Best Teeth Whitening Strips for 2023

Crest 3D White Stripesare truly a classic. They’re easy to find and use, and I’ve used them many times in the past – it’s been years since I’ve used them, so I decided to try them again for this article.

They did not disappoint. Each Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects box contains 48 strips for 24 treatments. Wear one strip a day for 30 minutes, and Crest claims you can remove up to 14 years of stains by the end of your last treatment.

One thing to keep in mind is that the coverage is a little less than other brands on this list (like Rembrandt tapes). I found the coverage to be ok, just wished the strips would reach my canines more. Despite that, Crest 3D is still my #1 on this list because it’s effective time and time again. In fact, both Crest 3D Whitestrips Brilliant White and Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White have been accepted by the American Dental Association.

Best Features of Crest 3D:

• Up to 23 levels of whiter teeth in about 24 days
• Contains 48 strips (24 treatments) in one box
• The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide

Rembrandt’s website describes the whitening strips as having “maximum coverage to whiten the front and back of the teeth” and that’s not a lie. The width of these whitening strips is impressive, as is the length. They extended well beyond my canines at the top and bottom, and the band was completely folded over to cover the backs of my teeth. The bands also have small divots that prevent air bubbles or uneven coverage.

Rembrandt’s whitening strips are also much thicker than most other brands, which I think keeps them from slipping while you’re wearing them. That’s my experience, at least. The hydrogen peroxide gel on the bands also seems to be thicker than other brands and this also helps with adhesion.

Another big reason I loved these Rembrandt whitening strips is that you wear them twice a day for seven days, rather than once a day for two weeks or once a day for a month. I almost never made it through a 14 or 30 day whitening strip pack. But a week? I can definitely handle that.

Rembrandt’s Best Features:

• Results as early as seven days
• The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide
• Contains 28 strips (14 treatments) in one package

Anyone with sensitive teeth should check out Lumineux Oral Essentials. Of all the whitening strips I’ve tested, these are the only ones that don’t leave little white spots on my gums.

After some research, I discovered that these little white spots are chemical burns caused by the ingredients in whitening products, usually hydrogen peroxide. Luminous products do not contain hydrogen peroxide and instead use a combination of Dead Sea salt, essential oils, coconut oil and aloe vera. The fit and coverage were excellent, although they slipped a bit. Luminous products are also cruelty-free.

I tested them for three consecutive days so can’t comment on long term effectiveness compared to other brands, but Lumineux conducted a clinical trial which concluded that Crest 3D Whitestrips were not more effective than Lumineux natural whitening strips. The study was partially funded by Lumineux, so keep that in mind. Still, I think they’re worth a shot for people with sensitive teeth and gums.

The best features of Lumineux:

• Natural alternative – coconut oil is the active ingredient
• Contains 42 strips (21 treatments) in one box
• Up to 14 shades lighter in up to three weeks

Zimba whitening strips are both affordable and effective in lightening the shade of your teeth. One pack contains 28 strips for results in 14 days or less. Wear a strip for 30 minutes a day.

This cruelty-free brand has found a way to combat one of the drawbacks of whitening strips – the strong, bitter taste. Zimba offers 10 different flavors to choose from like watermelon or spearmint. Plus, the strips have a non-slip design that grips the teeth during every treatment.

Best feature of Zimbas:

• 10 flavors to choose from including mint, coconut, strawberry and wintergreen
• The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide
• Contains 28 strips (14 treatments) in one box

Yes, the majority of teeth whitening strips are safe for your teeth. However, whitening products should only be used occasionally and in moderation. Also, avoid bleaching strips that contain chlorine dioxide.

Over-the-counter whitening products may not be strong enough for heavily stained teeth. If you are looking for exceptional results for yellow teeth, consult your dentist.

Negatives of teeth whitening strips include possible tooth and gum sensitivity. If you use whitening strips too often, it can damage your enamel and some of the results may not be the exact shade you imagine.