These are the best teeth whitening strips for a dazzling smile without the hassle
For anyone looking to brighten their smile without leaving home, teeth whitening strips offer an easy, cost-effective way to lift stains and enhance your daily oral care routine. Think of it in the same way as your skin. If you're applying a hard-working serum on top of a makeup-covered face, it won't be as effective. Likewise, if you keep your teeth squeaky clean, top-up tooth whiteners and whitening toothpaste can make a big difference.
“Whitening strips are great if you want a boost just before an event,” says cosmetic dentist Dr Krystyna Wilczynski, “but I wouldn't recommend them as a long-term whitening solution.” She also stresses the importance of getting your oral health in order first: “Brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush over a manual one, avoid food and drink that naturally stain, such as coffee, red wine and curry, and attend regular hygienist appointments every six months.”
However, even if you're a star player when it comes to brushing, some people's teeth are naturally less white than others. It's all to do with how thick the layer of enamel on your teeth is. Underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin, which is yellow, so if your enamel is thin, the yellow can show through. As well as lifestyle habits like teeth grinding, enamel thickness can be determined by genetics, leaving little to be done to resolve the issue.
| Dr Krystyna Wilczynski | Cosmetic dentist. |
What are teeth whitening strips?
Teeth whitening strips are thin sheets of plastic that are coated in teeth whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (bleaching agents often found at low levels in whitening toothpastes), as well as an adhesive to make them stick to your teeth. Usually, they come in kits with enough strips to use on both the top and bottom teeth for two weeks.
Do teeth whitening strips work?
Yes, although it depends on the concentration of the whitening ingredients. Professional whitening kits administered by dentists will have a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, so will have a more noticeable effect after a shorter period of time.
According to top dentist, Dr Richard Marques at Wimpole Street Dental, you'll want to check the ingredients to make sure you're using the most effective strips. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the safest and most effective chemicals to whiten teeth when formulated properly. "Some methods do use other agents such as sodium perborate but these are generally considered less effective," he says.
Can whitening strips ruin your teeth?
While the majority of whitening strips are safe, using them too often can damage the enamel on your teeth as well as the dentin underneath. “Overuse can cause the enamel to become thinner, eroding the protective layer and leading to sensitivity,” confirms Dr Wilczynski. The ingredients used can also cause gum irritation and teeth sensitivity, which should subside as soon as you stop using the strips.
How we tested
We put the teeth whitening strips in this edit through a proper at-home trial to see how they really perform. We looked at how easy they were to apply, how comfortable they felt while wearing, and whether they caused any sensitivity. Of course, results were key – we tracked how noticeably whiter teeth looked after regular use, as well as how long the effects lasted. We also considered value for money, flavour (yes, some taste better than others), and how comfortable they were to wear.
Ahead, our full edit of the best teeth whitening strips…
SmilePro Teeth Whitening Strips
Why we love it: SmilePro's whitening strips are made from a top-rated instant whitening formula top-rated for quick, safe, and easy results at home. Each pack includes 14 treatments for both upper and lower teeth, helping you achieve up to 5 shades whiter teeth.
The enamel-safe, sensitivity-free formula can permanently lift stains from coffee, wine, and soda in just 30 minutes without the need for a dentist trip.MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Strips
Why we love it: MySweetSmile's teeth whitening strips will lift years of stains from coffee, tea, and everyday wear in just 30 (!) minutes a day. Perfect for last-minute events or a quick touch up, they deliver visibly whiter teeth in just 7 days – without sensitivity. Genius.
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips
Why we love it: Designed by dentist duo Dr. Lisa and Vanessa Creaven, these strips, contain hydrogen peroxide for whiter teeth after two weeks. Plus, they're considered a good choice for anyone who suffers from sensitivity.
Why we love it: With oxygen power to remove stains, these whitening strips will provide results in just 5 days. Non-abrasive and peroxide-free whitening is welcome news for delicate gums and enamel. Plus, the formula is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and the strips are designed to fit all teeth sizes!
GLO32 - Advanced Teeth Whitening Strips
Why we love it: Enriched with coconut oil, which is widely reported for its natural teeth-whitening benefits, these strips gently brighten your smile in just 20–30 minutes while offering an enamel-safe alternative to peroxide.
Rapid White 5 Minute Dissolving Tooth Whitening Strips
Why we love it: These impressive strips are clinically proven to whiten teeth by up to three shades in just one use, and up to five shades in only four uses. Plus, the strips dissolve onto teeth after around seven minutes, so you don't have to remember to remove them. Just brush your teeth thoroughly when done.
Why we love it: These whitening strips use innovative dual-active technology, combining instant colour correction with PAP+ whitening for visible results. Simply dry your teeth, pop the long strip on top and the short one on the bottom, pressing gently for a snug fit. Leave them on for 30 minutes while the magic happens. Then peel off, brush away any leftover purple tint, rinse, and flaunt your luminous new smile!
Teeth whitening strips FAQs
What are the strongest whitening strips?
Dr Krystyna explains that over-the-counter whitening strips can legally only sell products containing 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide, so it's a no-brainer that you will not achieve the same results as professional products. Dentists can prescribe up to 6% of the bleaching agent, following a consultation and hygienist appointment.
You may have heard of people buying stronger teeth whitening strips from America, and wondered why we can't get the equivalent here? “Over-the-counter whitening strips can contain up to 10% hydrogen peroxide in the US,” says Dr Wilczynski. “But when used incorrectly or too frequently, these levels can cause damage to the gums and inside the mouth, as well as cause further damage to cavities and hypersensitivity.” Not recommended, then.
Can I get Crest White Strips in the UK?
Crest Strips are the most popular teeth whitening strips in the USA. While there are some websites that claim to stock Crest White Strips in the UK, as mentioned above, the level of hydrogen peroxide used in Crest Strips is above the UK legal limit. This means any UK stockist is either breaking the law by supplying a controlled substance, or selling a knock-off.
Are teeth whitening strips worth it?
If achieving whiter teeth is a priority for you, your oral care routine is as good as it can be, and you don't have the budget for professional whitening, then teeth whitening strips might be the best short-term solution for you. After all, it's been shown that being self-conscious about your teeth can have a negative impact on your mental health, inhibiting the impulse to smile, meaning you end up smiling less.
