How To Use Crest White Strips (Step-by-Step Instructions) - NewMouth

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Key Takeaways

Crest 3D Whitestrips can be a safe and effective way to whiten teeth at home.
It’s crucial to closely follow the instructions that came with your specific teeth whitening product.
Always consult with a licensed dentist before using a new whitening product.
Remember that Crest Whitestrips won’t whiten veneers, crowns, or other artificial teeth.
Practice good oral care at home to preserve your newly white teeth.

Get your brightest smile with NewMouth's top teeth whitening picks for 2025.

Step-By-Step Crest Whitestrips Instructions

Always follow the packaging instructions to use Crest Whitestrips and reduce any side effects.

Here are general Crest Whitestrips instructions for easy teeth whitening at home:

Remove the upper and lower strips from the packaging
Cut each whitening strip to the precise height of your teeth, if needed
Remove the plastic covering the adhesive layer
Carefully place each strip on your teeth with the gel side sticking onto them; try not to let the strips touch the gum line
Let the strips sit on your teeth for the number of minutes listed on the packaging (typically 10 to 30 minutes)
Use the LED accelerator light if your kit came with one
Remove the white strips from your teeth
Rinse and wash your mouth with water
Don’t brush your teeth for at least two hours or eat for at least one hour
Repeat the treatment; don’t exceed the number of days suggested on the packaging (typically 10 to 20 consecutive days)

Don’t brush your teeth with toothpaste before using the white strips. Applying toothpaste to your teeth immediately before using white strips can heighten tooth sensitivity.

However, you should have clean teeth before whitening to distribute the gel equally. Use a plain wet toothbrush to clean your teeth instead.

Are Crest Whitestrips Safe?

Crest Whitestrips are safe for occasional use. But, if you do not use them correctly or use them too frequently, these whitening treatments damage your gums or teeth. Ask your dentist if whitening strips are right for you.

Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance for safe and effective teeth whitening.

See NewMouth’s top 10 teeth whitening products of 2025.

Are Crest Whitestrips Effective?

To determine if Crest Whitestrips are a good option, you should learn whether you’re dealing with enamel or dentin discoloration.

Enamel — Develops surface stains from consuming staining foods and drinks like red wine and coffee
Dentin — The inside of your teeth becomes discolored from aging, trauma, poor nutrition, or smoking

Crest Whitestrips include peroxide to penetrate the dentin of your teeth and may reduce the appearance of teeth stains. When using peroxide-based whitening systems like Crest Whitestrip, gray teeth are less likely to whiten noticeably than yellow.

Who Should Not Use Crest Whitestrips?

Consult with your dentist before trying any new whitening method. Crest Whitestrips aren’t right for everyone.

You shouldn’t use whitening strips if:

You’ve recently had dental work done, including fillings or dentures
You’re getting dental work in the near future
You’re trying to whiten artificial teeth

Teeth whitening products don’t work on veneers, crowns, bridges, or anything else besides your natural teeth.

3 Ways to Maintain White Teeth After Using Strips

Practicing good oral care is the best way to stop teeth from yellowing. You should also schedule regular dental care and teeth cleanings.

Here are other ways to maintain whiter teeth after using Crest Whitestrips:

1. Avoid Drinks That Stain

Try to avoid drinks that are likely to stain your teeth. If you drink sodas like cola, sip them through a straw to reduce the drink's contact with your teeth.

If you drink beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, or cola, always rinse your mouth after consumption to reduce the risk of stains. The same goes for foods that are likely to stain your teeth.

2. Use a Whitening Toothpaste

While using whitening products, brush with whitening toothpaste only once or twice a week. Using too many whitening treatments at once can increase sensitivity.

Use standard toothpaste for daily use. Using mouthwash daily can also help maintain a whiter smile.

3. Remember to Floss

Daily flossing will also help keep white teeth in excellent condition. Use string floss or a water flosser to remove food particles and bacteria between your teeth.

Practicing a complete oral care routine, including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing, is essential whether or not you’re using a whitening treatment.

View the best enamel-safe teeth whitening products.

Crest Whitestrips Ingredients

Crest Whitestrips ingredients include:

Water
Glycerin
Hydrogen peroxide
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
Carbomer 956
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium saccharin
PEG-8
Acrylates copolymer
Pyrophosphate (in Crest 3D White Whitestrips Stain Shield)
Polyethylene (the textured strip)

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common whitening ingredients used in teeth-whitening products. This ingredient is often safe to use as long as it doesn’t permeate sensitive gum tissue.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is caustic, which means it erodes whatever it comes in contact with. Overuse may lead to enamel erosion.

Sodium hydroxide is often used in hair dye. Similar to over-dyed hair, teeth can be stripped from over-whitening.

PVP and Carbomer 956

These ingredients provide the no-slip grip that holds whitening strips to your teeth.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) helps to bind teeth to the strip. PVP is considered safe, so it won’t disrupt hormones or bioaccumulate.

Carbomer is also considered a safe chemical. It also creates an adhesive to help bind the strip to the teeth.

PEG-8

PEG-8 has been shown to cause hives in those with an allergy. Hives can appear on the cheeks, tongue, or gums.7

Pyrophosphate

Pyrophosphate has been used in Crest Whitestrips to act as tartar protection. However, studies have shown that pyrophosphate does not reduce tartar in teeth.8

Acrylates Copolymer

This polymer helps the whitening strip stay intact. Acrylates copolymer is considered safe.

How Often Can You Use Crest Whitestrips?

Some Whitestrips require one application, while others should be worn twice daily. Carefully read the teeth whitening instructions on the specific box of whitening strips you purchased.

How Long Should You Wear Crest Whitestrips?

The amount of time you should wear each whitening strip per application usually ranges from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the product's strength.

Read the teeth whitening instructions provided with your product and follow them closely for the best results.

5 Possible Side Effects and Risks of Crest Whitestrips

The side effects of Crest Whitestrips include:

1. Yellow Spots

Crest Whitestrips work on the surfaces of teeth and often can’t reach crevices. This could prevent them from whitening teeth evenly, which may leave discolored spots.

2. Tooth Damage

If you use Crest Whitestrips too often, the enamel on your teeth can wear down. This can increase your teeth’s sensitivity and make you more susceptible to developing cavities.

3. Gum Sensitivity and Damage

Sodium hydroxide, an ingredient in Whitestrips, can erode teeth and cause gum irritation. If used too often, it can damage your gums and lead to decay and disease.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

If the enamel of your teeth deteriorates, the inner layer of your teeth (dentin) becomes exposed. This can cause sensitivity and complicate consuming hot or cold foods or beverages.

5. Negative Impacts on the Oral Microbiome

Peroxide, an ingredient in Whitestrips, eliminates both good and bad bacteria. Leaving peroxide in your mouth for too long can disturb your oral microbiome. Good bacteria are essential to keep your mouth healthy.

How Much Does Crest Whitestrips Cost?

Crest 3D Whitestrips cost around $75 for a kit, but prices range from $30 to $85, depending on the type of strips.6

Prices also vary based on where you buy the whitening strips. Additionally, buying in bulk or bundles with other teeth whitening products can help you save money.

Where to Buy Crest Whitestrips

Amazon is the best place to buy Crest Whitestrips, and many varieties are available. You can also purchase Crest Whitestrips from Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and similar stores.

Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White

Check Price on Amazon

Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive