With these benefits to consider, it&#;s no wonder there are dozens of teeth whitening strips on the market. Our PEOPLE Tested team tried 18 different options to find the nine best teeth whitening strips. See which ones made our top picks list, ahead.

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&#;The average cost of getting your teeth professionally whitened ranges from $650 to $1,000, and professionally-dispensed kits that you get from the dentist's office average $100 to $400,&#; says Brittany Ang, DMD, MDS, MBS, of Curve Orthodontics. She explains that, although an in-office whitening treatment is more involved, at-home whitening strips can yield effective results.

Similar to sheet masks , these whitening strips are simple and easy to apply to the teeth &#; and most only require a 30-minute treatment time. Additionally, at-home teeth whitening strips are a cost-effective solution for achieving a whiter smile, as a majority of options cost less than $60 for a week&#;s worth of treatment.

Whether we&#;re sipping on a Starbucks latte, eating a bowl of pasta doused in our favorite marinara sauce, or munching on a piece of dark chocolate, our pearly whites are constantly in contact with teeth-staining foods. And, just like we might turn to at-home skin treatments for evening skin tone and erasing dark spots , we can use at-home treatments, such as teeth whitening strips or LED whitening kits , to target yellowing teeth and provide an overall brighter, whiter smile.

If the taste and consistency of teeth-whitening strips are off-putting to you, then these $24 flavored vegan strips from Zimba might be worth a shot. You can choose from six different flavors, including mint, coconut, and watermelon. Although we found the application process easy and the flavors appealing, the strips were slightly uncomfortable and didn&#;t feel like a natural fit on our teeth. Plus, we only noticed our teeth got a shade or two whiter after two weeks of consistent wear, so they&#;re a better maintenance option.

For the easiest application, consider the Burst Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips, which are a great value for 10 treatments. We love these because they are not only super convenient, but they have an excellent fit and a barely-there feeling that stays put the entire treatment time. In addition to their great value and excellent application, these whitening strips are formulated with only 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, so they&#;re another good option for sensitive gums and teeth (though this also means they aren&#;t strong enough to brighten teeth beyond a few shades). Plus, they have nourishing and soothing aloe vera and coconut oil for added gum and teeth perks.

While they have a comfortable fit, we found that the bottom strips weren&#;t as secure as the top strips, so that&#;s definitely something to keep in mind if you have fit concerns. Additionally, the strips felt a bit slimy halfway through the treatment time, so if you&#;re sensitive to texture, we recommend trying something else, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit .

Dentists love the Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White , and after testing them for a couple of weeks, so do we. These Crest Whitestrips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for a gentle yet effective glow-up and take only 30 minutes to cure on the teeth &#; but we noticed a difference after just one use and without experiencing sensitivity. We love these as both an at-home whitening treatment and for maintenance, as they work effectively at reducing stain build-up. After 14 treatments, our teeth went from S10 to S8.

While the strips get a little slimy when dissolving, that's normal for this type of treatment. Plus, we love how effective they are at brightening teeth and removing stains, and the treatment time is only 15 minutes, so they&#;re well worth a little bit of slime.

If you prefer a dissolving option, we found the best quick-dissolving teeth whitening strips are the Moon Oral Care Dissolving Whitening Strips. Formulated with gentle hydrogen peroxide, these strips are a great option for sensitive teeth and gums. They also effectively lightened teeth after just one treatment session. The super-thin feel is barely noticeable on the teeth, making them one of the more comfortable options on our list.

Just note: If you&#;re new to teeth whitening strips, the application process can take some getting used to. Once we got the hang of things, it took us around 30 seconds to adhere both strips to our teeth.

Teeth whitening isn&#;t always the most gentle process, but with these whitening strips from Boka, you can brighten your pearly whites without irritating sensitive gums and teeth. The strips feature a comfortable fit that doesn&#;t interfere with the gums and a non-toxic formula that gently brightens teeth (though the effects are slight, so they work better for maintenance). Additionally, these strips feature a tasty flavor &#; which is certainly a perk for oral care &#; and leave your mouth feeling minty fresh after use.

Additionally, the strips are formulated with gentle yet effective hydrogen peroxide and although they only brighten teeth by a few shades, we saw a noticeable difference in our teeth color after just one use.

For another less expensive option, consider the Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips. These whitening strips are designed with an excellent grip and a snug and comfortable fit, so you don&#;t have to worry about slippage during the 30-minute treatment period.

Although highly effective, we would not recommend this kit for anyone with sensitive teeth. Our tester noticed issues with sensitivity after the first use and was unfortunately unable to finish the treatment plan. However, if you don&#;t struggle with teeth sensitivity, have an hour to spare each day, and want whiter teeth in two weeks, these strips will get the job done.

The application process was a breeze and only took about 30 seconds to get the strips situated on the top and bottom teeth. With no-slip grips, the strips stay in place for the allotted time and are super thin so they&#;re comfortable and barely noticeable while wearing. (You could even toss these on before your morning commute.)

If you&#;re looking for rapid results, look no further than the Crest 3DWhitestrips Radiant Express At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit. This kit is meant to be used for one hour a day for just two weeks to achieve professional-level whitening at home. After just one use, we noticed our teeth were two shades whiter and significantly brighter and more even in tone than before.

If you want ultra-effective whitening strips and can commit to a one-week treatment plan, we recommend this Rembrandt Teeth Whitening Kit, which you can order on Amazon. It comes with 14 treatments that you use morning and night for seven days. Although the strips touch the gums and aren&#;t the greatest fit, they were by far one of the best options for actually whitening teeth as they lightened our pearly whites from S24 to S10. They also don&#;t have any weird foam or sticky residue that can often happen with whitening strips, and they only take one week to achieve incredible results.

Throughout the testing period, we found that one of the most impressive aspects of these strips &#; especially considering the one-hour treatment time &#; is the tacky surface, which sticks to teeth effectively for long periods of time. We also loved the shape and size of the strips as they never touched our gums and, therefore, didn&#;t increase the risk of sensitivity. The strips are on the more expensive side; however, we think they&#;re worth the price, considering you can use them as a one-time treatment and over time for brighter, whiter teeth.

After testing 23 options, we found that the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express are the best at-home teeth whitening strips. These whitening strips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide and are designed as a quick solution to brighten teeth in just a single one-hour session. Upon our first test, we noticed a change in our teeth color, which was impressive for one-time use. However, we found that these Crest whitening strips were the most impressive after several uses as they effectively removed stains and made teeth whiter by six shades.

Other Teeth Whitening Strips We Tried

• DrDent Professional Teeth Whitening Strips: In addition to our top picks for the best whitening strips, we also think the $20 DrDent Professional Teeth Whitening Strips are worth considering. While these white strips weren&#;t as impressive as some of the others on our list, we still think this is an excellent at-home whitening option for those shopping for cheap whitening strips on Amazon. They provide decent stain removal &#; our teeth were two shades lighter after seven days of treatment &#; and don&#;t cause sensitivity, so they&#;re a good option for those with light stains or sensitive teeth. 
• Made by Dentists Express Teeth Whitening Strips: The $50 Made by Dentists Express Teeth Whitening Strips are another option worth mentioning due to how easy they are to apply to the teeth and how comfortable they are on sensitive teeth and gums. While they don&#;t boast outstanding whitening results, we think that they are a good option for maintenance as they help lift away light staining. 
• Snow The Magic Strips: If you&#;re concerned about gum sensitivity, the $26 Snow The Magic Strips are another one of our honorable mentions worth considering. While we found that these strips were a little small and we didn&#;t love how they dissolved on the teeth, they were still effective at brightening by a few shades and never once made sensitive teeth or gums feel uncomfortable. Additionally, these whitening strips are one of the best-tasting options on our list with a lavender mint flavor.

People / Jhett Thompson

What to Know About Teeth Whitening Strips

Ingredients 

To find the most effective teeth whitening strips, Ang says to consider the formula and look for ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. &#;These are the two most common whitening agents used in both professional and at-home treatments since they have been proven clinically effective at whitening teeth,&#; she tells PEOPLE.

With this in mind, all our top picks &#; including our best overall pick, the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express &#; are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for an effective at-home teeth whitening solution. 

Concentration 

In addition to ingredients, Ang says to look at the concentration of active whitening ingredients (such as hydrogen peroxide) as a higher concentration equates to faster results. &#;Most over-the-counter treatments will have a concentration under 16 percent peroxide,&#; she explains. For fast-acting teeth whitening strips, consider the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, which is formulated with 10 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove stains in a single one-hour session with results lasting up to six months. 

With that said, Ang says don&#;t discount lower concentrations entirely, as higher concentrations come with a greater chance of tooth or gum sensitivity. So, if you have a more sensitive mouth or are concerned about sensitivity caused by teeth whitening, look for lower-concentration formulas (just know that these might take a little longer to reach full effect).

Treatment Time 

Since teeth whitening strips are supposed to be convenient, it&#;s also worth looking at the treatment commitment and how long it takes to see results. In most cases, whitening strips take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, twice daily, over one or two weeks. However, quicker solutions, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, provide a whitening effect in a single one-hour session. According to Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist, the time frame doesn&#;t mean a formula is better or worse instead, it&#;s about choosing a product that fits into your preferred time frame for results. 

People / Jhett Thompson

Behind The Scenes

To find the best teeth whitening strips, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options before narrowing it down to 23 top picks. From there, we conducted real-world testing based on the strips&#; individual treatment times and instructions to better understand how each formula works at lifting stains and brightening teeth. Throughout the testing period, we carefully considered the ease of use, effectiveness, convenience, and value while also making note of comfort to find options for sensitive gums and teeth, too. 

• Ease of Use: When searching for the best of anything, ease of use is one of our top priorities. After all, the easier the product is, the more you&#;ll want to use it. For this key focus, we considered how well the strips applied to the teeth, their overall fit, and whether or not they stayed in place. 
• Effectiveness: While testing for efficacy, our team considered how long it took to notice any changes in shade and if there was a noticeable difference at the end of the testing period. In cases where we saw a change, we also considered the shade difference to determine if the strips are worth the effort and money. 
• Value: Teeth whitening strips are one-time-use products, so value is important here. When testing our top picks, we made note of their overall efficacy, how many treatments come in a box, and the price to get an idea of their value.  
• Convenience: We also considered the overall convenience factor, including the treatment times, how long the application process takes, if the kits feature any accessories (like blue light devices) to speed the process along, and any additional steps required during the treatment process. 
• Comfort: During the testing period, we also put comfort on a pedestal and considered everything from how the strips fit and feel on the teeth to whether or not the formula caused sensitivity. Additionally, we made note of how our teeth felt after application and if we experienced additional sensitivity post-treatment.

People / Tamara Staples

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best whitening strips for fast results?

  Want more information on Teeth Whitening Strips? Feel free to contact us.

  Our top pick for the best whitening strips for fast results is the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express. These teeth whitening strips are designed for single-use sessions and can whiten teeth effectively in just one hour, with results lasting for up to six months. For something a little less expensive, we also loved the Persmax Teeth Whitening Kit, which were comfortable to wear and improved our teeth's appearance immediately.

• Do white strips work on yellow teeth?

  According to Kosdon, teeth whitening strips work best on teeth with yellow staining caused by foods, coffee, and aging, as they can lift away the stains over time and restore your natural tooth color. With that said, if your natural tooth color is slightly yellow and you want to make them brighter, Kosdon says whitening strips aren&#;t effective as they won&#;t whiten teeth beyond the color they grew in.

  
  

  If you&#;re unsure about whether or not whitening strips can transform your teeth color, Ang recommends consulting with a dentist to find out what kind of staining (if any) you might have and if white strips are the best solution.

• What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes?

  Just like with other whitening products, when whitening teeth at home with strips, always follow the recommended treatment time. &#;If whitening strips are left on the teeth longer than the recommended time, this can lead to potential side effects including gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, uneven whitening results, and even potential gastrointestinal upset due to ingesting the active ingredients,&#; says Ang. Additionally, overuse or extended use beyond what is recommended can damage the tooth's outer layer (a.k.a. the enamel). 

  
  

  If you experience any of these side effects or a negative reaction to whitening strips, Ang says it&#;s advised to discontinue use and discuss concerns with your dentist.

• Do I rinse after whitening strips?

  Rinsing after whitening strips is recommended to remove any excess whitening gel on the teeth. &#;This could help prevent the excess gel from migrating to the gums and causing irritation,&#; Ang notes.

• Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips?

  You can definitely brush your teeth after whitening strips to remove the residual whitening gel from the teeth. However, Ang says to keep in mind that active gels can cause damage to the tooth if brushing is aggressive or a hard-bristle toothbrush is used. &#;Use a soft or even extra-soft bristle toothbrush and be cognizant to gently brush all surfaces to prevent damage to the teeth and gums,&#; she explains. &#;Brushing gently and with a soft-bristle toothbrush will not interfere or affect whitening unless the manufacturer specifically instructs not to brush after the use of the strips.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best teeth whitening strips, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team&#;s notes and insights from the testing period to get an idea of how well each formula worked and carefully considered their treatment time, price, value, ease of use, and comfort, too. Additionally, Jessie connected with dental experts to learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening strips and what to consider when shopping for safe and effective at-home whitening treatments. Kayla Kitts, a shopping editor for PEOPLE, updated this article with the most recent insights from our PEOPLE Tested lab, including two new top picks.

Our Expert Panel

• Brittany Ang, DMD, MDS, MBS is a board-certified orthodontist based out of New Jersey's Curve Orthodontics.
• Michael Kosdon, DDS is an NYC-based cosmetic dentist and an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the American Dental Association (ADA).

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don&#;t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we&#;ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust &#; every day, every purchase.

TEETH-WHITENING

How to Choose the Best Teeth Whitening Product for You

Identifying the Best Teeth Whitening Products Our Best Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Solutions Comparing Home Teeth Whitening Products What are the Best At-Home Whitening Products for Your Teeth?

If you've been to your local drug store lately and walked around the health and beauty section, chances are you've seen the many at-home options available. To find the best at-home teeth whitener for you, it&#;s good to have an idea of the different options you&#;ll come across to better brighten up your smile while also protecting your teeth and gums.

Identifying the Best Teeth Whitening Products

With so many options available on the market, it can be a bit challenging to make a purchase decision. While all teeth whitening products and formulas are different, there are a few common traits you&#;ll find depending on the type of whitening solution you&#;re most interested in.

Professional Tooth Whitening Kits

Standard professional whitening kits typically include two trays designed to mold and fit nicely over your teeth. These tooth-whitening kits also come with several syringes or tubes of professional-strength bleaching gel and a storage case for the trays. Oftentimes these trays can be a bit messy and cumbersome to apply. For a non-messy tooth whitening alternative, consider the following options from Crest.

Our Best Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Solutions

• Crest 3DWhitestrips: These are some of the simplest tooth-whitening products&#;they come with whitening strips and instructions. The strength and number of teeth whitening strips will vary, but the package will come with enough to cover the top and bottom teeth for your daily applications.
• Crest Whitening Emulsions: Crest Whitening Emulsions: From application in seconds to the ability to whiten from anywhere, at any time, Crest Whitening Emulsions whitens with virtually no sensitivity, and with the freedom to apply multiple times a day, can deliver noticeable results, fast.
• Crest 3D White Toothpaste: Each formula is designed to whiten, brighten, and protect. Plus, it&#;s easy to incorporate a whitening toothpaste into your daily oral care routine. Pair it with an electric toothbrush like the Oral-B iO Series 9 which features a whitening mode that gently polishes away surface stains for a healthy, brighter smile.
• Crest 3D White Mouthwash: Swish your way to a brighter smile with a rinse that&#;s specifically formulated to not just freshen breath but also remove surface stains and prevent future stains from setting in.

Comparing Home Teeth Whitening Products

When choosing tooth whitening products, you&#;ll find a wide variety of options all based on the current condition of your teeth, your oral health history, and your oral care priorities. However, because there are many different variations, you may want to consider these tips when evaluating tooth whitening products.

• Products vary based on their strength: Hydrogen Peroxide is a popular ingredient in whitening solutions. If noted on the package, you can compare the amount of peroxide among several home tooth whitening products. As a general rule, products with higher levels of hydrogen peroxide tend to work more quickly and effectively but may also cause greater tooth sensitivity. However, most products do not disclose hydrogen peroxide levels. If your goal is professional-level whitening, try Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects. These teeth whitening strips are formulated with the same enamel-safe ingredients that dental professionals use and remove over 10 years of teeth stains. To whiten teeth, apply once a day for 30 minutes for 20 days, with results lasting up to 12 months.
• Take note of the daily application time: When evaluating home tooth-whitening products, pay close attention to their daily application time. Whether you have five minutes or five hours a day to commit to whitening, there are several options available to meet your needs. If you're a busy bee and want to whiten teeth on-the-go, try Crest Whitening Emulsions with Built-in Applicator. The convenient size allows you to easily apply on-the-go wherever, whenever. Plus, unique formula features highly active peroxide droplets suspended in a water-resistant base which whitens teeth with virtually no sensitivity.
• Commitment Level: Before evaluating any possibilities and options, consider how committed you are to whitening and keep this in mind. Some teeth whitening options require a steadfast commitment for weeks, while other products show results in just a few days. If you can&#;t commit to a full program, you may want to consider using a powerful toothbrush such as the Oral-B iO Series 9 combined with a whitening toothpaste such as Crest 3D White Professional Ultra White Toothpaste. The formula is composed of clinically proven whitening ingredients that help you bring your brightest smile forward. This approach will allow you to whiten at your convenience as part of your routine.
• Consider your dental history: Home tooth-whitening products won't work on caps, crowns, veneers, partials, fillings, laminates, or other similar dental work. Think about whether or not any color differences would be noticeable before using home tooth-whitening solutions.
• Know Your Price Range: If you're a no-nonsense type who doesn't want to break the bank, your best bet is a traditional teeth whitening strip, such as Crest 3D White Classic Vivid Whitestrips. These whitening strips typically require one 30-minute application per day and your teeth will be noticeably whiter in two weeks. Let&#;s face it, times are tough, and expensive teeth whitening strips may not be your top priority. Fortunately, numerous products and options are very cost-effective and can provide a brighter smile for less. Crest Whitening Emulsions is also a great go-to option when you&#;re whitening on a budget. You can also amp up your whitening arsenal by simply switching your normal toothpaste and rinse to whitening versions&#;you buy toothpaste and rinse as a part of a good oral hygiene routine anyway.
• Choose a Trusted Brand: When you walk down the whitening aisle, keep in mind that many of the brands you know and trust for your regular oral hygiene needs may offer at-home whitening solutions. Going with one of these well-known brands can offer a sense of confidence and assurance that your product is likely the best at-home teeth whitener. Be sure to look for enamel-safe products, most Crest whitening options are ADA-approved and deliver fast whitening results while keeping your smile healthy.
• Talk with your dentist: As with any medical decision, it's best to consult with a professional before making a whitening decision. A professional opinion can help guide your teeth whitening selection and simplify the decision-making process. Dental professionals are a great source of valuable advice and feedback and may have an opinion on the best at-home teeth whitener, whether it's a whitening gel, toothpaste, rinse, or pen.

Wouldn&#;t it be nice to have a brighter, whiter smile without having to review the dozens of tooth whitening options that are available out there? If you don&#;t have time to review or try hundreds of products, start first by exploring your available options.

What are the Best At-Home Whitening Options for Your Teeth?

Review the following teeth condition descriptions to help you select the best whitening product for you.

• Sensitive Teeth: If your natural teeth are sensitive to whitening, you may want to look for mild dental whitening products that offer a more gradual whitening effect like Crest 3D Whitestrips Gentle Teeth Whitening Kit. These whitening strips are typically used for 30 minutes a day regularly and are less painful for teeth sensitive to whitening. Another option is Crest Whitening Emulsions, the breakthrough formula guarantees a brighter smile with virtually no sensitivity and can be applied in just seconds.
• Relatively White but Need Maintenance: If your teeth are either relatively white or mildly stained, you can easily go with a basic whitening strip regimen. These dental whitening strips typically require one thirty-minute application per day and offer full results in just weeks.
• Tartar Build-up and Mild Stains: If your dentist says you have tartar buildup that you want to reduce while also whitening your smile, there are Crest whitening products that not only protect your teeth against tartar buildup but also provide gentle whitening to brighten your smile.
• Heavily Stained: If your teeth are heavily stained from tobacco, coffee, tea, soda, or other foods and beverages, your best bet is to search for whitening solutions that offer the greatest results. The most advanced whitening products offer professional-level whitening at home&#;and provide a whiter, brighter smile that lasts. You can boost your whitening results with the Crest LED Accelerator Light which rapidly breaks down stains for an even brighter smile, fast.

What to Look for In Teeth Whitening Products

Once you&#;ve found some teeth whitening systems you like, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when reviewing the most effective options out there.

• Fastest Whitening: How Long Will It Take To Get Noticeable Results? 
  Even among the best whitening methods, the number of days it takes to see noticeable results varies greatly. Some take as few as three days, while others take up to a week. The time it takes to get full results when using effective whitening systems ranges anywhere from a week to a month. If you&#;re looking for fast results for a last-minute event, try Crest Whitening Emulsions with the LED Light. The unique formula is enamel-safe for up to 4 uses daily and stays on teeth longer* to continue whitening long after you apply with no need to rinse, brush, or remove.
• How Long Will My Teeth Stay White?  
  Most manufacturers say the duration of results varies depending on your use of teeth-discoloring beverages like coffee, tobacco, soda, etc. However, advanced products have been proven to provide whitening that lasts up to twelve months.
• How Long Do I Have to Wear the Teeth Whitening Strips Every Day?
  When reviewing good whitening methods, you'll find that daily application time also varies greatly. Some whitening strips require 30 minutes once a day while others require 45 or 60 minutes once a day. The longer the wear time, the better the whitening results. With Crest Whitening Emulsions, while it is recommended to avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum for 30 minutes, there is no strip to wear, so just apply and go!
• Will The Whitening Strips Form-Fit to My Teeth?  
  Most whitening strips don't mold to your teeth but stick nicely to the surface of your teeth. There are advanced products that will gently mold to your teeth, such as Crest 3D White Professional Effects, allowing you greater flexibility and the opportunity to drink water, talk on the and go about your day.

Regardless of which tooth-bleaching products you choose, all tooth-whitening solutions are likely to offer you a brighter, whiter smile that will give you a nice boost in self-confidence. The bottom line is that the most effective teeth whitening product will differ from person to person. Your best bet is to talk with your dental professional about your whitening goals and oral health history to determine which teeth-whitening product is best for you.

From Crest, the #1 whitening brand** in America.

*vs. ARC pen whitening

**P&G calculation based on U.S. reported sales data for yr. ending w/o 6/11/22

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