Pearly whites are so often sought after as the “ideal” smile, but that doesn’t mean that off-white teeth are unhealthy.
Users on TikTok and Instagram have also been showing off their dazzling white teeth, thanks to easy “paste-and-peel” whitening strips that seem almost too good to be true.
@jessicamiasato Teeth whitening Journey 🦷 #whiteningteeth #oralb #teethwhitening #fyp #viral
If you’ve been admiring pearly-white smiles on social media but are hesitant about using teeth whitening strips for yourself, you’re in the right place.
Read on, because we share what you need to know about teeth whitening strips (including whether they’re good for your teeth) and our top picks that work to brighten your smile!
What Are Teeth Whitening Strips?
Photo source: Crest
Teeth whitening strips are strips of plastic that contain a thin layer of whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. That means, they chemically break down the stains on your teeth, unlike whitening toothpaste, which contains abrasive ingredients that physically scrub the stains off your teeth.
Teeth whitening strips come in pairs of two translucent “stickers”. The strips are worn by first placing them, gel-side down, onto the front of the teeth, aligned with the gums. This is followed by pressing the strips evenly against the teeth, and then wrapping the remaining section of the strip to the back.
How long you leave the teeth whitening strips on and how often you use them will vary from product to product, so it’s best to check the packaging for specific instructions.
Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work on Yellow Teeth?
TikTokers using teeth whitening strips. Photo source: @bennuzi, @dolitashaw
Teeth whitening strips really do work on yellow teeth, but mostly on teeth that have been discoloured due to lifestyle habits such as diet and oral hygiene.
When it comes to diet, one that includes a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine can result in the accumulation of pigments in the enamel (outer surface) of the teeth, leading to discolouration.
If you’re not brushing your teeth well, bacteria can also accumulate on your teeth, causing stains to form.
People who wear braces might notice yellow stains on their teeth, usually because the areas around the brackets are hard to reach and often neglected. Bacteria then accumulate and the yellow stains are revealed when the braces are removed.
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You should note, however, that even if you brush and floss regularly, your teeth could be a natural off-white colour that’s due to the thickness of your enamel, or age.
In short, teeth whitening strips do work on yellow teeth, but mostly on teeth that are yellow because of stains caused by external factors.
Are Teeth Whitening Strips Good for Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening strips are not all that different from what dentists use to whiten their patients’ teeth in the clinic.
The whitening agents used in teeth whitening strips, like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, are also used in dentist treatments – only in different amounts. That’s why teeth whitening strips are typically considered safe when used correctly and in moderation.
Still, teeth whitening strips have their downsides, such as teeth sensitivity and gum irritation, especially when used too frequently or for extended periods of time.
Since the strips are “pasted” onto your teeth, they could also miss out on the spots in between each tooth; the tooth’s flat surfaces might be whitened but the harder-to-reach spots could remain yellow.
So, while teeth whitening strips are generally considered safe and are effective at turning your yellow teeth white, the best thing that you can do when choosing a product that’s best for your teeth is to first consult your dentist!
How To Use Teeth Whitening Strips?
@tiffkimmm I do this maybe 1-2x a month for maintenance since I am a heavy coffee drinker! 🥴 whitening teethtok fyp dentalhygienist crest whiteningstrips hacks cocofloss healthysmile
♬ Ariana Grande / Doja cat / Megan Thee Stallion Type Beat(969753) – RYOTA KATO
While using a whitening strip may appear quite straightforward, according to @tiffkimmm, a dental hygienist on TikTok, there are some application tips that can help with your teeth sensitivity!
To begin, floss your teeth to remove as much plaque and debris as possible for the best results. Then, cut your whitening strips in half and apply them to your dry teeth without wrapping the strips behind them.
Not only will this reduce the sensitivity of your teeth, but it will also save you money! Finally, if you wear retainers, put it on over the strips for added security.
Which Teeth Whitening Strips Work Best?
White Republic Teeth Whitening Strips Fast-acting and gentle on gums
White Republic gained popularity for their teeth whitening kit that uses an innovative LED technology, but their classic and fast-acting whitening strips are not to be underestimated as well!
These whitening strips contain a peroxide-based gel in them that penetrates the enamel to remove deeper stains, beyond dissolving surface stains. Additionally, they are also designed to accommodate users with gum or teeth sensitivity.
Visible improvements can usually be observed after just one application, but completing the full 14 days treatment will give you the best and most lasting results.
Get White Republic Teeth Whitening Strips for S$55 after discount at the time of writing on White Republic.
Related read: This affordable at-home whitening treatment brightened my teeth by 5 shades without causing sensitivity
Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Best overall!
Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips are one of the few teeth whitening strips that have been considered safe and effective by the American Dental Association (ADA) when they’re used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
They were also the first teeth whitening strips on the market, and use hydrogen peroxide to turn your teeth a few pearly shades whiter!
Get Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips for S$67.71 on Amazon.
Lovely Smile Bright White Teeth Whitening Strips Highly praised
Indeed, a lovely smile is what you’ll get with this brand’s Bright White Teeth Whitening Strips that give highly visible whitening results. They’ll also stay put on your teeth without slipping around.
The strips even come with a shade guide so that you can control the level of whitening your teeth get. The shade guide has different colours listed, allowing you to compare the current colour of your teeth against them, and find out how you can use the strips to get to the shade you desire.
These whitening strips also have a peppermint flavour for a fresh and pleasant taste.
Get Lovely Smile Bright White Teeth Whitening Strips for S$27.84 (28 stripes) on Amazon.
Smile Lab Signature Advanced Teeth Whitening Strips Editor’s Choice!
These teeth whitening strips are developed by dental professionals, and they don’t just whiten your teeth, they also improve your overall oral health. Formulated with Xylitol, the whitening strips reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing plaque build-up, tooth decay, as well as gum diseases. It even has vitamin E to strengthen your gums!
Smile Lab Signature Advanced Teeth Whitening Strips is the Editor’s Choice and Readers’ Choice for Best Treatment for Teeth Whitening, in the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards (DVBA) 2022.
Shop Smile Lab Signature Advanced Teeth Whitening Strips for S$77.30 on Watsons.
Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Strips Natural, for sensitive teeth
For a totally natural way to brighten sensitive teeth, turn to the Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Strips. It uses a unique, patented whitening formula of coconut oil, sage oil, and lemon peel oil – yes, minus the peroxides!
@sophmosca Pearly whites + no sensitivity = best whitening strips ever🦷🧊 @Lumineux #lumineux #lumineuxpartner
These strips are gentle on the teeth and gums and have a completely natural formula. However, since it has a milder formula, you can expect the results you see to be less dramatic.
Get Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Strips for S$65.95 after discount at the time of writing on Amazon.
Mooi Teeth Whitening Strips Influencers’ Choice!
These teeth whitening strips are gentle on the teeth and gum, which makes them especially ideal for those with sensitive teeth. They don’t contain any bleaching agents or peroxides, so, yes, you can brighten your teeth safely and healthily!
Mooi Teeth Whitening Strips is the Influencers’ Choice for Best Treatment for Teeth Whitening, in the DVBA 2022. Jade Seah’s review? “Not bad whitening product with nice and interesting flavours!”
Shop Mooi Teeth Whitening Strips for S$110 per box on Shopee.
MOON Dissolving Whitening Strips Eco-friendly
An option that’s more eco-friendly, MOON’s Dissolving Whitening Strips do as their name suggests: they dissolve. After you apply the whitening strips to your teeth, they will gradually dissolve and vanish after about 15 minutes, leaving no plastic strip for you to toss in the trash.
Since they’re paper-thin and translucent too, you can even wear them while you’re on the go – just make sure that you wait 30 minutes after they’ve dissolved to munch on a snack or take a sip of water.
Get MOON Dissolving Whitening Strips for S$61.01 on Amazon.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Gentle on teeth
Another one that’s from Crest, the 3D White Whitestrips Gentle is designed for those with sensitive teeth. If your teeth are sensitive or you’ve tried other teeth whitening strips before that made your teeth hurt, then try these ones that are gentler on the teeth.
You should note that they’ll give less obvious whitening results than other stronger teeth whitening strips – but that’s a small price to pay for getting brighter teeth without pain!
Get Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle for S$53 after discount at the time of writing on Amazon.
Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips With flavours
Some people dislike how teeth whitening strips taste in their mouth; if you’re one of them, then you might just start to love teeth whitening strips with Zimba’s.
Zimba flavours its teeth whitening strips with mint, coconut, and peach so that you’re left with a pleasant after-taste on your tongue.
They’re also really good at holding on to your teeth without slipping. The downside is that, for some, they might cause sensitive teeth and sore gums.
Get Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips for S$42.05 on Amazon.
PERSMAX Bright White Teeth Whitening Strips Dramatic whitening results
For a dramatic whitening effect, try the PERSMAX Bright White Teeth Whitening Strips that many reviewers praise.
The strips are easy to use, contouring effortless to your teeth so that you can better reach the spaces in between them too. They also give highly visible brightening results, giving you whiter teeth after just one 30-minute use.
Get PERSMAX Bright White Teeth Whitening Strips for S$46.82 (28 strips) on Amazon.
Related reads:
- Tired of seeing stained, yellowed teeth? You may want to consider these 10 teeth whitening treatments
- This affordable at-home whitening treatment brightened my teeth by 5 shades without causing sensitivity
Featured image credit: @jessicamiasato/TikTok (left), Crest (right)
