Best Teeth Whitening Strips: Crest, Charcoal, and Sensitive Teeth

What are the best teeth whitening strips? If you're looking to whiten your teeth, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. There are well-known brands like Crest and some you've probably never heard of, including newer natural brands. So how do you know which are best for you?

Everyone has different needs, and the best whitening strips for someone else may not be the best for you. That's why in this article we've reviewed some of the top options on the market today so you can make an informed choice.

We'll also talk a bit about the pros and cons of using strips to whiten your teeth, compared to other products like kits and pens. You may decide you want to give one of those a try instead. So without further ado, let's have a look at the best at-home teeth whitening strips!

What are teeth whitening strips?

There are myriad brands and types of strip solutions, but they all share some characteristics in common. White strips, in general, are thin, flexible, transparent or translucent strips that are coated on one side with a tooth whitening gel. Most tooth whitening strips contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the main whitening ingredient. However, they may vary in the following ways:

• Length of treatment time
• Number of strips
• Additional ingredients
• Strip shape

How to use them

Every set of teeth whitener strips will have their own set of instructions which you should follow. However, in general, to use a whitening strip:

• Brush first: This removes plaque and allows the hydrogen peroxide in the whitener to better penetrate your enamel.
• Identify top and bottom strips: Some strips have a top strip and a button strip, with different shapes and lengths, make sure you sort out which is which.
• Apply the strips: You'll need to peel the strip off of its backing. The side that was attached to the backing is the side with the gel, and this is the side that needs to come in contact with your teeth. Press the strips to your teeth, making sure your teeth are completely covered, and smooth the strips down.
• Keep the strips on for the time indicated in the instructions (usually around 30 minutes.)
• Remove the strips, brush and rinse well with water. Avoid eating or drinking for around an hour after treatment.

Please note that using your strips for longer than the time indicated won't make your teeth whiter, but the hydrogen peroxide could cause damage to your enamel or gums.

What is the best whitening strip?

Alright! So we know what strips are, and we know how to use them, but what strips should you buy for your teeth?

To help you answer that, let's take a look at some of the best whitening strips for teeth.

Best overall: Burst whitening strips

Burst Coconut Whitening Strips are specially formulated to be complete safe for enamel, which makes them an extra great option for people with sensitive teeth concerns. These strips come with a seven day supply of whitening strips, because that's all it takes to see stunning results — just seven days! You'll even notice a difference after just one application.

So how do they work?

Burst whitening strips use enamel-safe peroxide to whiten teeth, but they also go a step further. They combine modern-day peroxide whitening with the ancient technique of oil pulling from traditional Ayurvedic medicinal practices. This unbeatable combination means that years of stains are removed, with little to no sensitivity, and a very pleasant taste.

These strips are recommended by thousands of dentists and hygienists for their safe and effective ingredients. The results last for three months, at which point you can repeat treatment. These strips take just 10 minutes to work, and they have a no-slip formula that makes them perfect for whitening on the go. Not to mention that at as little as $14.99 per pack, these are some of the cheaper whitening strips on the market.

But you don't need to take it from us — let's see what reviewers are saying:

I love how these strips feel and taste! They work well and they’re affordable! It’s easy for me to keep up my 7-day routine! Because they are user friendly and only take 15 minutes, I usually put them on while I’m getting ready for bed. I actually look forward to whitening my teeth now, and my gums feel healthy and not sensitive! I have experienced no chemical taste or tooth sensitivity! They work like a charm to keep my smile bright! I love that I can continue to enjoy the food and drinks that I love and still smile confidently. I keep them with me everywhere I go!

This is the best product for whitening OUT THERE! I’ve been recommending these strips to EVERYONE! Serious life changer, I’ve tried all the charcoal powders, chews, and pastes out there, nothing works like these! Pure MAGIC! And to have no sensitively after use is wonderful!!

If you're ready to try out Burst whitening strips with coconut oil, you can click on the link below!

Burst also offers an electric toothbrush that uses sonic vibrations to deeply clean and whiten. You can read more about Burst in our full review here.

Runner-up: Crest

Crest whitening strips have the official ADA Seal of Acceptance. They have a seemingly infinite collection of strips to choose from, so we're going to focus on what are possibly the best white strips: Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects.

These strips have a whitening formula with 10% hydrogen peroxide that promises to remove 14 years of stains when used for 30 minutes per day, for 20 days. And not only will these whiten, they will give you the same professional-level results as you would get at the dentist (their words, not ours). Some other features of these strips:

• No-slip grip: The slips stay put so you don't have to fidget with them while they're on. You can even drink water while wearing them!
• Results in just 3 days: You'll already notice a white smile after three days.
• Enamel-safe: The ingredients used in these strips are won't hurt your enamel.
• 1-hour express: You also get 1-hour express whitening that gives you results after just one treatment.

What are the reviewers saying?

“I love these! I've used them for about a week now and I notice a big difference! They taste awful lol. I spit a million times while wearing them. The top goes on and stays on great, the bottom tends to slide a little but it's not too complicated to adjust them. I wouldn't expect any product like this is necessarily comfortable, but it does the job. I'm satisfied!”

“Honestly I see a big difference in my teeth and I haven’t finished using them. The one hour strips (stronger strips for tougher stains, comes with 2) are INSANELY GOOD. A lot of people complimented me on how white my teeth look. And I have naturally stained teeth, it’s really hard to whiten them, and these did the trick!”

“MY TEETH ARE SO MUCH WHITER AFTER ONLY 3 USES. I wish I had taken a before picture to compare but this stuff truly works and is easy to use. Will definitely continue to buy over other whites trip brands.”

You can also find plenty of reviews on YouTube. The vlogger in the video below reviews these strips after using them for two years. You can see in the video that he has gorgeous, spotless teeth, so they seem to work for him! He also walks us through his entire whitening and hygiene routine. He cautions that the strips can cause sensitivity, so take it slow, and talk to your dentist about any doubts.

If these positive reviews have piqued your interest, find out if these are the best Crest whitening strips for you by clicking the button below. You can also try out their charcoal whitening strips which are also quite popular. And to read an in-depth review of all of our favorite Crest Whitestrips you can read our separate Crest article.

Best natural: ZIMBA

No, it's not your favorite exercise routine spelled wrong, it's a newer brand of teeth whiteners made with natural ingredients—well, at least some natural ingredients.

ZIMBA gets rid of the nasty chemical taste that so many strips are famous for, and instead, delights the tastebuds with natural coconut and mint flavors. What's more, both the coconut and mint oil additions act as additional stain removers. A couple of other benefits of Zimba include:

• Reduced sensitivity: Won't hurt enamel
• Non-slip: They are made to stay on for even coverage
• Affordable: They cost around half as much as leading brands

Here's what one Amazon customer had to say:

“Love the product! Priced incredibly well and the results are the same if not better than the original crest strips. One huge factor is how fast they actually work and that there was no sensitivity issues on my teeth while having them. Grade A product that is a must for anyone looking to brighten their smile!”

Best for sensitivity: Fairywill

Some of the best teeth whitening strips for sensitive teeth are the Fairywill Delicate Whitening collection. These are made with a reduced sensitivity formula that promises to be gentle on enamel but tough on stains. What exactly does reduced tooth sensitivity mean? In this case, it means that these strips are made with 6% hydrogen peroxide, which is less than what some leading brands use, and strong enough to remove stains, while still being gentle. Fairywill also promises:

• Results after 2 or 3 uses
• Effects that last for 90 days and longer
• No-slip grip
• Professional results

Here's what one consumer with sensitivity issues has to say:

“These Teeth Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth are exactly that, perfect for sensitive teeth, not causing any pain or tooth sensitivity. They are easy to apply and they STAY in place very well. There is a top and a bottom strip in each foil packet for ease of use AND to keep my teeth whitening at the same level throughout. The directions are inside the pamphlet AND on the back of the package and are very easy to understand. I'm very happy with these. They work and could not be more simple to use.”

Summary of the best whitening products

To help you better digest the above information so you can choose the best option for you, we've compiled the four strips examined in this article into a convenient table.

White strips alternatives

There are a zillion ways to whiten—strips, gels, oils, whitening toothpaste, trays, pens, lights, but our favorite option is brought to you by Snow. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Snow whitening system is revolutionary. And to sum up why in a few bullet points is nearly impossible, but let's try anyway. Snow whitening:

• Gives you affordable, professional results.
• Uses advanced technology like LED red and blue light to accelerate whitening and kill bad bacteria.
• Has a hands-free, wireless and waterproof option. Whiten while you shower!
• Uses a special combination of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide for optimum results.
• Delivers a whole year's worth of results in one kit.
• Let's you purchase gel refills instead of having to buy the whole kit again.

And those are just off the top of our head! To find out more about what makes Snow our favorite whitening system, you can head to their website or read our Snow reviews article here. We have a separate guide to the best teeth whitening kits which may also be of interest.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening strips can be an effective way to whiten, and there are certainly plenty of options to choose from. Our favorite overall pick are Burst whitening strips. We also like Crest and their various options, as well as ZIMBA for natural whitening and Fairywill for sensitive teeth.

Whichever product you try, remember that perfectly white teeth don't mean that you have a healthy smile, and vice versa. Your first priority should be to take care of your oral health and get in to see the dentist regularly.

FAQs

How often should you use them?

You should always follow the instructions that came with your kit. Most strips are meant to be used once a day, every day, for a period of anywhere from two weeks to a month. Using your strips more often than instructed probably won't help whiten your teeth more, and might up causing tooth sensitivity, or damage to your enamel or gums.

Do teeth whitening strips really work?

They can work, and some that work for some people don't work for others, so you need to find the kind that works for your personal case. A good place to start, however, is with strips that have positive reviews, and prioritize enamel safety, like Burst strips.

What is the best brand?

Our top pick for the best whitening strip is Burst, as they are enamel-safe, making them the best whitening strips for sensitive teeth. They are also extremely effective and they even taste good! That being said, there are many brands out there with whom you can probably get the results you want, it's a matter of looking at reviews and taking into consideration your personal needs.

Contributors:

Natalie Asmussen

Natalie used to work as a Community Health Worker and Health Insurance Navigator. She continues to follow her passion for connecting people with the healthcare they need by writing informative content about dentistry and medicine.