6 Best Teeth Whitening Strips in 2025 (RDH Approved)

Teeth whitening strips are a popular and effective at-home solution to brighten teeth by removing stains and enhancing your smile. They are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based gel that adheres to your teeth, breaking down discoloration over time. Unlike professional treatments, whitening strips offer a more affordable and convenient option, making them a go-to choice for many.

Pros & Cons of Teeth Whitening Strips

✔️ Easy to use – Application with no special tools required.
✔️ Affordable – A budget-friendly alternative to in-office whitening treatments.
✔️ Effective – Noticeable results in just a few days.
✔️ Widely available – Can be purchased online or in stores.

❌ May cause sensitivity – Some people experience mild tooth or gum sensitivity.
❌ Not instant – Final results take multiple applications over a period of time.
❌ Uneven whitening – Strips may not reach crevices or tight spaces between teeth.

What to Consider When Choosing Teeth Whitening Strips

When selecting teeth whitening strips, there are several factors to consider to ensure you achieve the best results while maintaining the health and sensitivity of your teeth.

Ingredients and Concentration

The active ingredients in teeth whitening strips, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, play a crucial role in their effectiveness. Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient that breaks down into water and oxygen, which oxidizes stains and bleaches teeth. Carbamide peroxide, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea, acts similarly but at a slower rate. The concentration of these ingredients can vary, with most over-the-counter products featuring a range of 3% to 10% hydrogen peroxide and 10% to 35% carbamide peroxide. Dental professionals and dental offices may offer treatments with higher concentrations, up to 43%, allowing them to work faster. It’s essential to choose a product with a concentration that suits your teeth sensitivity and whitening needs.

Application Type and Convenience

Teeth whitening strips come in various application types, including semi molded trays, mouthpieces with built-in LED lights, strips, and pens. Whitening strips are easy to use and effective, while whitening gels may provide more precise application. Consider your lifestyle and preferences when selecting a product. If you’re looking for a convenient option, strips or pens might be the best choice. If you prefer a more precise application, or have a very saliva-filled (spitty) mouth, gels or trays could be a better fit.

6 Best Teeth Whitening Strips

Now that you know a little more about how teeth whitening strips actually work, it’s time to pick which brands or types are best to use. If you’ve looked online or at the grocery store, the choices are abundant. But right now isn’t the time to stress; I’ve got you covered. Whether you like to purchase your over-the-counter products quite literally off the shelf from your favorite retailer or prefer the easy click and buy method via online shopping, here are your top six options when you’re looking for convenient at-home whitening products. 

1. Crest 3D White Glamorous White Strips

Best Crest 3d Whitestrips

Crest This dentist-recommended whitening strip is the gold standard for at-home whitening. It removes up to 10 years of stains in just 20 days with visible results in 3 days, giving you noticeably whiter teeth. The Advanced Seal Technology ensures the strips stay in place while you talk and drink water.

🦷 Key Features:

• It's Crest!
• Contains hydrogen peroxide
• Better adherence than most

💰 Price: ~$40-$50

⏳ Treatment Time: 30 minutes per day for 14 days

🛒 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Walmart, and major retailers

2. Burst Teeth Whitening Strips

Best Value Teeth Whitening Strips

Burst Whitening Strips offer an effective yet gentle way to brighten your smile, making them a great choice for those with sensitive teeth. Infused with hydrating coconut oil, they whiten while keeping teeth healthy and protected.

🦷 Key Features:

• Formula designed for gentle whitening
• Coconut oil infusion to help reduce sensitivity
• Non-slip design ensures strips stay in place

💰 Price: ~$30
⏳ Treatment Time: 15 minutes per day for 14 days
🛒 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon and Burst’s official website

3. Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips

Best Sensitive Teeth Whitening Strips

Lumineux advertises their product as a 'non-toxic alternative' by using a peroxide-free formula with coconut oil and essential oils. While there isn’t much research supporting the effectiveness of these strips—and considering that anything can be toxic at a certain dose—some people still swear by them. If you trust word of mouth, you might want to try them. However, as a dental professional, I personally wouldn’t spend my money on them.

🦷 Key Features:

• Claims they use natural whitening ingredients
• Peroxide-free and safe for daily use
• Vegan and cruelty-free

💰 Price: ~$30
⏳ Treatment Time: 30 minutes per day for 14 days
🛒 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon and Lumineux’s official website

Related: 5 Best Teeth Whitening Products for Sensitive Teeth

4. Burst Whitening Trays

Best Prefilled Whitening Trays

These are not strips but better! Their teeth whitening trays are even designed by a team of dentists and hygienists. They’re also made to be gentle enough that they’re less likely to cause any tooth sensitivity. Burst whitening trays are pre-filled with hydrogen peroxide gel so they’re easy to use. The initial kit is $54.99 and you can subscribe for a refill pack every 12 weeks for $49.99 per pack. 

Key Features

• Wear the custom-fit feel trays for 15 minutes a day
• 12.5% hydrogen peroxide
• Whitens 3.5 shades or more in one week
• 85% of users report zero tooth sensitivity
• Natural mint flavor
• Includes enough product for 7 treatments (one week)

Final Thought 

Burst is a reputable, dentist and hygienist-backed whitening kit that’s safe, gentle, and effective. Plus, it includes Xylitol which helps with sensitivity management as well as anti-cavity benefits. Burst has the best teeth whitening kit for first-timer since the moldable trays are pre-filled, there’s zero fuss or mess involved. Just pop them over your teeth and gently mold them right over your smile to make sure the gel comes into contact with all of the most visible tooth surfaces. 

5. Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit

Great for Sensitivity Gums and Teeth 

Crest 3d whitestrips has another teeth whitening product on this list, except this time they are whitening strips for people that have very sensitive teeth and may not be able to use Crest’s more popular whitening strips. With a gentler formula, dental patients can expect a brighter smile and whiter teeth with less sensitivity.

Key Features

This light-amplified whitening kit enhances your smile by gently removing surface stain with upper and lower whitening strips that you apply to your teeth. The sensitive whitening ingredients to help oxidize stain particles more quickly. 

Number of Treatments:

14 applications

Whitening Solution

Hydrogen peroxide is the main active ingredient, but it’s at a lower concentration to limit sensitivity. Most people who use Crest 3D White Strips  claim they do not experience hypersensitivity or tooth discomfort afterward.

Final Thoughts

For anyone that is nervous about using whitening strips because of the hypersensitivity some users experience, this product is a safe alternative. 

6. Zimba Whitening Strips – Best Budget Option

Good Cheap Whitening Strips 

For an affordable yet effective whitening solution, Zimba strips deliver results without breaking the bank. Plus, their hydrogen peroxide formulations come in fun flavors like coconut, spearmint, and minty fresh!

🦷 Key Features:

• Budget-friendly while still offering noticeable whitening
• Flavored options make the experience more enjoyable
• Formulated for sensitive teeth.

💰 Price: ~$20
⏳ Treatment Time: 30 minutes per day for 14 days
🛒 Where to Buy: Available on Amazon and Zimba’s official website

How to Use Whitening Strips for Best Results

Step 1: Brush and floss your teeth before applying strips to remove plaque.
Step 2: Apply the strip evenly to dry teeth.
Step 3: Leave on for the recommended time (usually 15-30 minutes).
Step 4: Remove the strips and rinse your mouth with water. 
Step 5: Brush again (if the directions say to). I prefer using a sensitivity toothpaste.
Step 6: Avoid eating or drinking staining foods for at least 1 hour, but for 24 hours is ideal.

Pro Tip: Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne Extra Whitening if you experience sensitivity.

Common Whitening Strip Mistakes to Avoid

• Overusing strips – Using them too often can cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
• Skipping instructions – Not following the product's specific directions can lead to uneven whitening.
• Not brushing/flossing beforehand – Plaque buildup can prevent whitening products from working effectively by blocking their effects or preventing proper adherence to the teeth.
• Drinking coffee/wine after treatment – These can stain your freshly whitened teeth.

Forgetting to use a toothpaste with potassium nitrate: Sensodyne is your best friend when whitening to reduce sensitivity teeth.

Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe?

Yes! When used as directed, whitening strips are safe and effective. However, it's essential to choose ADA-approved products and avoid overuse to prevent enamel damage. A general rule of thumb is to never whiten more than four times a year.

If you have gum disease, cavities, or dental restorations (crowns, veneers, etc.), consult your dentist before using whitening strips.

Teeth Whitening Strips vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Whitening strips work well for mild to moderate stains, while professional in-office whitening treatment is better for deep, stubborn discoloration.

Realistic Expectations for Whitening Results

It’s essential to have realistic expectations when using teeth whitening strips. Most people experience a change of two to four shades lighter when using these products. Whitening strips can be effective for surface stains and minor discoloration but may not be as effective for deep-seated stains or intrinsic discoloration. The American Dental Association (ADA) has approved some teeth whitening strips for safety and effectiveness. Keep in mind that results may vary depending on the type and severity of stains, as well as individual teeth sensitivity. Be patient, as at-home treatments may require more frequent usage before noticeable results appear.

By considering these factors and having realistic expectations, you can choose the best teeth whitening strips for your needs and achieve a brighter, healthier smile.

Teeth Whitening Kit Costs

From commercial to professional teeth whiteners, the best teeth whitening treatments can fluctuate between $20 or $30 to $600 or more.

If you can find a direct-to-consumer product priced between $40 and $180, it’s a great deal. Your trays can last a long time, and you’ll only need a tube or two of gel for touch-ups a couple of times a year. This is especially true when you consider that professional whitening treatments can cost up to $1,000 per session.

When budgeting for teeth whitening products, it's important to consider a comprehensive teeth whitening routine. This includes a dental examination to ensure oral health is not compromised and selecting the right products, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Related: Best Whitening Pens for Teeth Whitening

How Often Can I Whiten? 

Always whiten as directed. There IS such a thing as over-whitening teeth. If you’re using excessive amounts of teeth whitening agents, you could get sensitive teeth or potentially jump-start demineralization or hypocalcification in your teeth.

Normally the best home teeth whitening kit is meant to be used once a day for up to two weeks during the initial application. For touch-ups with whitening strips or pens, you typically need to use it for a few days or up to a week every 3-6 months. Personally, I like to touch up after my dental cleanings when my smile is extra clean. Keep in mind that you should never whiten more than four times a year.

Other Teeth Whitening Treatment Options

Let’s say you don’t have time for the whitening process, there’s serious internal staining in your teeth, or you’ve got existing dental work that won’t respond to whitening gels. What other options do you have? Several! You can talk to your dentist about porcelain or composite veneers, for example. These cosmetic treatments cover the front of your healthy teeth to instantly change their color AND shape. Which is perfect if you want a straighter-looking smile at the same time. Teeth that darken over time can also be internally whitened by a cosmetic dentist. If that isn’t effective, they may recommend placing a dental crown over your tooth. Always visit your dental office for an exam to help you decide what is best for your individual mouth.