“Whitening strips whiten your teeth.”
Peroxide whitening strips do lighten natural teeth, at least in the short term.
Whitening strips used as directed can make natural teeth lighter for a while. They will not lighten fillings, crowns or veneers, and using them longer than the label says is not better.
Choose a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, follow the label, and stop if your teeth or gums get sore.
Safety note: Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are the most common side effects and are usually temporary.
Talk to a healthcare professional if: you have cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth or many fillings or crowns in front, or a single tooth has turned darker.
Dozens of randomized trials show that home peroxide whitening products, including strips, lighten teeth more than placebo in the short term. Confidence is moderate because most trials were small and short, the evidence was rated low certainty, and products differ.
Peroxide whitening strips do lighten natural teeth, at least in the short term. A Cochrane review of 71 randomized trials found home peroxide products whitened teeth more than placebo, though the evidence was low certainty and how long results last is not well studied. Strips do not change the color of fillings, crowns or veneers.
Over-the-counter strips and gels use lower peroxide strengths than dentist-supplied or in-office whitening. Whitening toothpaste mainly removes surface stains and is not the same as bleaching. Because only natural teeth lighten, whitening can make older fillings or crowns stand out.
- Eachempati P, Kumbargere Nagraj S, Krishanappa SKK, Gupta P, Yaylali IE. Home-based chemically-induced whitening (bleaching) of teeth in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;12(12):CD006202. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006202.pub2. PMID:30562408; PMCID:PMC6517292
- American Dental Association. Whitening. Oral Health Topics, ADA Library