To help determine the best teeth whitening strips, we consulted Diane Klein, DDS, co-owner of Dynamic Dental P.L.L.C. in Staten Island, NY, for advice on what to look for when choosing from the many teeth whitening strips and kits on the market. She recommends looking for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. She also advises carefully following the instructions on how to apply the strips and how long to leave them on to reduce sensitivity and avoid irritation. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Yes. None of our strips contain any peroxide and the formula is enamel safe. If you have any existing sensitivity, you may feel a slight tingling sensation when the strips are applied.

Look for strips that are a good size for your teeth,” Dr. Klein says, noting that teeth whitening by a dental professional is ideal for a more customized application. “If you choose strips that are too small, you will get uneven whitening. If you choose strips that are too large, they can irritate your gums. Some strips are manufactured so that you can cut them to the exact size of your teeth.” Similar to the possible risks of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide, it is important to apply caution if using certain products that people sometimes recommend, such as fruit juices, vinegar, or scrubs. These may instead cause damage to the teeth or make staining even worse. Brush and floss as normal after bleaching. A whitening toothpaste will help keep surface stains at bay once you’ve achieved your desired level of whiteness. Look for products containing gentle natural abrasives such as bicarbonate of soda or charcoal, which can’t penetrate the enamel of the tooth in the way that bleach in your whitening product does, but can be very useful after bleaching to help maintain whiteness. If your current brushing and flossing routine isn’t enough to remove stains and discoloration, it might be time to consider teeth whitening strips that return your smile to its former luster. But when all teeth whitening strips promise a brighter smile and pearlier whites, how do you choose?Whitening strips, like any whitening product, need to be used consistently to be effective but must also be used in moderation,” says Dr. Klein. “Teeth can become sensitive and gums can get irritated and inflamed if [whitening strips are] overused.”

These dissolvable strips won't leave a bad taste in your mouth, either—they are flavored with lavender and mint to leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Even better? You only have to use The Magic Strips twice a week to see results, according to the manufacturer. If you’re worried about your enamel, know that the Crest strips contain the same whitening ingredients that dentists use. Plus, they have advanced seal technology with a no-slip grip to keep the strips in place so you can go about your day as you get those teeth pearly white once more.It is best not to brush your teeth immediately after removing the strips,” says Dr. Klein. “Wait a few hours to do so. Rinsing with water right after is recommended.” Vilhena, K. F. B., et al. (2019). Dental enamel bleached for a prolonged and excessive time: Morphological changes. The best teeth whitening strips you can buy in 2023 1. Spotlight Oral Care Whitening Strips: Best teeth whitening strips overall https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342912426_Over-the-Counter_Tooth_Whitening_Agents_A_Review_of_Literature

Apply the strips to the upper and lower teeth, then insert the LED whitening device and press the power button. The device automatically shuts off after five minutes. Your strips will dissolve 10 minutes later and no rinsing is required, so you can go about the rest of your day. The kit comes with peppermint-flavored dissolving strips, an LED whitening device, a small USB charger, and a sleek travel case. The manufacturer recommends using it daily for two weeks to brighten your smile. As the bleach used is at a weaker concentration than your dentist can supply, most at-home whitening methods take around two weeks to yield results. Expect results to last for around 12 months. If used correctly, at-home kits will certainly lighten your teeth by a few shades. You might want to pop to the dentist for at least a thorough dental clean before starting your treatment, as plaque and tartar on the teeth can stop the bleaching agents penetrating stains, so getting everything scrubbed clean first is bound to boost results. What else will help my teeth stay white?The typical ingredients in teeth whitening—including the ones used in a dental office—are either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both cut through stains; however, they can also cause teeth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, opt for a natural product or one with low levels of peroxide, like the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips. For those less concerned with sensitivity, hydrogen peroxide whitening strips are a tried-and-true option for your pearly whites. Ease of Use There are two categories of dental whitening products: those available through a dentist and those for sale OTC.