Equate Whitening Strips Vs. Crest: My Take On Brightening Smile

I’ve always wanted a brighter smile, but professional whitening treatments felt like a splurge I couldn’t justify. So, like many of you, I turned to at-home whitening strips, specifically Equate and Crest, two heavyweights in the over-the-counter teeth whitening game.

My goal?

To figure out which brand delivers the best bang for your buck while keeping your teeth sparkling and your gums happy. In this article, I’ll share my experience, break down the pros and cons, and help you decide which strips are worth your time and money.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey To A Whiter Smile

I’m a coffee addict, and my daily espresso habit has left my teeth looking more “latte” than “pearly white.”

I’ve tried whitening toothpastes and even those fancy LED kits, but nothing seemed practical or budget-friendly for consistent use.

That’s when I decided to give whitening strips a shot.

Crest 3D Whitestrips are practically a household name, but Equate, Walmart’s budget-friendly brand, caught my eye with its lower price tag.

Could a store brand really compete with the big dog? I decided to find out by testing both over several weeks, and here’s what I learned.

What Are Whitening Strips, Anyway?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty (oops, I mean the details), let’s talk about what whitening strips actually do. These thin, flexible plastic strips are coated with a gel containing a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

You stick them on your teeth, let the gel work its magic for 30–60 minutes, and peel them off. The active ingredient breaks down stains from coffee, wine, or smoking, revealing a brighter smile over time.

Both Equate and Crest use this approach, but the devil’s in the execution—fit, adhesion, and results vary.

Equate Whitening Strips: The Budget Contender

Equate offers several versions, like the Ultra-White (12 treatments), Timeless White (10 treatments), and Professional Whitening Strips (20 treatments).

I tried the Ultra-White and Professional versions, both marketed as comparable to Crest’s 3D Whitestrips Vivid White and Professional Effects, respectively. At $20–$30 for a box, they’re about half the price of Crest, which immediately piqued my interest.

Pros of Equate Whitening Strips

• Affordability: My wallet breathed a sigh of relief. A box of Equate Ultra-White (24 strips, 12 treatments) costs around $25 at Walmart, compared to $40–$60 for a similar Crest kit. For someone like me who wants to whiten on a budget, this is a game-changer.
• Enamel-Safe Ingredients: Equate uses hydrogen peroxide, the same active ingredient as Crest, and claims it’s enamel-safe. I didn’t notice any enamel damage after using them, and my dentist gave them the green light for occasional use.
• Noticeable Results: After just three days of using the Ultra-White strips, I saw my teeth go from a dingy S14 shade (yes, I used a shade guide) to about S10. By day 12, the stains from my coffee obsession were significantly lighter.
• Easy Application: The strips are straightforward to apply—just peel, stick, and wait 30 minutes. I could multitask while wearing them, whether I was folding laundry or catching up on emails.
• Comfortable Fit: The EasyFit design molds decently to your teeth. While not perfect, the strips stayed in place for the most part, especially on my top teeth.

Cons of Equate Whitening Strips

• Adhesion Issues: Here’s where Equate stumbled for me. The bottom strips sometimes slipped, especially if I accidentally salivated too much (gross, I know). I had to keep my mouth closed tightly, which was annoying during longer sessions.
• Mild Sensitivity: I experienced some tooth sensitivity, particularly after day five. It was temporary, fading within a day, but it made eating cold yogurt a bit uncomfortable during the treatment.
• Inconsistent Results: While my front teeth whitened nicely, the strips didn’t cover my canines fully, leaving slight unevenness. If you have crooked teeth like me, this might be an issue.
• Taste and Residue: The gel has a slightly bitter taste, and I noticed some residue on my teeth after peeling off the strips. A quick brush fixed it, but it was a minor hassle.
• Less Dramatic Results: Compared to Crest, Equate’s whitening was solid but not jaw-dropping. My teeth looked brighter, but not Hollywood-star bright.

Crest 3D Whitestrips: The Industry Standard

Crest 3D Whitestrips come in various flavors, like Glamorous White, 1-Hour Express, and Radiant Express with LED Light. I tested the Professional Effects (20 treatments) and the 1-Hour Express (10 treatments) to see if the hype was worth the higher price.

At $40–$60 per box, Crest is a bigger investment, but it’s backed by the American Dental Association (ADA) and a long-standing reputation.

Pros of Crest 3D Whitestrips

• Superior Effectiveness: Crest delivered. After five days with the Professional Effects, my teeth jumped from S14 to S8, and by the end of 20 days, they were nearly S6—almost six shades whiter. The 1-Hour Express strips were even faster, showing results after one use.
• No-Slip Technology: Crest’s strips stick like glue (in a good way). The Advanced Seal technology kept them in place, even when I sipped water or talked on the phone. No sliding, no fuss.
• ADA Approval: Knowing the ADA backs Crest gave me confidence. The strips use enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide (6–10% concentration, depending on the version), and I felt no long-term discomfort.
• Customizable Options: Crest offers kits for sensitive teeth, rapid results, or long-term whitening. The 1-Hour Express was perfect for a quick touch-up before a friend’s wedding, while Professional Effects suited my longer-term goals.
• Even Whitening: The strips covered my teeth better, including my slightly crooked canines, resulting in a more uniform white smile.

Cons of Crest 3D Whitestrips

• Pricey: At $40–$60, Crest isn’t cheap. If you’re on a tight budget, the cost can sting, especially for longer treatments like the 20-day Professional Effects.
• Sensitivity: Like Equate, Crest caused mild sensitivity, especially with the 1-Hour Express strips. My teeth ached slightly after a few uses, though using sensitive toothpaste helped.
• Longer Wear Time: Some Crest kits, like the 1-Hour Express, require 60 minutes per session, which felt like an eternity when I just wanted to relax.
• Gum Irritation: If I wasn’t careful placing the strips, they sometimes touched my gums, causing mild irritation. Cutting the strips to fit better solved this, but it was an extra step.
• Not Perfect for Crowded Teeth: My snaggle tooth (a slightly misaligned bottom tooth) didn’t get as much gel contact, so it whitened less than the rest.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Equate Whitening Strips And Crest

To give you a clear picture, I alternated between Equate and Crest over a few months, using each for their recommended treatment periods. Here’s how they stacked up in key areas.

• Price and Value

Equate is the clear winner for budget-conscious folks like me.

A 12-treatment box of Equate Ultra-White costs about $25, while Crest’s Professional Effects (20 treatments) runs closer to $50.

Equate’s lower price makes it easier to maintain a whitening routine without breaking the bank.

However, Crest’s superior results and longer-lasting effects (up to 12 months, per Crest’s claims) might justify the cost if you want a dramatic transformation.

• Effectiveness

Crest outshined Equate in whitening power. After a full course, Crest’s Professional Effects lightened my teeth by nearly six shades, while Equate’s Ultra-White managed about four.

Crest’s 1-Hour Express strips were a lifesaver for quick results, whitening by two shades in one session. Equate’s results were solid for surface stains (coffee, tea), but Crest tackled deeper stains better, likely due to its higher hydrogen peroxide concentration.

• Comfort and Adhesion

Crest’s no-slip technology is a game-changer. The strips stayed put, even during longer sessions, and I could go about my day without worrying about them sliding off.

Equate’s strips were decent but occasionally slipped, especially on my bottom teeth, which was frustrating. Both caused mild sensitivity, but Equate’s matte formula felt gentler on my gums compared to Crest’s stickier gel.

• Ease of Use

Both brands are user-friendly: peel, apply, wait, remove. Equate’s packaging is simple, with individual pouches for upper and lower strips.

Crest’s packaging feels more premium, and some kits include an LED light for enhanced whitening, which was a fun (if slightly gimmicky) addition. I found Equate’s strips easier to apply on my top teeth but trickier on the bottom due to slipping.

• Long-Term Results

Crest claims results last up to 12 months, and I found this mostly true—my teeth stayed noticeably whiter for about nine months with occasional touch-ups.

Equate’s results faded faster, around six months, likely because of its slightly lower potency. If you’re whitening for a big event, Crest might keep your smile brighter longer.

What Others Say?

I scoured reviews on Walmart, Amazon, and Reddit to see how my experience compared.

Equate users love the price and often report noticeable whitening after a few days.

One Walmart reviewer said, “These are half the price of Crest and just as effective for my coffee stains.”

However, some complained about slipping strips and uneven whitening, especially on crowded teeth.

Crest users raved about the dramatic results, with one Reddit user noting, “Crest gave me the same results as my dentist’s whitening for a fraction of the cost.” But sensitivity and gum irritation were common gripes, mirroring my experience.

Which Should You Choose?

After weeks of testing, here’s my take: if you’re on a budget and want decent whitening for everyday stains, Equate is a fantastic choice. It’s affordable, enamel-safe, and delivers noticeable results without much hassle.

But if you’re aiming for a Hollywood-worthy smile or need quick, dramatic whitening, Crest is worth the splurge. Its no-slip technology, ADA approval, and superior effectiveness make it the gold standard, especially for special occasions.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities. If cost is king, go with Equate and be patient with the results. If you want fast, reliable whitening and don’t mind spending more, Crest is your best bet.

Either way, consult your dentist if you have sensitive teeth or dental work like crowns, as whitening strips may not work evenly on those.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping It Up

You deserve a smile that lights up the room, and both Equate and Crest whitening strips can help you get there. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and my real-world experience to guide you.

Equate’s affordability makes it a no-brainer for budget shoppers, while Crest’s powerhouse performance is ideal for those chasing a dazzling grin. Whichever you choose, stick to the instructions, protect your gums, and consult your dentist if sensitivity lingers.

Here’s to flashing a brighter, more confident smile!