So, do strips work? Yes, for surface stains from coffee, tea, soda, and that time you tried smoking a cigarette at a party in college. They are not miracle workers. If your teeth are naturally dark, or if you have crowns and fillings, those parts will stay yellow while the rest gets white. You’ll end up with a two-tone situation.
But for the average person whose smile looks a little dim? They are completely worth the gooey mouth and the weird chemical taste. They are the affordable, Netflix-friendly way to fake a dental appointment from the comfort of your couch. Just remember: spit don’t rinse after you remove them, and don’t sniff the strips—they smell exactly like a perm.
And if you accidentally fall asleep with them on? Welcome to the club. You’ll wake up with sensitive gums and a story to tell. Welcome to the not-so-glamorous, but very effective, world of at-home whitening.
