Whitening strips are a popular at-home solution for those looking to brighten their smile. They are easy to use, relatively affordable, and can offer noticeable results. However, for individuals with sensitive teeth, finding the right whitening product can be tricky. Teeth sensitivity occurs when the enamel wears down, exposing the underlying dentin, which contains tiny nerve endings. These nerves are more prone to irritation when exposed to certain substances, such as the chemicals in teeth-whitening products.
Luckily, several brands have developed whitening strips designed specifically for those with sensitive teeth. These strips tend to contain gentler whitening agents or lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient responsible for whitening. In this article, we’ll explore the best whitening strips for sensitive teeth, focusing on their ingredients, ease of use, and effectiveness. If you have sensitive teeth but still want a brighter smile, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
1. Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitivity Treatment
Why It’s Great for Sensitive Teeth:
Crest is a well-known brand in the teeth-whitening market, and its 3D Whitestrips Sensitivity Treatment is specifically formulated to provide effective whitening while being gentle on sensitive teeth. These strips contain a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which helps minimize irritation. The strips also come with a special formula designed to reduce sensitivity, ensuring you get the benefits of teeth whitening without the discomfort.
Key Features:
Gentle Formula: Contains less hydrogen peroxide compared to regular whitening strips.
Enamel Safe: Designed to prevent damage to the enamel while still providing noticeable whitening.
Quick Results: You can expect to see visible results in just a few days, with full results after 14 days of use.
No Need for Special Instructions: These strips are easy to apply and can be used in the comfort of your home.
Pros:
Designed for those with sensitive teeth.
Quick and noticeable results.
Enamel-safe formula.
Convenient to use.
Cons:
May still cause mild sensitivity in extreme cases.
Not as effective for extreme stains.
Price Range: $40-$50 for a 14-day supply.
2. Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Strips
Why It’s Great for Sensitive Teeth:
Sensodyne is a trusted brand known for its products tailored for sensitive teeth, and its Pronamel Gentle Whitening Strips live up to that reputation. These strips are designed to both whiten teeth and protect enamel. The formula is specifically made to be gentle, using a mild whitening agent that minimizes the risk of sensitivity flare-ups.
Key Features:
Enamel Protection: The active ingredient, fluoride, helps to protect and strengthen enamel while whitening.
Mild Formula: These strips contain a lower concentration of peroxide, making them gentler than some other whitening strips.
Long-Term Results: While the whitening process may take a little longer than with other brands, the results are more gradual and long-lasting.
Ease of Use: Like other strips, these are easy to apply, and no special tools are needed.
Pros:
Ideal for people with enamel issues.
Gentle yet effective whitening.
Long-lasting results.
Protects against future sensitivity.
Cons:
May take longer to show results compared to stronger formulas.
Some people may find the strips a bit too thin, making application tricky.
Price Range: $25-$40 for a 14-day supply.
3. Opalescence Go 10% Whitening Strips
Why It’s Great for Sensitive Teeth:
Opalescence Go is a popular brand in the dental industry, particularly known for its professional-strength teeth-whitening products. The 10% whitening strips are designed for individuals who want noticeable results but suffer from tooth sensitivity. These strips contain a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide, which is gentler on sensitive teeth while still providing an effective whitening effect.
Key Features:
Lower Carbamide Peroxide: At 10%, the concentration is low enough to be safe for those with sensitive teeth but strong enough to offer effective whitening.
Pre-filled Trays: The strips are pre-filled with whitening gel, making them super convenient and easy to apply.
Fast Results: Users can typically see results within 5-10 days of use.
Professional-Grade Quality: Opalescence Go is a brand used by many dental professionals, ensuring that you get a high-quality product.
Pros:
Offers professional-grade results at home.
Fast and noticeable whitening.
Convenient pre-filled trays.
Gentle formula for sensitive teeth.
Cons:
Higher price point compared to other brands.
The 10% concentration might still be too strong for those with extreme sensitivity.
Price Range: $50-$70 for a 10-day supply.
4. Burst Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth
Why It’s Great for Sensitive Teeth:
Burst is a newer brand but has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on providing high-quality oral care products. Its whitening strips for sensitive teeth are designed to gently whiten while reducing discomfort. The product is made with vegan and gluten-free ingredients, appealing to those looking for natural, ethical options.
Key Features:
Natural Ingredients: Burst’s whitening strips use natural ingredients, making them a safe choice for those with sensitive teeth.
No Harsh Chemicals: The strips do not contain hydrogen peroxide, which is typically the culprit in causing sensitivity, and instead use a gentler formula.
Effective Whitening: Despite the mild formula, Burst strips still offer noticeable whitening results after about a week of use.
Ethical and Sustainable: The product is vegan and cruelty-free, appealing to individuals with environmental and ethical concerns.
Pros:
Great for those who prefer natural products.
No hydrogen peroxide, reducing sensitivity.
Provides gentle yet effective whitening.
Vegan and eco-friendly.
Cons:
Slower results compared to stronger whitening strips.
Might not work for extremely deep stains.
Price Range: $30-$40 for a 14-day supply.
5. GLO Science Brilliant Whitening Strips
Why It’s Great for Sensitive Teeth:
GLO Science is another brand focused on offering professional-level whitening with minimal sensitivity. The Brilliant Whitening Strips are designed for individuals who have sensitive teeth and are looking for fast, effective whitening. The formula combines hydrogen peroxide with other soothing ingredients, which helps to reduce irritation while still providing excellent results.
Key Features:
Advanced Whitening Formula: The strips use a combination of hydrogen peroxide and other ingredients to reduce irritation.
Gentle on Sensitive Teeth: Designed specifically for sensitive teeth, the formula minimizes discomfort while still delivering fast results.
Professional-Quality Results: The strips offer results similar to those you’d get from a professional dentist visit.
Convenient and Easy to Use: The strips are easy to apply and fit comfortably on the teeth.
Pros:
Fast, visible results.
Comfortable, easy-to-use design.
Professional-grade formula that’s gentle on sensitive teeth.
Good for deep stains.
Cons:
Higher price point.
May cause mild irritation if used for extended periods.
Price Range: $45-$60 for a 14-day supply.
6. Colgate Optic White Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth
Why It’s Great for Sensitive Teeth:
Colgate’s Optic White line is a trusted name in teeth whitening. The Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth are specifically designed to give people with sensitive teeth a safe and effective whitening experience.
They combine whitening agents with a soothing ingredient that minimizes irritation.
Key Features:
Gentle Formula: Contains a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which reduces the risk of irritation.
Effective Results: Visible whitening results in as little as 3 days.
Enamel Protection: The formula helps protect enamel, which is crucial for individuals with sensitive teeth.
Affordable: Compared to many professional brands, Colgate offers these strips at a more affordable price point.
Pros:
Affordable and effective.
Gentle formula for sensitive teeth.
Quick and visible results.
Enamel-safe.
Cons:
May not be as effective on severe stains.
Shorter treatment time (some users may want a longer regimen).
Price Range: $20-$30 for a 14-day supply.
Conclusion
When dealing with sensitive teeth, choosing the right whitening strips is crucial. The options above are among the best for people with sensitive teeth, offering a combination of gentle formulas, effective whitening, and enamel protection. While the results may vary depending on the severity of your teeth sensitivity and the type of stains you have, all of these products offer a safe way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile without the discomfort that often accompanies traditional whitening treatments.
