Unlock a Pearly White Smile With These Top 10 Dentist-Approved Teeth Whitening Strips (2024)

TL;DR

Our favorite set of whitening strips for teeth especially in need of brightening was Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit. They were straightforward to apply and delivered noticeably whiter results. For those looking for a more affordable option, we like Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips because we experienced no pain or sensitivity.

Why teeth whitening strips are effective

“Whitening strips are a safe and effective option for a brighter smile at home, and can be easily incorporated into your routine. They provide a budget-friendly alternative to an in-office treatment while still delivering noticeable results. Using them in between professional treatments can help extend the effects by continuously targeting and breaking down new stains.” —Dr. Mariam Zade, DDS, board-certified orthodontist

Our Top Picks

Number of Pieces: 22 strips | Cruelty-Free: No

This box comes with 22 strips to be used for 30 minutes a day for 11 days, and we found that the product worked to lighten the teeth by nearly three shades. The strips were easy to apply, relatively comfortable, and didn’t cause sensitivity, making the entire process simple and painless. We also found that the whitening effect was noticeable after just a few treatments, so they're a great choice if you’re looking to whiten your teeth quickly ahead of a special occasion. Note that they do have a bit of an unpleasant taste, but that’s pretty common among whitening strips.

Amy, tester: “These were easy to apply overall; a little easier to apply to the top teeth than to the bottom teeth. Just because of how my teeth are shaped, I did have a tiny bit of overlap on the gums on my top teeth, but it wasn't bothersome.”

Number of Pieces: 38 strips | Cruelty-Free: No

We thought these strips were particularly easy to use, and stayed stuck to the teeth pretty well, even over an hour. While we were quite active around the house while wearing them, they weren't annoying or uncomfortable. We got noticeably whiter teeth after just five treatments, so much so that friends actually commented on them. We felt the whitening plateaued after that point, but the change was significant enough that we were quite satisfied with the experience overall. We noticed the slightest bit of tooth sensitivity at the end, but nothing to write home about.

Elizabeth, tester: “The strips were very easy to use and to place properly on your teeth without touching your gums. They had a firm and tacky side that when placed on the teeth remained pretty much in place.”

Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: Not known

If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly option, these strips are for you. We were especially impressed by how well they applied to dry teeth and adhered to them without moving around. They were comfortable to wear for the directed 30 minutes at a time—we didn’t experience any pain or sensitivity with these. We also noticed brighter teeth after just a few sessions, and it’s nice that the kit comes with a color chart so you can keep track of your progress. Regardless of price point, these whitening strips are a great option for lifting staining and achieving a whiter smile.

Michelle, tester: “Applying these strips is super easy! All you have to do is peel the strip off the clear sheet and apply it to your teeth. I love how well the strips hold to my teeth and they fit well too, covering my entire tooth and folding the excess over the back.”

Number of Pieces: 1 light, 20 strips | Cruelty-Free: No

This kit pairs the same efficacy of the brand’s beloved strips but kicks it up a notch with the inclusion of an LED light. You wear the strips for an hour every day for 10 days. After you wear them, you hold the LED-light mouthpiece against the strip for another 10 minutes, five on top and five on the bottom. The blue light works to help the whitening gel better penetrate the tooth enamel, ultimately upping the efficacy, particularly when it comes to removing super stubborn stains.

Jenna, tester: “While I still noticed some slight staining in between some of my teeth (and I’m dealing with a bit of sensitivity), I’d say that, overall, the 14-day treatment was a success. Do they yield dramatic results? No, but I’m still pretty pleased with my newly whitened smile. They’re effective, they’re affordable, and trust, they’re way stronger than the average whitening toothpaste.”

Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: No

Teeth whitening kits make a lot of claims. This one from Crest, for example, says it will whiten your teeth a whopping 18 shades. While we didn't experience that much of a change, we did notice these strips whitened after just one hour-long application. We felt the strips were relatively easy to apply—just peel and stick—and they stayed in place the entire hour we had to wear them. At times, we even forgot we were wearing them. Unfortunately, at about halfway through, Byrdie tester Sarah had to discontinue use because she was dealing with some tooth discomfort. However, she normally has sensitive teeth, so we think these would still work well for someone who's got less tooth sensitivity. And, despite only using half of the kit, Sarah still got her teeth a full two shades whiter.

Sarah, tester: “These strips are easy to apply, but they do touch your gums. All you have to do is peel them off the plastic backing and stick them on. They also stayed on well during the one hour waiting period—mine didn't fall off or shift too much. Both the upper and lower strips fit my teeth appropriately.”

Number of Pieces: 56 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes

These strips tout a unique technology that ensures they gradually dissolve after you apply them. They’re meant for quick whitening boosts on the go—think on your way to a big event, and are less sensitizing. We didn't love how they felt as they dissolved (they sort of made our teeth stick to the inside of our lips), but we were incredibly impressed by the results—we noticed a brightening effect after each session and appreciated the convenience factor they provided. Also nice: They leave behind a fresh, peppermint flavor to freshen breath, although you must wait 30 minutes after use before eating or drinking.

Kimberly, tester: “I think these strips are more effective than my usual teeth whitening pen, for sure. There's more of an immediately noticeable shade difference.”

Number of Pieces: 44 strips | Cruelty-Free: Not known

These strips claim to cause “zero sensitivity,” and according to Byrdie tester Rachel (who has extremely sensitive teeth), the claim is accurate. These were the first whitening strips she could ever use for the allotted time frame—30 minutes a day for seven consecutive days. They effectively whitened the teeth by about three to four shades. We also appreciate that the kit comes with extra strips for touch-ups down the line. Just be sure to apply the strips to completely dry teeth (you can wipe them with a tissue) to ensure they stick on.

Rachel, tester: “These strips were easy to put on—just peel off of the plastic strip and fold onto teeth. I had no issue placing them away from my gums and they fit my teeth just fine.”

Number of Pieces: 28 strips, 14 treatments | Cruelty-Free: No

We love these strips for how quickly they work to deliver a dramatic, bright smile. We saw a fairly significant, visible improvement in teeth whiteness after just the first two uses. At the end of the test, the teeth were several shades whiter. We also appreciate that they're simple and easy to apply (there's no gel, tools, or light required), and they feel comfortable while wearing them for the allotted 30 minutes at a time. Another bonus is that the kit comes with enough strips for two full rounds of treatment. They're affordable, effective, and comfortable, so what's not to love?

Alara, tester: “These strips felt barely there compared to others I've used in the past. As time passed they felt more comfortable and didn't cause any discomfort or sensitivity. “

Number of Pieces: 20 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable these strips were to wear. They were quick and easy to apply, and once they adhered to the teeth, they remained totally comfortable to wear for the allotted time. Plus, we love that you only need to wear them for 15 minutes a day for seven days—the extra strips in the box are meant to be used for touch-ups down the line. While the results weren’t as dramatic as other options we tested, given how fast, comfortable, and affordable these are, we still highly recommend them.

Richard, tester: “These strips were super easy to apply. They stripped from the application sheet with ease and putting them on my teeth was simple. They stuck well and did not go over onto my gums. I was able to do other things while I had them on without any issues.”

Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes

An unpleasant flavor is one of the most common drawbacks to any tooth whitening strip. Enter these strips, which alleviate that issue and come in tons of yummy flavors like mint, peach, coconut, and more. The strips are also super grippy so they won't slip and slide around on your teeth. They work gradually throughout the two-week treatment period. However, if sensitivity is an issue for you, you might find this option a little uncomfortable.

Cam, tester: “Using these strips was way less of a hassle than the big mouthpiece device I used in the past. The results were roughly the exact same as that device. I could actually talk while using the strips which was nice as well.”

FAQ

• How do you apply teeth whitening strips?

  “Make sure to brush your teeth before applying the strips. This will both help the strip better adhere to your teeth, and there’s also a chance that if you have plaque on your teeth it could stain further once the strip is applied,” says orthodontist Dr. Bobbi Peterson, DDS. Otherwise, they go on like a sticker onto your teeth, though Peterson cautions that they shouldn’t make contact with your gums.

• How often should you use teeth whitening strips?

  This depends on the exact product, says Dr. Peterson, since the type and concentration of active ingredients vary greatly. However, “if your mouth is healthy, you should be able to do a whitening regimen every four to six weeks,” she says. Dr. Nammy Patel, DDS, a holistic dentist in San Francisco, suggests doing a whitening regimen after your professional cleaning since that’s when you’ll get the best results.

• What type of results can you expect from teeth whitening strips?

  Expect gradual results from teeth whitening strips. Because teeth whitening strips contain a lower amount of active ingredients, diligence and patience are essential for achieving the desired result, notes Dr. Shahira Saad, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Silicon Beach Dental. And these aren’t a one-and-done deal; you’ll need to use them daily for the entire period as directed. But if you can commit to doing that, you’re golden.

• Are teeth whitening strips bad for your teeth?

  Most teeth whitening strips are safe for occasional use, but there are some that contain ingredients like chlorine dioxide, which can damage tooth enamel if used excessively. If the whitening strip doesn't adhere perfectly to your teeth, it can cause the bleaching agent (like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) to touch your gums directly, which can lead to gum irritation, inflammation, or even a temporary burning sensation. If you experience significant discomfort or have serious discoloration on your teeth, consult your dentist to find the best approach for you.