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While a certain eye or hair color can be a turn-on, there's no discriminating when it comes to your teeth. Studies show that people with whiter teeth are considered to be more attractive and perceived to look younger. The good news is that these days, brightening your smile can be easily achieved with an at-home teeth whitener. There are a lot of affordable options, and they come in a variety of delivery systems such as strips, pens, and toothpastes.
"For people who already have healthy gums and teeth, teeth-whitening is a safe way to brighten the teeth to lift any stains," says New York–based celebrity cosmetic dentist Daniel Rubinshtein. "The strips that work better are the ones that hug the tooth and have the least amount of extra space," he adds.
When choosing a whitener, it's important to consider the concentration of the active ingredient. "For sensitive teeth and gums, you want to have a very low concentration of hydrogen peroxide," says cosmetic dentist Jon Marashi. This can be around 6 percent. In contrast, formulas with higher concentrations, up to 15 percent hydrogen peroxide, will deliver results faster.
What you eat can also aid in the whitening process. "Foods with a crisp texture, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can help remove surface stains and plaque as you chew," says Marashi. But crunchy fruits and veggies aren't enough to erase the darkening effects of your daily coffee.
Rather than ditch your latte, dip into the whitening pool so you can have it all. Read on to find the teeth whitener that's your perfect match.
1
Best Crest Teeth-Whitening Strips
Crest Whitestrips, Professional Effects
1
Best Crest Teeth-Whitening Strips
Crest Whitestrips, Professional Effects
Pros
The kit also includes two one-hour express treatments
Cons
- The full treatment takes 22 days
Take a photo before cracking open this box. By the time you're done with the treatment, you'll be wowed by how much whiter your teeth look. The strips contain 10 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove stains, so this kit is best for those without tooth sensitivity.
2
Best Teeth-Whitening Strips on Amazon
Dr. Dent Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
2
Best Teeth-Whitening Strips on Amazon
Dr. Dent Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
Pros
- They're effective and half the price of many whiteners
Cons
- The instructions for which strip to apply to your bottom teeth versus top could be clearer
Loaded with enamel-safe ingredients including sage oil, lemon peel oil, sea salt, and coconut oil, these strips whiten teeth sans peroxide. In addition to feeling good on your gums, the low cost of these strips feels good on your wallet.
Pros
- The kit includes three extra treatments for touch-ups
Cons
- Whitens up to six shades whiter
If you're not looking for a big commitment, go with this seven-day kit. You have to wear the strips only 15 minutes a day, and they won't bother sensitive teeth. The formula has a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide (6 percent) as well as soothing coconut oil and aloe vera.
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4
Best Dissovable Whitening Strips
Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips
4
Best Dissovable Whitening Strips
Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips
Pros
- You can use these on the go
Cons
- They don't always seal to your teeth right away
These strips dissolve in your mouth, making them the most low-maintenance option. They're convenient for when you're on the go because there's no mess to clean up, plus they have a peppermint flavor that leaves you with fresh breath.
5
Best Peroxide-Free Whitening Strips
Luminex Whitening Strips, Peroxide-Free
5
Best Peroxide-Free Whitening Strips
Luminex Whitening Strips, Peroxide-Free
Pros
- The formula was created by a dentist and is certified non-toxic
Cons
- Strips can get sticky if not stored in a cool place
Rubinshtein recommends these strips if you have sensitive teeth and gums because they don't have peroxide. Instead they contain dead sea salt and coconut oil. "They work to protect the good bacteria in the microbiome and detoxify the bad," he says.
6
Best Whitening Strips for Small Teeth
Snow The Magic Strips
6
Best Whitening Strips for Small Teeth
Snow The Magic Strips
Now 45% Off
Pros
- They whiten with minimal effort
Cons
- Strips may not cover the entire surface of big teeth
Individually wrapped and dissolvable, these lavender-and-mint-flavored strips are made for someone on the move. To get the best results, it's recommended to wear them for 15 minutes, twice a day.
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7
Best for Sensitive Teeth
Crest Whitestrips Sensitive Teeth
Pros
- They're easy to put on and comfortable to wear
Cons
- It takes longer to see results due to the lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide
If you've tried whitening strips before, but they hurt, these strips are the answer. They're specifically formulated with a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide to prevent discomfort. Wear them for 30 minutes before bed for 13 days to get the full whitening effects.
8
Best Drugstore Whitening Strips
Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Kit
8
Best Drugstore Whitening Strips
Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 1 Week Kit
Pros
- They fit nicely onto your teeth making it easy to talk
Cons
- For fast results , you have to wear the strips twice a day
These powerful strips promise professional-level whitening in a week. They're made with a technology that allows each strip to feel like it's been custom fit to your smile—a trait dentists say you should look for when shopping around.
9
Best Vegan Whitening Strips
Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips Vegan
9
Best Vegan Whitening Strips
Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips Vegan
Now 26% Off
Pros
- They come in a variety of flavors in addition to mint
Cons
- Not all flavors taste as good as the mint
These vegan strips have a nice mint flavor that not only makes the whitening experience more pleasant but also leaves you with fresh breath when you're done. While you need to wear them for only 30 minutes, you can leave them on for up to 60.
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10
Best Application
iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips Kit
10
Best Application
iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips Kit
Pros
- Easy to identify which strip is for upper and lower set
Cons
- The milk formula, so takes a few treatments to really see results
A safe bet if you've got sensitive teeth, these coconut-oil infused strips won't compromise your enamel or cause irritation. Just be sure to align the strip along the edge of your gumline, not on the gums—a common mistake first-time teeth whiteners can make.
11
Best Whitening Strips Developed by Dentists
Made by Dentists Whitening Strips
11
Best Whitening Strips Developed by Dentists
Made by Dentists Whitening Strips
Now 15% Off
Pros
- The kit comes with a gum oil to prevent sensitivity
Cons
- It's recommended to leave the strips on for an hour
You can tell these strips were developed by dentists because they offer unique features. For example, the strips don't contain any toxic additives, they come in recyclable packaging, and the kit even includes a comforting gum oil. To get the best application, apply the strips to dry teeth.
