The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (2024)

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (1)

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We all want whiter and brighter teeth, because we all have habits that put our teeth through the ringer (here's looking at you, coffee). While pro whitening treatments at a dentist's office are an option, they can be expensive. The good news is there are plenty of at-home options these days, from whitening kits with LED attachments and even on-the-go teeth whitening pens, but the tried-and-true product for at-home teeth whitening is with one of the best teeth-whitening strips.

Shop The Best Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide gel that removes surface stains and discoloration. They're easy to use and there are a lot of options out there for you to choose from. But picking the right—and, more importantly, the most effective—one means you have to consider a few things.

Below, Walter Wang, dentist at Tend Wall Street, and Marc Lowenberg, cosmetic dentist at Lowenberg, Lituchy and Kantor in New York City, break down how teeth whitening strips work and offer their picks on the best ones you should try. We also threw in some of our favorites, so you can shop with confidence knowing each one below has been thoroughly tested and reviewed.

EXPERT PICK

Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (8)

Now 21% Off

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (9)Effective
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (10)Fast results
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (11)Reviewers say that it might irritate sensitive gums

Wang recommends these whitening strips from Crest; he says it's one of the most popular options because it actually works. "They work effectively by adhering to your teeth and bleaching away stains, providing noticeable results in a few weeks of consistent use," he says.

DISSOLVING STRIPS

Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (12)

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (13)Dissolving strips
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (14)Effective
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (15)Peppermint flavor
Cons
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (16)You have to wait 30 minutes after use to eat or drink

Made with a dissolving agent that causes the strips to gradually disappear after you apply them, these whitening strips will brighten up stains in just a few weeks. It also has a nice peppermint flavor to make the teeth whitening experience a bit more enjoyable.

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EXPERT PICK

Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (17)

Pros
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (18)Fast results
  • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (19)Great value
Cons

    Crest is one of the most trusted brands out there when it comes to anything teeth-related. Lowenberg says these white strips are an effective option on a budget. "The bleach within the strips remains in contact with the tooth enamel long enough to deliver noticeable results," he explains. "They contain a flex-fit Advanced Seal Technology no-slip grip which helps the strips stay put so you can talk and drink water while whitening teeth. They give an immediate boost to your smile and when you know your teeth look whiter, you’re going to naturally go around smiling."

    BAZAAR EDITORS' FAVORITE

    Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips 21 Treatments

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (20)

    Now 10% Off

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (21)Eco-friendly
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (22)
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (23)Reviewers say the gel can be too sticky

    Made with plant-based materials that are without preservatives, additives, artificial dyes, or flavorings, these whitening strips are one of the most eco-friendly options out there. It also aims to keep your teeth microbiome-safe with its non-toxic ingredients, making it ideal for sensitive teeth and gums. Bazaar's beauty director Jenna Rosenstein used these before her wedding day with great results.

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    GREAT FLAVORS

    Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (24)

    Now 20% Off

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (25)Comes in multiple enjoyable flavors
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (26)No slippage
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (27)Reviewers say that it can irritate sensitive gums

    Zimba offers you multiple flavors (mint, peach, coconut, etc.) to enjoy while its strips work to whiten your teeth. The strips also grip onto enamel with almost zero slippage during the process. After two-weeks, you'll notice a dramatic difference.

    GREAT FOR SENSITIVE TEETH

    Burst Teeth Whitening Strips

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (28)

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (29)Gentle enough for even the most sensitive teeth and gums
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (30)No-slip grip
    Cons
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (31)Reviewers say that results aren't as noticeable

    Made with sensitive teeth and gums in mind, these whitening strips contain coconut oil to lift stains. It also boasts a no-slip grip where strips hug the teeth during treatment for comfortable wear.

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    GREAT FIT

    Rembrandt Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit

    The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (32)

    Now 22% Off

    Pros
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (33)Fast results
    • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (34)Comfortable wear
    Cons

      These whitening strips guarantee a noticeable difference in just a week. It also comes with custom-fit strips for comfortable wear.

      GREAT FLAVOR

      iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips

      The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (35)

      Pros
      • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (36)Effective
      • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (37)Gentle enough for even the most sensitive teeth and gums
      Cons

        These strips mix hydrogen peroxide with coconut and mint oil to remove heavy stains. It's super gentle and you'll notice a huge difference in your teeth in just a week.

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        15 MINUTE TREATMENT

        Snow The Magic Strips

        The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (38)

        Pros
        • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (39)Fast treatment
        • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (40)Lavender and mint flavor
        • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (41)Dissolving strips
        Cons
        • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (42)Pricey for the amount you get

        Another dissolving strip option, this only takes 15 minutes to work its magic on your teeth. It combines hydrogen peroxide with glycerin for a more gentle whitening treatment. Plus it comes in a lovely flavor of lavender and mint.

        UNDER $16

        Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips Kit

        The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (43)

        Pros
        • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (44)Wallet-friendly
        • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (45)Effective
        • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (46)Comfortable wear
        Cons

          Can a whitening treatment be that good at a low price point? With Persmax, absolutely. Easy to apply without any discomfort and noticeable brighter teeth after a few treatments, this can't be beat.

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          BEST KIT

          Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips

          The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (47)

          Pros
          • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (48)Soothes gums with vitamin E
          • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (49)sulfate- and paraben-free
          Cons
          • The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (50)Reviewers say that it might take longer to see noticeable results compared to other options

          This kit contains 28 strips plus a comforting gum oil pen, so even the most sensitive among us can enjoy whiter teeth.

          Do dentists actually recommend using whitening strips?

          The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (51)

          Both Lowenberg and Wang agree that whitening strips are an effective option for improving the color of teeth. Wang credits this to the peroxide gel in the strips that penetrate the enamel to bleach the stains.

          "They are a great option for at-home whitening on a budget," says Lowenberg. "Using both whitening strips and whitening toothpaste is a good one-two punch for a quick whitening fix. Whitening toothpaste alone is not strong enough to achieve a whiter smile; it must be used in conjunction with other at‐home whitening products or as a follow-up to an in‐office whitening treatment."

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          How does one use teeth whitening strips?

          The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (52)

          Wang says that you'll want to follow the instructions provided by the specific product, but generally it's best to apply the strips directly on your teeth for a designated amount of time once a day.

          Lowenberg recommends waiting at least six hours before brushing your teeth or using mouthwash before whitening; he explains that the fluoride in the toothpaste could prevent the bleach from absorbing. Then, he says to wipe your teeth with tissue right before placing the strips on so that they stick on better. Make sure the strips don't touch your gums (the peroxide can be irritating and he says you can cut the strips if they're too large). Carefully use something like the side of the toothpick to mold the strips in place and to push them into spaces between your teeth. Don't eat or drink while the strips are on and wait the appropriate time, as instructed by the specific product you're trying, before removing. If you feel any discomfort while wearing whitening strips, he says to take them off and gently brush your teeth to remove the remaining hydrogen peroxide.

          What's the best way to whiten teeth?

          The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (53)

          The best way to whiten teeth is dependent on a person's dental health and personal preferences. Wang says that there are many options to choose from, such as professional dental treatments, over-the-counter whitening products like strips or gels. That combined with good oral hygiene of regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings is a solid game plan for keeping your teeth bright. But if you have any questions, he says to consult a dentist to determine what will work best with your specific needs.

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          Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

          The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (54)

          For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

          The Best Teeth Whitening Strips for a Brighter Smile (55)

          Audrey Noble

          Beauty Contributor

          Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.

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