How Long Do Crest Whitening Strips Take to Work?

Crest White Strips are considered the world’s best at-home teeth whitening brand, but how long does it take to see results?

This will vary by person, the severity of your stains and how well you use the Crest strips. However, in general most people will see results in 3 days, and full whitening results in 20 days, which is one full retail box.

4 factors that affect how long results take

Everyone is different, so how long it takes to see results will vary from person to person. However, these factors directly affect the timeframe:

1Strength of the whitening formula

Not all whitening strips are created equal. Some are stronger (thanks to their ingredients) than others, and the stronger they are, the more likely you are to see results quickly.

Generally speaking, at-home whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both of these compounds bleach the stains in your teeth, making them whiter. However, some strips contain chlorine dioxide instead.

While this compound is promoted as a safe, more effective alternative, its safety is highly debated. Chlorine dioxide can strip your tooth enamel, making your teeth more prone to re-staining and increasing sensitivity.

So, look for whitening strips that use hydrogen peroxide as their active ingredient, like our Crest 3D White Strips. They’re the perfect strength for quick results, without chlorine dioxide’s harmful side effects.

2Frequency of use

Success rests on following the instructions that come with the whitening strips you buy. Your consistency and the length of the treatment will change how long it takes to see results. For example, if your whitening strips say to use them once a day for several days, and you follow this perfectly, you will likely start to see results after a couple of days. You probably won’t see results if you don’t follow it. It’s as simple as that.

3Initial shade of your teeth

Your teeth’s natural colour plays a significant role in the results of your whitening strip treatment. Some people have naturally whiter teeth, while others have a yellowish or greyish hue. People with the latter may take longer to see results, and the results may not be as white.

Ultimately, you need realistic expectations. Sadly, not everybody can achieve a Hollywood-white smile. But don’t let that put you off! You can still significantly brighten your teeth and boost your overall appearance with Crest 3D White Strips.

4Lifestyle habits

Certain habits can affect how long it takes to see results, and how long they last. For instance, your whiter smile will gradually darken over time if your diet includes staining foods and drinks (like berries, red wine, tea, and coffee). The same goes for smoking. Cutting out or limiting these habits can speed up your results and improve the level of whiteness.

Typical timeframe for results

While it’s essential to consider the factors above, you can typically expect to see whiter teeth after just three days, with full results after 20 days. This assumes you follow the instructions on your product and use it consistently.

Results build with each treatment, so finish the full course. Always follow the instructions provided!

5 tips to maximise results with teeth whitening strips

Whitening strips are super easy to use, but these five tips can help you get the most out of them:

1Prepare your teeth

Don’t brush immediately before applying the strips. If you brush, wait about 30 minutes first.

Make sure your teeth are dry before you apply the strips, so they stick properly.

2Avoid touching your gums

While teeth whitening strips contain bleaching agents that aren’t as powerful as those used by dentists, they can still damage soft tissue, like gums. So, make sure the whitening strips don’t touch your gums. Cut them with scissors (if necessary) so they’re a perfect fit for your teeth.

3Always apply them evenly

As you probably already know, whitening strips only whiten the teeth they touch. So, be meticulous when applying them to avoid missing crucial spots. Naturally, there will always be teeth that you miss (they aren’t entirely even, after all), but take your time during application to whiten as evenly as possible.

4Take before and after pictures

Granted, this step won’t change how effective your whitening strips are, but it’s a great way to notice the difference. Documenting the before, during, and after lets you see your progress unfold, keeping you motivated to follow the rules and stay consistent.

5Don’t have dark food or drink afterwards

Give your teeth a break after wearing whitening strips. Your teeth are more susceptible to changes after application, so eating dark foods or drinking dark beverages is a one-way ticket to Stain Town. Avoid foods and drinks like chocolate, coffee, berries, or fizzy drinks until later, so you don’t ruin your results.

Additional tips for whitening your teeth

In addition to using Crest White Strips, there are a few other things you can do to whiten your teeth:

✓Use a whitening toothpaste

Try whitening toothpastes like Colgate and Oral-B.

✕Go easy on tannin-rich food and drink

Wine, coffee, etc. You don’t need to cut them out, just have them in moderation.

✕Stop smoking

This is the main one, if you smoke.

Enjoy! They are well worth the investment and the confidence boost.

Are teeth whitening strips right for you?

If you’re a generally healthy adult, teeth whitening strips, like our Crest 3D White Strips, are right for you! Just make sure you follow the instructions on the package (including how often and how long to wear them) to avoid the sensitivity-related side effects that can come with improper use.

Go forth and whiten your teeth!

Typically, Crest 3D White Strips results are visible within three days, but consistency, your current tooth shade, and lifestyle habits may affect this. As long as you follow the package instructions, you’ll get the best possible results in the shortest possible time!