to justify your purchase. And if your teeth and gums are sensitive, then this is very likely going to be the best bet for you to get the look you want without the pain.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit Key Features:
- 14-day treatments
- 30 minutes daily
- Non-slip, “dry” strips
Who Should Buy Teeth Whitening Strips
If you have a strict oral hygiene regiment to which you adhere and you’re still facing a level of teeth staining with which you’re not comfortable, you may want to look into teeth whitening strips. For most people, the color of their teeth is noteworthy enough to at least attempt to improve it and the more we stain our teeth, the more necessary a whitening treatment becomes. It isn’t just vanity, after all; the world will judge you by your smile and that means everything from a job interview to a first date will notice your teeth and wanting to look professional and well-groomed is obviously preferable.
For those of us who can’t carve time into our schedule to make it to the dentist for costly and time consuming professional dental whitening treatments, the teeth whitening strips are the next best thing and for some, they’ll even end with the same kind of results. Not everyone will have as fast or as lasting results, but the dentist’s office can get away with charging more for a reason. Unfortunately for them, most of the time, the short jump in whitening won’t be worth the large jump in cost to the patient; teeth whitening strips have advanced so thoroughly in their effectiveness that you really can get dramatic and noticeable results from the comfort of your own home. In fact, at just a fraction of the cost, you can make sure that you’re getting a similarly whiter smile compared to those who have dental treatments by their dentist. It may take a bit longer overall time and more than one treatment, but the cost savings may be entirely worth it to you.
Important Features to Consider
Teeth whitening strips should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting whitening strips for your teeth:
- Peroxide. No two ways about it: peroxide is the chemical that will whiten teeth the most effectively. The peroxide will penetrate the enamel of your teeth to reach discolored molecules that create a yellowing of your teeth. The oxygen molecules within the peroxide will then act to separate the discolored molecules’ bond and remove them from your teeth. While toothpastes that contain peroxide can remove some of the surface staining, the treatments from the teeth whitening strips will use peroxide to go deeper with the extended application. The one thing you will absolutely, positively need to consider though, is that overuse of peroxide can and will damage your teeth. Do not use more than instructed. Also note, if bought in a bottle, hydrogen peroxide is diluted to about 3% and in teeth whitening strips up to 20% – it’s an intense treatment, make no bones about it. And higher concentrations do more damage over time. Be conservative in your use. As with so many things; all things in moderation.
- Instant results. There are express teeth whitening strips that will have you smiling whiter instantly. While they’re not going to give you the long-lasting results, they’re still much sought after for a night out. A school reunion or a big date will be perfect opportunities to use an express whitening strip treatment. Be forewarned, they are a bit more intense, so if you struggle with sensitivity, this may not be a great option for you. Not to worry, they’ll still be enamel-safe, but will run that greater risk of sensitivity.
- Gentle. For those of us with especially sensitive teeth, the peroxide contained within most teeth whitening strips can be a bit much to handle. While the pain may not be indicating any actual damage to your teeth’s enamel (though it also may be!), it’s still no fun and suffering through that won’t be worth the extra bright chompers. A gentle formula will either minimize the percentage of the treatment’s peroxide or eliminate it entirely. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s an absolute must that you heed the warnings and only use as directed, or perhaps for a shorter time.
- Non-slip. Non-slip will just mean the strip has taken into consideration that your mouth is wet and your teeth are slippery because of it. You can’t expect an ordinary sticker to secure to your teeth and remain there for 30-60 minutes, after all, and the original whitening strips were a bit like that. Since the original push of teeth whitening strips, however, several considerations have been made and the biggest one was brainstorming how to prevent slipping. Not only will the strips be less effective if they’re constantly slipping off, but the peroxide and bleach often used in the treatments aren’t meant for consumption and may make you sick. The most effective non-slip formulas are those that contain a gel that is only activated when it comes in contact with moisture on your teeth and then create a bond to your teeth for the duration of the treatment. It will still be easy to remove, but you will need to do it on purpose; it won’t accidentally come off.
- Coconut oil. Coconut oil is an incredibly safe and inexpensive way to whiten your teeth, though it is slightly less effective than peroxide or bleach. It will kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce plaque and therefore combat gingivitis (a common gum disease that will decay your gums). All these benefits are big for dental health and each will contribute to an overall brighter smile. It won’t remove stains, exactly, but will contribute to an overall healthy oral regiment that will contribute to stain removal even without the bleaching power. So when some claim that coconut oil has whitened their teeth, they’re definitely not wrong, but it’s not as simple as ‘push oil, have white teeth.’
Frequently Asked Questions
What are teeth whitening strips and how do they work?
Teeth whitening strips are made from a thin, elastic type of plastic that is coated on one side with a teeth whitening agent, usually gel, applied to one side, making it stick easily to your teeth for extended wear of up to an hour. The plastic will conform to your teeth, at least some, to make it a more comfortable fit that’s less likely to fell off before the treatment is over. The whitening agent on the strips are usually a peroxide or bleach formula to remove stain build-up on and below each tooth’s surface. The treatment will have a set of instructions that must be followed or you will risk damage to your teeth’s enamel and compromise their strength. You’ll place a strip on your top row of teeth and the bottom simultaneously treating all of your teeth to ensure a balanced whitening. The instructions will tell you how long to leave the strips on, but for the majority, you’ll leave them on for under an hour and daily for up to two weeks or so. You’ll begin to see results after a few days and the results will last for several months after completion. There are “Express” treatments that have faster results, but the results won’t typically last as long.
Are teeth whitening strips bad for you?
If you use teeth whitening strips as directed, they’re not going to damage your teeth; with only one notable exception. If your teeth whitening strips include an ingredient called chlorine dioxide, you run a risk (perhaps even likelihood) of destroying the enamel of your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, especially, you should avoid the teeth whitening strips with this ingredient at all costs. You may see results of whiter teeth, but that’s because the enamel is being stripped away; not because you’re caring for your teeth to make them whiter.
The strips that do not include the harmful ingredients may also prove bad for your teeth – if you use them improperly. That is, if you use them more frequently than you’re instructed or keep them on longer than the directions warn. You may, again, see faster whitening results, but the long-term damage to your teeth is not something you’ll want to deal with later in life. Additionally, the longer you wear the strips the more likely the gel will be ingested rather than coat your teeth and the peroxide and bleach included in the majority of whitening gels is poisonous for you. Trading white teeth now for broken or lost teeth later is not a good trade.
How often can you use teeth whitening strips?
Different treatments will require different instructions and you should always follow the instructions for each treatment you use. Listed in the instructions will be duration times for each treatment and frequency in which you can safely use the treatment. Treatments will most commonly last two weeks, but may vary some. Some are as long as twenty days and others as short as five days. The longer the treatment the less frequently you can perform them, as a general rule. You should see results for up to a year, but at the least for four to six months. You can usually use teeth whitening strips twice to three times a year, at most.
If you’re concerned about your frequency, consult your dentist to make sure you’re doing all you can to preserve your teeth’s enamel and still getting the best results.
What is the safest way to whiten teeth?
While teeth whitening strips are generally considered safe (if used as directed and you choose a quality product), the safest method for whitening your teeth is under the direct care of a dental professional. Not only will their methods be more immediate and long-lasting, but they’re equipped for absolutely anything that could possibly go wrong. The treatment will also have a greater chance of success because it can be customized a bit to fit your specific needs. IE, if you need a more gentle formula or if you need a faster-acting one. Your dentist may also be able to create an at-home whitening treatment for you so that you won’t need to go to the office for your treatments. This will save you time, but probably not much in the way of money. And if you involve your dentist, make no mistake, it’s going to cost you more. It will be the safest, though, and if that’s your primary concern, you may want to start by asking your dentist at your next cleaning.
Beyond the dental professionals, we have to at least mention that the easiest path to white teeth is regular maintenance. Whitening your teeth will be necessary less often if you adhere to a thorough and effective oral hygiene regiment. Brush three times daily, floss, and use mouthwash regularly and you will at least minimize your need to use teeth whitening methods and that is by far the safest way. Prevention is easier than reversal. And as far as home remedies for teeth whitening, several have had success with coconut oil and baking soda; but we must warn that it isn’t as fast-acting or dramatic as the teeth whitening strips we’ve included on our lists.
Other Teeth Whitening Strips We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other whitening strips for your teeth. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best teeth whitening strips list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your teeth. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing. We’ve grouped them in the following categories for your convenience:
- Gentle Teeth Whitening Strips
- Teeth Whitening Strips with Instant Results
- Teeth Whitening Strips with Results Within a Few Treatments
Gentle Teeth Whitening Strips
ANRIEA Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth
The edible and gentle charcoal will mildly remove years of stains while you barely feel the strips at all.
Key Features:
- 14 or 22-day treatments
- Peroxide-free
- 30-60 minutes daily
Cost: $35
Blibro Cocconut Oil Teeth Whitening Strips
This is an overnight whitening strip that will gently whiten your teeth using coconut oil and stay adhered until you wake up.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- Peroxide-free
- 6-8 hours daily
Cost: $10
DentaPro2000 Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
You may see results as soon as your first application, but the 14 days will hold that white smile for months.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- 30 minutes daily
- Works on stains caused by nicotine, wine, coffee, and more!
Cost: $15
LDREAMAM Teeth Whitening Strips
With a non-slip adhesion, you’ll be able to wear these strips the entire duration of the treatment without it slipping at all.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- 30 minutes daily
- Peroxide-free
Cost: $20
MayBeau Teeth Whitening Strips
Without any peroxide, you can count on this to keep your enamel safe and your mouth, pain-free during and after treatment.
Key Features:
- 28-day treatment
- Peroxide-free
- 30 minutes daily
Cost: $20
Swipe Dental Teeth Whitening Strips
These peroxide-free strips will use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth so you’ll see a whiter smile after just one application.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- 30 minutes daily
- Activated charcoal
Cost: $15
Zimba Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
These strips will stick to your teeth for the entirety of the treatment with their non-slip design.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- 30 minutes daily
- Mint flavor
Teeth Whitening Strips with Instant Results
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Vivid Plus
You’ll see the full results in as little as one week of this treatment, and the beginning of those results after just one use.
Key Features:
- Removes up to 5 years of stains
- 10-day treatment
- Two 1-hour express treatments
Cost: $30
EZGO White Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Strips
You’ll see results in as little as just one application with this bamboo charcoal teeth whitener.
Key Features:
- 2-week treatment
- 30 minutes daily
- Mint flavor
Cost: $10
MySmile White Strips Teeth Whitening
Each application of this treatment is sealed in an aluminum pouch to preserve the whitening gel.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- Strips mold to teeth for secure adhesion
- 1 hour daily
Cost: $20
Sheer White Teeth Whitening Strips
By using a stronger concentration of peroxide (20%), you can expect faster results (just be cautious if you have sensitive teeth).
Key Features:
- Two 5-day treatments
- Adheres securely
- 20% Carbamide Peroxide
Teeth Whitening Strips with Results Within a Few Treatments
Dental Duty Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
With just 30 minutes each day for 14 days, you’ll have a whiter smile that will last up to six months!
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- No gluten, GMOs, latex, parabens
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $20
EverWhite Teeth Whitening Strips
For results that will last up to a full year, this treatment is a big win.
Key Features:
- 20-day treatment
- See results in 3 applications
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cost: $15
Harmony Life Upgraded Teeth Whitening Strips
These whitening strips will ease your teeth to a longer lasting white color that won’t hurt you while doing so.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- 6% hydrogen peroxide formula
- Sealed pouched for each application
Cost: $10
iFanze 3D White Whitestrips for Gum Health and Refresh Breath
This manufacture boasts its innovative oxygen whitening technology will whiten your teeth in just 14 days.
Key Features:
- Includes shade guide
- 14-day treatment
- Minty flavor
Cost: $15
You can remove years of staining from wine, tobacco, coffee, and more with this 14-day teeth whitening strip treatment.
Key Features:
- 14-day treatment
- 30 minutes daily
- Effects last 6 months
Cost: $10
Lumeeno Professional Strength Double Elastic Gel Teeth Whitening Strips
With an effective “elastic” strip, you’ll have the treatment securely adhered to your teeth for the duration of the treatment.
Key Features:
- 6% hydrogen peroxide
- 14-day treatment
- Individually sealed applications
Cost: $10
Rembrandt 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
These strips are custom fit, meaning they’re split twice to fit over your teeth perfectly each and every time.
Key Features:
- 14-day and 3-day treatments available
- 30 minutes daily
- Shape and fit each strip during application
Cost: $20
Sparkling White Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
Stretching these strips over your teeth will allow the treatment to hold tight onto your teeth as it works its whitening magic.
Key Features:
- 6% hydrogen peroxide
- 14-day treatment
- 30 minutes daily
Cost: $15
TeethWhite Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
Though the treatment will only last 30 minutes each day, the non-peroxide formula is sticky enough that it could stick for up to 2 hours!
Key Features:
- Mint flavor
- 14-day treatment
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $15
