These Whitening Strips Could Give You Your Best Smile Yet

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In a world where first impressions are everything, a dazzling smile can make all the difference. But if you're self conscious about stains or discoloration on your teeth, your confidence may take a hit. By now you have likely considered using teeth whitening strips. They are popular and a much more affordable alternative to getting bleaching done at a dental office. Whitening strips are also safe and effective when used as directed, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). However, along with their popularity has come a saturation of options on the market to choose from (even including some kits equipped with LED lights).

This guide lists the best teeth whitening strips you can buy with a goal of helping you determine which option is right for you. Apply whitening strips to your daily oral routine—typically for two weeks—and soon you could be flashing a brighter more noticeable set of pearly whites.

3D Whitestrips With Light

Of all of the over-the-counter teeth whitening options, the Crest 3D Whitestrips with Light is believed to be the most effective, trusted, and readily available. Additionally, Crest 3D Whitestrips brand is the only one given the Seal of Acceptance by the ADA. The LED light in the kit helps penetrate the whitening gel deeper into your teeth. While effective and long lasting, it is also more expensive than other options because of the inclusion of the LED light that promises to dramatically whiten your teeth. Results can last up to three years.

What Dentists Say: "Crest 3D stands out as the top choice among over-the-counter options," says Dr. Sara Labi of The Dentist Lounge in Los Angeles. "They boast high-quality, all-natural ingredients, and the peroxide percentage is sufficient for effective lightening without causing significant sensitivity."

3D Whitestrips, Professional Effects

Intimidated by the extra LED light step? Then the Crest 3D Whitestrips, Professional Effects option might be right for you. This dentist-recommended kit claims to make your teeth 20 levels whiter in 22 days (20 45-minute treatments and two 1-hour express treatments) and removes over 20 years of stains.

What Dentists Say: Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, recommends Crest's 3D Whitestrips to his patients. "They have been clinically proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades in just one hour and are easy to use," he says. "They are also safe for enamel and offer long-lasting results.”

3D Whitestrips, Radiant Express with LED Accelerator Light

Crest 3D Whitestrips, Radiant Express with LED Accelerator Light is one of the absolute best teeth whitening strip kits available to buy. It’s also on the pricier side, but for delivering 34 levels of whiter teeth, the results warrant the added cost. The 20–day kit is equipped with 40 strips and an LED light that deliver a noticeably brighter smile in just three days.

3D Whitestrips, Radiant Express with LED Accelerator Light

Crest 3D Whitestrips, Radiant Express with LED Accelerator Light is one of the absolute best teeth whitening strip kits available to buy. It’s also on the pricier side, but for delivering 34 levels of whiter teeth, the results warrant the added cost. The 20–day kit is equipped with 40 strips and an LED light that deliver a noticeably brighter smile in just three days.

3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth

One of the adverse effects of using teeth whitening strips and other whitening treatments is complaints of sensitivity. If you already have teeth sensitivity issues and want whiter teeth, you may find many whitening teeth kits to be irritating. For sensitive teeth, consider Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth. The 14-day treatment promises to remove 15 years of stains. Most users saw noticeable results in less than one week. However, because it is designed for sensitivity, the results may not be as effective as other options with a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide sodium hydroxide

Teeth Whitening Strips

While Crest 3D Whitestrips tend to dominate the marketplace, it isn’t the only brand providing effective and safe products. Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips offers users the opportunity to whiten their teeth without all of the harsh chemicals found in most whitening products like hydrogen peroxide. Lumineux is vegan and is made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, sage oil, and lemon peel oil. It is also a great option for those with teeth sensitivity issues.

Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening

Most teeth whitening strips recommend treatment for 14 days or more—that may be a lot to ask for from some who are looking for quicker results. That’s where REMBRANDT’s whitening kit beats out the competition. Instead of wearing them once daily for 14 days or more, REMBRANDT Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening kit doubles the treatment from once daily to twice, which will give you 2-week results in just one week.

Teeth Whitening Strips Kit

Looking for effective teeth whitening strips that are also cost-effective? PERSMAX Teeth Whitening Strips Kit is a fraction of the price of other options. The 14-day treatment is safe and gentle on your gums and enamel. Results can last from three to six months. The minty flavor is a bonus.

Teeth Whitening Strips

Most whitening strips dissolve in 30 minutes. That may be a lot for someone living a busy hectic life (most of us). MOON Teeth Whitening Strips solves that problem by cutting dissolving time in half. The 2-week treatment requires users to apply the ultra thin strips twice daily for results of seven shades whiter. MOON is also vegan and made with gentler ingredients such as coconut, cranberry, and tea tree.

Teeth Whitening Strips

The first things to consider when purchasing and applying whitening strips should be safety, effectiveness, convenience and comfort. But just like anything else you put in your mouth, the flavor of whitening strips matters, as well. Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips are in fact safe and effective, but where they outshine the competition is with their appealing flavors. The 14-day kits come in many flavors including various mints, coconut, peach, watermelon, and other fruity options. Zimba is also vegan, designed for sensitivity, and priced affordably.

Who Should Use Teeth Whitening Strips?

Teeth whitening strips are best at fixing lighter, yellow or brown discoloration caused by drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine. "This is because this is extrinsic staining, making it accessible for the bleach to lighten," says Dr. Larbi.

Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe?

The common ingredients found in teeth whitening strips are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide; both of which are found in dentist-supplied whitening treatments or bleaching, but at a lower, safer concentration. Whitening strips are considered safe when used as directed. The ADA goes one step further giving its Seal of Acceptance to three Crest 3D White Whitestrips products.

What Are the Side Effects of Teeth Whitening Strips?

The most commonly-reported side effect of teeth whitening strips and other whitening treatments is tooth sensitivity, according to the ADA. Higher concentrations of the whitening chemicals will increase sensitivity. If you already experience tooth sensitivity, consider a whitening strip with lower concentration or one that is designed for sensitivity like the Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive. It is recommended to use whitening strips only as directed. Another side effect is gum-related irritation.

Are Teeth Whitening Strips Effective?

Overall, many dental professionals and organizations—like Thrive Dental & Orthodontics in Texas and Belmont Dental in North Carolina—have stated that teeth whitening strips are in-fact effective at making teeth look whiter and brighter. However, results will vary based on the severity of stains and discoloration of one's teeth. Those with heavily stained teeth may not be satisfied with the results. However, increasing dosage or duration of strips on your teeth is not recommended as the bleaching chemicals can cause damage if not used as directed.

While they can be effective for natural teeth, whitening strips and other whitening treatments are not effective on tooth-colored restorations or implants, according to Randal S. Elloway DDS.

Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening Strips?

According to the experts we spoke with, not everyone should be using over-the-counter whitening strips. "Anyone with sensitive teeth, gum disease, cavities, exposed roots, crowns, or fillings should avoid teeth whitening strips," says Dr. Wei. "People who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid teeth whitening strips."

Also, Dr. Kevin Sands, a board-certified cosmetic dentist, says that if you're allergic to peroxide, a main ingredient in most white strips, you should avoid them.

Plus, teeth whitening strips aren't great at addressing people with naturally grayer teeth, "tetracycline staining," a gray discoloration from childhood antibiotics. "The same applies to internal staining, such as a discolored tooth due to past trauma or an aging root canal," says Dr. Larbi. "In these cases, a specialized procedure performed by an endodontist is necessary."

Should I Avoid Certain Foods or Beverages When Using Teeth Whitening Strips?

The general rule when using whitening strips is to avoid colored beverages and foods that may restrain your teeth or break down the bleaching chemicals. The beverages to avoid include coffee, red wine and dark sodas, according to Gefrey F. Rasmussen, DDS. Foods to avoid include red sauce, curry, citrus fruits, and artificially-flavored candies. Additionally, tobacco products can also restrain your teeth at a fast rate and should be avoided.

Are Teeth Whitening Strips As Effective as In-office Treatments?

If you want the best results, or if your teeth are severely discolored, most of the dentists we spoke with recommend doing in-office treatments instead. "The hydrogen peroxide content of your at-home kit is very low, whether you are using toothpaste, liquid filled trays, or strips dentists are able to use a stronger process," says Dr. Sands. "A professional teeth whitening treatment can last for years with the right aftercare, whereas at-home treatments may only last for a few months. This is because professional teeth whiteners use higher concentrations of bleaching agents than at-home kits."

Still, our dentists also say that at-home whitening strips provide a quick fix for teeth stains.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Kevin Sands, a board-certified cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles

• Dr. Sara Labi, a board-certified dentist of The Dentist Lounge in Los Angeles

• Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, a board-certified cosmetic dentist in New York City

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