How Long Do You Leave Crest White Strips On?
- David Chen, DDS
- Jan 22, 2024
- 3 min read
The average time that you leave the Crest whitening strips on your teeth is 30-60 minutes but it depends on which specific product you're using. There are currently 7 different variations of Crest whitening strips, so how long you leave them on will vary.
Some of them do work faster and you don't need to keep them on as long. However, there are variations which do require a longer time to whiten your teeth. Basically, it all comes down to... which Crest white strip product are you using? The answer to that will determine how long you're supposed to leave the strips on.
Table of Contents:
How long to wear Crest white strips
The time that you keep the Crest white strips on your teeth depends on which of the Crest whitening strip product that you're using. Each one comes with slightly different instructions.
We've put together a table showing you how long you're supposed to use each one of them.
Crest Whitening Strip | Treatment Duration |
|---|---|
Crest 3DWhitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strips | |
Crest 3DWhitestrips 1 Hour Express + LED Light | |
Crest 3DWhitestrips Original + LED Light | |
Crest 3DWhitestrips Sensitive + LED Light | |
Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White | |
Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express | |
Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit |
Overall, it seems like the whitening strips by Crest either need to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes or 60 minutes.
Can I wear them for less time?
You can use the white strips for less time than what they say on the box but the effects will be diminished. If you want the full whitening effect, you should use the strips for the stated recommended duration of time.
Reasons to use whitening strips for less time:
Teeth started feeling unbearably sensitive.
Have a prior engagement and need to head out the door.
Can I leave the strips on longer?
The whitening strips were designed by Crest to work for a certain amount of time. If you keep the white strips on your teeth for longer than they recommend, you may be wasting your time because they stop working.
The strips are only effective and work during their stated duration of effect. Keeping them on longer is not helpful nor beneficial for your teeth.
Does the LED light affect working time?
Some of the Crest whitening strips come with a LED light which you use in conjunction with the strips. However, it appears that it does NOT have an effect on how long you're supposed to leave the white strips on your teeth.
Below are a list of the Crest products which come with the LED light and their working time.
Crest Product with LED light | Working Time |
|---|---|
Crest 3DWhitestrips 1 Hour Express + LED Light | 60 mins |
Crest 3DWhitestrips Original + LED Light | 30 mins |
Crest 3DWhitestrips Sensitive + LED Light | 30 mins |
I'm sure that everyone probably thought that the use of the LED light with the whitening strips should decrease the whitening time. That is how whitening lights advertise themselves as, they're supposed to accelerate the whitening process.
However as you can see in the range of Crest products, some of the LED products need 30 mins while others need 60 mins. There doesn't seem to be a pattern or trend that affects the treatment time in respect to using a light.
How to use Crest white strips
The way to use any of the crest white strip products are fairly similar. It's just that the ones with the LED light have an additional step but otherwise it is pretty much the same.
Instructions without LED light
Peel the Whitestrips from backing.
Apply the strips firmly to the surface of teeth.
Remove and reveal your whiter smile.
How long you leave the strips on your teeth will depend on the specific Crest white strip product.
Instructions with LED light
APPLY. Peel the upper and lower strip from plastic backing liner and apply strips to upper and lower teeth.
HOLD. To start the light treatment, press and hold the two buttons on the sides of the device simultaneously to turn on light, then release.
LIGHT. Place the light against strips for 5 minutes. Light will turn off after 5 minutes. Then remove the light and strips. Peel strips from back of teeth first to ease removal.
SMILE. Reveal your whiter smile.
How long you keep the white strips on your teeth will depend on the specific Crest product that you're using.
Takeaway
In summary, you should expect to wear the Crest whitening strips for at least 30 minutes but some of their strips require 60 minutes instead. It really depends on the Crest product that you're using because they have 7 different ones.
Essentially, you need to look at their labels carefully to determine how long you should keep them on your teeth. That's about it but just in case... you know what you're supposed to do with the saliva while wearing the strips right?
FYI, if you don't get the results you want with OTC products you may want to consider professional teeth whitening with our dentists in Long island City!
