Butter yellow might be the color of the year, but not when it comes to your teeth. Stains from coffee, red wine, smoking, soda, and even tea can leave your smile looking a little too on-trend. Luckily, the best teeth whitening strips can help lift discoloration and brighten your smile, with some claiming results in as little as 10 minutes.
Vogue’s Favorite Teeth Whitening Strips
If past experiences with painful zingers have scared you off, don’t fret. Thanks to advances in technology, many whitening strips are now formulated to be gentler on enamel, and some even use natural ingredients instead of hydrogen peroxide. There are also mess-free, dissolvable options that make it easy to whiten on the go.
Below, we asked three board-certified dentists to share their favorite whitening strips and explain what to look for, whether they’re actually safe, how long to wear them, and how often to apply for the best (and safest) results.
In This Story:
Best Gentle Formula: GuruNanda Teeth Whitening Strips
- Why We Love It: If you’re looking for something au naturel, board-certified dentist Dr. Kevin Sands says these are a great, affordable option for anyone with sensitive teeth or wanting a gentler approach to whitening. “They contain hydrogen peroxide, but in a gentle formula balanced with coconut oil and essential oils to help soothe the gums,” he explains. For those who can’t do chemical-y mystery mint, the taste is mild and clean with a subtle herbal finish. “I like that they’re free from artificial sweeteners and synthetic flavors, which is rare at this price point. I’d recommend them for first-time users or anyone looking for a low-commitment way to brighten their smile.”
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin, menthol
- Number of Treatments Included: 7 treatments
- How to Use: Apply to clean, dry teeth; press along the gumline and fold any excess behind your teeth. Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes, then remove, rinse, and brush.
Best Peroxide-Free: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
- Why We Love It: A constant in my beauty routine, Lumineux is a great brand for sensitive smiles (and hearts). According to board-certified dentist Dr. Lauren Becker, these whitening strips are effective without being abrasive. “These are especially good at removing stains and are peroxide-free,” she says. Unlike other strips you want to rip off immediately, these have a refreshing mint taste that’s pleasant without being overpowering.
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, lemon peel, dead sea salt
- Number of Treatments Included: 9 treatments
- How to Use: Apply upper and lower strips for 30 minutes once a day for four days in a row, then once a week to maintain results. After each use, rinse or brush your teeth.
Best Quick Treatment: Crest 3D Whitestrips
- Why We Love It: Crest Whitestrips were the original whitening strips for many of us, and they’re still one of the fastest, most effective options out there. While some strips slide off after just a few minutes, these stay in place and are sturdy enough to wear for the full 45 minutes—even while drinking water. “These whitestrips can dramatically whiten the teeth that they can reach, although keep in mind if you have overly white teeth toward the front of your mouth, you might end up with a noticeably different shade in the back,” says Dr. Becker. You can also order them online, which means no dealing with the awkwardness of having them unlocked in-store.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of Treatments Included: 22 treatments
- How to Use: To use, apply one upper and one lower strip daily for 45 minutes over the course of 20 days. For an added boost, apply the 1 hour express strips on two separate days for 60 minutes each.
Best Viral: Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips
- Why We Love It: A trending option that may have popped up on your feed recently, Dr. Becker cosigns Zimba’s as an “affordable, vegan [solution] that can whiten in 30 minutes per treatment.” She adds that the strips only adhere to the teeth and avoid the gumline, which helps minimize the sensitivity or discomfort that can happen when whitening ingredients touch the gums. Plus, they come in a variety of fun flavors like cherry, coconut, mint, peach, spearmint, strawberry, and watermelon.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, glycerin
- Number of Treatments Included: 14 treatments
- How to Use: Apply the strips directly to your teeth and leave them on for 30 minutes per treatment. For deeper whitening, they can be left on for up to 60 minutes.
Best Dissolvable: Moon Dissolving White Strips
- Why We Love It: Whether you’re en route to dinner or on a long-haul flight, these dissolvable whitening strips from Moon are mess-free and travel-friendly. Dr. Sands explains that they use hydrogen peroxide at a safe level and have a fresh mint flavor that isn’t overpowering. “I like the clean, vegan-friendly ingredient list and the convenience of not having to remove the strips afterward. These are ideal for busy lifestyles or anyone wanting subtle whitening without the hassle. I’d recommend them for daily maintenance or in-between professional treatments.”
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of Treatments Included: 7 treatments
- How to Use: Apply the strips directly to your teeth and leave them on for 15 minutes. They’ll dissolve completely on their own, so there’s no need to rinse or remove afterward.
Best Premium Option: Supersmile Dissolving Superstrips
- Why We Love It: The most expensive option on the list, these strips skip peroxide entirely, using the brand’s patented Calprox to gently lift stains without triggering sensitivity. Dr. Sands calls them a “premium option,” noting they dissolve quickly and have a clean, slightly sweet taste with no chemical aftertaste. “I especially recommend them for patients with a history of enamel sensitivity or those who’ve struggled with irritation from traditional strips,” he says. The formula is enamel-safe, non-abrasive, and supports long-term oral health, which is ideal for anyone seeking a high-end, gentle whitening system.
- Key Ingredients: Calprox
- Number of Treatments Included: 7 treatments
- How to Use: Apply with dry hands, press firmly onto teeth, and fold any excess behind. Let the strips dissolve completely, which takes about 15 minutes. Avoid eating or drinking during use, and wait at least 30 minutes before consuming anything.
Best On-The-Go: Snow Diamond Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips
Snow
Diamond Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips
- Why We Love It: “These dissolving strips are a convenient, mess-free option for patients who want to whiten on the go,” says board-certified dentist Dr. James Heaton. They use hydrogen peroxide, which he describes as “the gold standard for whitening,” and since they dissolve completely, there’s no need to peel them off or rinse. That also means there’s less risk of accidentally overusing them. “I’d recommend them for patients with mild staining who want a low-effort, travel-friendly option,” he adds, though he notes that dissolving strips typically offer more gradual results than traditional ones.
- Key Ingredients: Hydroxyapatite
- Number of Treatments Included: 7 treatments
- How to Use: Just peel, apply to clean teeth, and let the strips dissolve.
Best for Oral Sensitivities: Burst Sensitive Teeth Friendly Whitening Strips
Burst
Sensitive Teeth Friendly Whitening Strip
- Why We Love It: Whether you’re a water sign or just sensitive, Dr. Heaton says Burst’s strips are specifically designed for those with oral sensitivity. They use hydrogen peroxide at a gentler concentration and pair it with ingredients like coconut oil and xylitol to help reduce irritation. “These are a great choice for patients who’ve experienced sensitivity with other strips or are whitening for the first time. I like that they offer a good balance between safety and noticeable results over time,” he explains. Plus, the fresh mint flavor is mild, which makes the experience more enjoyable, and worth repeating.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of Treatments Included: 10 treatments
- How to Use: Apply with dry hands, press firmly onto teeth, and fold any excess behind. Leave on for 15 minutes and repeat daily for seven days.
Everything You Need to Know
Do dentists recommend teeth whitening strips?
Yes, many dentists do recommend over-the-counter whitening strips, so long as they’re used correctly. Dr. Heaton says they’re especially helpful for patients with mild to moderate surface stains. “That said, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. I always recommend talking to your dentist first to make sure strips are a good fit for your dental health and whitening goals.”
Dr. Becker adds that while in-office treatments may offer longer-lasting results, there are highly effective and gentle options available for sensitive teeth. “Maintaining good hygiene, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, also goes a long way in keeping your smile bright.”
Are teeth whitening strips safe?
Yes, most whitening strips are safe when used as directed. “The key is moderation and proper use. Overuse or misuse can lead to sensitivity or gum irritation,” says Dr. Heaton. If you start to feel zingers or sharp, temporary pain, it may be a sign to take a break.
It’s also important to pay attention to the ingredients. “Steer clear of anything charcoal-related, which can strip enamel and cause more harm than good,” warns Dr. Becker.
If you experience discomfort or prolonged sensitivity, stop using the product and check in with your dentist. And if you have dental restorations, enamel issues, or gum recession, it’s best to consult a professional before starting any whitening treatment.
What to Look for in Teeth Whitening Strips
Dr. Heaton recommends choosing ADA-approved products with a clear list of active ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Dr. Becker adds that while these are the most effective ingredients, it’s important to check the concentration—too much peroxide can cause discomfort or even damage enamel, especially for those with softer or more porous teeth.
You’ll also want to consider how long the strips need to stay on and how often they’re meant to be used, since convenience plays a big role in staying consistent. “Choose a strip with a comfortable adhesive that conforms well to your teeth, and avoid anything that promises extreme or instant results, as that’s usually a red flag,” says Dr. Heaton.
How often should you use teeth whitening strips?
It depends on the brand, but most whitening strips are meant to be used daily for 7 to 14 days, explains Dr. Heaton. Dr. Becker adds that using them every other day can still build results over time while minimizing the risk of sensitivity from daily use.
Once you’ve completed a full cycle, you likely won’t need to repeat it for several months, as overuse can lead to enamel damage or increased sensitivity. If you’re unsure how often to whiten, your dentist can help tailor a safe and effective routine for your needs.
- Dr. Kevin Sands is a Beverly Hills-based celebrity board-certified dentist whose clients include the Kardashians, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and more.
- Dr. Lauren Becker is a board-certified dentist and the owner of Dr. Lauren Becker in New York City.
- Dr. James Heaton is a board-certified cosmetic dentist and the founder of The Smile Studio in Arizona.
