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Want a brighter, whiter smile? Who doesn’t? But if you are on a budget, you’ll want to steer clear of professional treatments at your dentist’s office. Instead, pick one of the best commercially available tooth whitener strips to brighten your smile in as little as five minutes per day. Tooth whitener strips cost a fraction of what a professional treatment does. Just be sure to pick up some special toothpaste since this at-home treatment can leave your teeth and gums a little sensitive.
For Fast Results
Crest Whitestrips Daily Multicare are a top pick of “Good Housekeeping” magazine. These strips whiten almost a full shade in only two weeks. The best part is that you only have to wear them for five minutes a day, which means no more pacing around your bathroom waiting for the strips to work.
For On-The-Go
If you are always on-the-go, “Good Housekeeping” recommends Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolve Strips. These dissolve when they are done so busy users don’t have to waste time waiting around while their teeth are whitening. The only downside is that the strips only whitened a half a shade or so, says the magazine.
For Professional Results
Crest 3D White 2-Hour Express Whitestrips won a Readers' Choice mention from “Allure” in 2011. These strips allegedly work the strongest short of visiting your dentist for a pro job. That means that in four treatments of two hours each, you will be seeing a brighter smile that will last for up to three months.
Best Overall
According to Consumer Reports, Crest Whitestrips Supreme are ranked the best overall at whitening teeth. These strips are also touted as professional strength and are sold through dentists. This is because these strips have the strongest concentration of whitening ingredients available for a three-week treatment period.

