11 of the Best Teeth-Whitening Strips, as Recommended by a Dentist (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.