Those with sensitive teeth should look out for products without hydrogen peroxide.
Make sure the teeth whitening strips cover the majority of your teeth.
Make sure the white strips fit snug on your teeth and don't touch the gums.
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Professional teeth whitening is an expensive service, costing anywhere from $300 to $1,000. There's no surprise that many people turn to over-the-counter strips, kits and toothpaste to brighten their smiles without overspending. "Think of whitening strips as tiny chemistry labs for your teeth," says Dr. Karen Man, dentist and chief dental officer of SmileGrove Dental. "They’re coated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are fancy names for bleaching agents that break apart stain molecules." To see which ones actually work, we tested a variety of products to find the best teeth whitening strips based on fit, active ingredients, ease of use, wear time and strip count.
What is the best teeth whitening strip overall?
At-home whitening strips can help you brighten your smile while staying within budget. Amazon
Crest 3D Whitestrips are our pick as the best teeth whitening strips overall because our tests determined that they had the best results with the most effective active ingredients. If you have surface stains from years of tea, coffee and wine consumption, the whitening agent in Crest 3D Whitestrips can effectively whiten teeth by as much as 23 levels.
But health comes before vanity, so check with your dentist first -- especially if you have a history of enamel erosion or need dental work such as filling a cavity. You should also take precautions when using whitening strips if you have crowns, veneers or fillings, as whitening products may affect these differently.
Best teeth whitening strips of 2026
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