Crest 3D White Whitestrips have become one of the most trusted at-home teeth whitening products. They're easy to use, affordable, and deliver visible results — but only if used properly. Whether you're a first-time user or a seasoned pro, a few simple tweaks to your routine can dramatically improve your results.
1. Choose the Right Product for Your Needs
Crest offers several varieties of Whitestrips, including:
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Classic Vivid – gentle and affordable, ideal for beginners
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Professional Effects – stronger and more effective in fewer days
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1-Hour Express – fast results for special occasions
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Sensitive – formulated for those with tooth sensitivity
Choosing the right version ensures you get the balance of speed, strength, and comfort you need. Always check your tooth sensitivity, timeline, and budget when selecting.
2. Use Them Consistently
The key to great results? Consistency.
Most Whitestrips are designed to be used once daily for 10 to 20 days. Skipping days or using them irregularly can affect the final outcome. Set a reminder or incorporate your whitening routine into your daily schedule, like brushing your teeth or getting ready for bed.
3. Follow the Instructions Exactly
While it may be tempting to leave the strips on longer for better results, don’t. Each product has a specific wear time based on the peroxide strength. Overuse can lead to sensitivity, gum irritation, or uneven whitening.
Follow these basic guidelines:
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Dry your teeth before applying
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Align and press the strip firmly against your teeth
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Avoid folding over onto gums
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Remove after the instructed time
4. Prep Your Teeth Before Application
For the best adhesion and whitening effect:
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Brush your teeth lightly (without toothpaste) 30 minutes before applying
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Floss to remove food particles
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Dry your teeth with a tissue or clean cloth — moisture reduces stickiness
Avoid brushing right before applying strips to prevent gum irritation, especially if you're using a whitening toothpaste.
5. Don’t Eat or Drink During Use
Once the strips are on, avoid eating, drinking, or talking too much. Saliva can weaken the adhesive, and certain foods or drinks might interfere with the whitening gel. Use your strip time as a chance to relax, read, or scroll through your phone.
6. Rinse and Brush Gently After Use
After removing the strips:
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Rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove leftover gel
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Brush gently with a non-abrasive toothpaste
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Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything acidic or dark-colored (like coffee or soda)
7. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks During Treatment
While using Whitestrips, your enamel is slightly more porous — meaning it absorbs stains more easily. For the duration of your whitening routine, try to limit or avoid:
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Coffee and tea
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Red wine
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Dark berries
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Tomato-based sauces
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Smoking or vaping
8. Store Your Strips Properly
As mentioned in our other post, Crest Whitestrips should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Heat and humidity can degrade the peroxide gel, making the strips less effective. If you live in a hot climate, consider storing them in the refrigerator (sealed in their pouches).
9. Be Patient and Realistic
Crest Whitestrips work gradually. You may see a slight difference in just a few days, but optimal results typically take 7 to 14 days (depending on the product). Set realistic expectations — they won't match professional whitening overnight, but they will brighten your smile significantly.
10. Use a Whitening Toothpaste to Maintain Results
After your treatment, maintain your new smile with:
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Whitening toothpaste with gentle abrasives
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Touch-up Whitestrips every 3–6 months
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Regular flossing and dental cleanings
Good oral hygiene prevents new stains from setting in and prolongs your whitening results.
11. Protect Sensitive Teeth
Some people experience mild sensitivity during or after whitening. To reduce discomfort:
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Use a sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne) during treatment
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Take breaks between applications if needed
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Avoid hot or cold foods while whitening
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Choose the "Gentle Routine" or "Sensitive" variant if you're prone to discomfort
12. Don’t Double Up
Using multiple strips per day won’t speed up whitening — it will just increase your risk of irritation and enamel damage. Stick to the plan and avoid doubling up unless instructed by a dentist.
13. Combine with Professional Care for Better Results
If you're looking for longer-lasting or more dramatic whitening, use Whitestrips as part of a larger routine that includes:
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Professional cleanings
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Custom whitening trays
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Dentist-monitored whitening systems
At-home strips can be a great maintenance solution between visits or a more affordable alternative to in-office treatment.
Final Thoughts
crest teeth whitening strips can deliver impressive whitening results when used the right way. The trick isn’t just applying the strips — it’s how and when you use them, what you eat, how you care for your teeth, and how consistent you are.