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Having a  bright smile can boost confidence and leave a lasting impression. And teeth-whitening strips are one of the most popular over-the-counter products for achieving whiter teeth. But do they really work? Which ones are gimmicks? And what should you know before trying them? 

This post also recommends some of the best teeth whitening products. If you’re younger, you might want to check out my post on teeth whitening for teens, for options specifically picked to be safe for younger users!

Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to maintain a beautiful smile, this guide will help you make an informed decision about whether teeth-whitening strips are the best option for your needs.

How Do Teeth-Whitening Strips Work?

Teeth-whitening strips are flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based gel, typically containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient. These whitening agents work through a chemical reaction that breaks down surface stains on your tooth enamel, revealing cleaner, whiter teeth.

When applied correctly, the whitening gel adheres to the shape of your teeth, ensuring full contact for optimal results. The process targets extrinsic stains caused by substances like red wine, coffee, and tobacco. For these “lifestyle” stains, teeth whitening products can be really effective. You just need to then be careful to avoid putting the stains back!

Whitening strips aren’t as effective on intrinsic stains, which are deeper discolorations within the tooth structure. Intrinsic stains tend to come from medication use, tooth decay, excess fluoride, or dental trauma. These discolorations are too deep in the tooth for how white strips work. If you tried whitening strips and decided that they don’t work, it’s likely that you had intrinsic staining. 

Do Tooth Whitening Strips Really Work?

Yes, as long as they’re being used for the right type of stains! If your staining is from coffee, tobacco, wine, or other staining foods/drinks, whitening strips will work. These chemical reactions target extrinsic stains caused by food, drinks, and smoking, revealing whiter teeth over time. If you’re dealing with the right type of staining, white strips can be very helpful. 

Tips for the best teeth whitening strips results

Follow the recommended application process. Teeth-whitening strips must adhere closely to the shape of your teeth, ensuring full contact with the tooth enamel. Typically, where this is a problem is when you don’t wedge the strip into the dips between your teeth. The whitestrip shouldn’t go between your teeth like floss would, but you should push it down as much as you can to make sure that you’re not leaving the curved edges of your teeth yellow. 

If you need to, use a pen to treat between your teeth. I didn’t always have great oral care habits when I was younger, and as a result, I have some discoloration between my teeth. The fronts are bright white, but in between, where I floss, it sometimes still looks yellowish. A few years ago, I started alternating whitening strips with using a whitening pen, just between the teeth, and I think that’s helped a lot. Otherwise, you risk getting the fronts of your teeth whiter and whiter, making the sides look worse and worse. 

(I suspect that whitening trays would also help with this! You’d be less likely to get uneven whitening, where some teeth or areas remain discolored.)

Don’t over-whiten! When I see these people on TikTok make videos saying that they whiten their teeth every day, or every other day… Not a good idea! Follow the directions on the box. If it says every day for a week, do every day for a week, then stop. If you’re seeing the same videos I am, you’ll notice that it tends to be teenagers making these videos. AKA, they haven’t seen the damage yet that this will do to your teeth over time. Especially if you are a coffee or wine drinker, or a smoker, weekly whitening will lead to more staining in the long run. 

Do teeth whitening strips work with LED lights? 

Over-the-counter teeth-whitener products, such as Crest Whitestrips, use lower concentrations of peroxide compared to professional treatments. While this makes them safer for regular use, it also means they might take longer to deliver dramatic results. 

LED light whitening has gained popularity in recent years as a way to enhance the whitening effect of peroxide-based products. These systems often combine a whitening gel with an LED light device that emits a specific wavelength of blue light. The idea is that the light accelerates the chemical reaction of the whitening agent, breaking down stains more effectively and potentially leading to better results. 

When a dentist uses LED lights, they definitely work. But what you’re being sold for home use at Target may or may not. Opinions among dental professionals are mixed. The American Dental Association notes that the primary driver of whitening is the peroxide concentration, and the addition of LED lights may not significantly increase the whitening effect for everyone.

For people seeking a quick fix or preparing for important events, the use of LED light systems in  in-office treatments may improve your results. But that home light you keep seeing people post pics with? It may not be doing much. 

What Are the Benefits of Teeth-Whitening Strips?

1. Convenience: Teeth-whitening strips are an at-home teeth-whitener, making them a quick fix for people with busy schedules.
2. Cost-Effective: Compared to professional whitening treatments at a dental clinic, over-the-counter products like Crest Whitening Strips are more affordable.
3. Noticeable Results: When used as directed, these products can deliver a whiter smile in a short amount of time.

What About Professional Whitening Treatments? Are they better? 

I mean, yes. If you’re comparing one session in a dentist’s office with one series of teeth whitening strips, you’re definitely going to get better results with the in-office treatments.For those looking for dramatic results, in-office treatments at a dentist’s office might be the best place to start. 

Professional whitening treatments use stronger bleaching agents and often include tools like UV lights or LED light to enhance the whitening effect. Dental professionals can also tailor treatments to your specific needs. There’s much less risk of enamel damage or gum irritation.

However: the benefit of using whitening strips is that it’s affordable, and you can get results that are just as good or better if you’re consistent. 

If you need a super quick glow up before your wedding, in-office is probably the way to go. But if you’re just looking to improve your overall look and clean up your smile, you can get the results for a lot less money with whitening strips, as long as you’re prepared to be consistent. 

I already had professional whitening, or I’m in the middle of treatments, and I want even more improvement.

Okay! Adding whitestrips on to a professionally bleached base can work really well, but you have to wait until your dentist is finished. You can not, can not, can not, add home whitening strips or trays when you’re getting professional whitening. Your dentist is making really specific choices based on how your teeth react, and if you’re adding other treatments in, you could run into problems. (Especially pain or sensitivity, or enamel damage that will result in your teeth staining more easily!) 

However — if you’re done with your whitening treatment and you still want more improvement, you can start using whitening strips. I think that if you have the money, this can actually be a really great strategy. If you go to the dentist for treatment once, she’ll be able to treat darker spots or stains, giving you a nice even base. Then, your teeth while whiten really evenly with the white strips. 

If your dentist told you to wait a week or a month, then you should wait. Even if you don’t want to! If you overdo it with whitening, the damaged enamel you’re left with will stain easily. 

Choosing the Best Whitening Product

​Okay, I am not generally someone who goes in big for brand names.

HOWEVER, in this case: buy a product from a brand you’ve heard of. Do not buy a random Amazon brand teeth whitening strip. Amazon is not testing those products for you, and you don’t know what’s in them. I use Amazon for a lot of things, but not something that could burn my enamel off. 

The Crest 3D Whitestrips brand is as popular as it is for a reason — it’s very effective. The above linked product is a more aggressive treatment (if you choose it, I would suggest starting with one of the 1-Hour Express treatments!). If you have sensitive teeth, Crest also makes a sensitive line! 

Personally, I stick to sensitive products, so I’ve never used the top kit, but I can say that I’ve been super happy with the sensitive set. 

And if you want to use what your dentist uses, it’s probably this: the Opalescence line. I linked the prefilled trays, but it’s actually a lot cheaper to get whitening trays made (or do your own — you can order the trays cheaply through Amazon) and buy the syringes. Many people describe sensitivity with this line, so be cautious! 

If you’re considering another brand….

1. Look for ADA Seal of Acceptance: The American Dental Association evaluates products for safety and effectiveness.
2. Consider Your Needs: Choose a product that aligns with the type of discoloration you want to address.
3. Consult Your Dentist: A dental hygienist or family dentist can recommend the best whitening process based on your oral health.

Final Thoughts

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Teeth-whitening strips are an effective way to achieve a whiter smile for many people, especially those dealing with surface stains. While they may not offer the dramatic results of professional treatments, they are a convenient and cost-effective option for improving your oral health and achieving a brighter smile.

Before starting any whitening process, consider your specific needs, potential side effects, and the type of discoloration you want to address. By following the proper technique and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can enjoy noticeable results that boost your confidence and help you put your best smile forward.

Pin this post for when your whitening strips come!