up & up Whitening Strips Vs. Crest: Which Gives You A Brighter Smile For Less?

I’ve always been on a quest for a brighter smile, but let’s be honest—professional whitening treatments can burn a hole in your wallet. That’s why I turned to at-home whitening strips, specifically up & up (Target’s store brand) and Crest, the big name in teeth whitening.

In this article, I’ll compare these two popular options, breaking down their pros, cons, and key features to help you decide which is worth your time and money.

From effectiveness to comfort, I’ve tested both to share a real user’s perspective on achieving that dazzling smile you’re after.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Teeth Whitening

I’m no stranger to teeth whitening. Years of coffee, red wine, and the occasional blueberry binge have left my teeth less than pearly white. I’ve tried everything from whitening toothpastes to those fancy LED kits, but whitening strips have always been my go-to for their simplicity and affordability.

When I heard about up & up whitening strips, Target’s budget-friendly answer to Crest, I was intrigued. Could a store brand really compete with the industry giant? I decided to put both to the test, using them over several weeks to see which delivered the brighter smile.

Understanding Whitening Strips: How They Work?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty (oops, I mean the details), let’s talk about what whitening strips actually do. Both up & up and Crest strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a gel containing hydrogen peroxide, the key ingredient that bleaches stains on your teeth.

You apply them to your top and bottom teeth, let them sit for about 30 minutes, and peel them off. The peroxide penetrates the enamel to break down stains, both surface-level (extrinsic) and deeper (intrinsic).

The difference between brands often comes down to concentration, application ease, and how your teeth and gums react.

up & up Whitening Strips: The Budget-Friendly Contender

I started with up & up’s Splendid White Whitening Wraps, which I picked up at Target for a steal—around $11 for a box of 14 strips. The price alone made me curious. Could something this affordable really work? Here’s what I found.

Pros of up & up Whitening Strips

• Affordability: At roughly $11-$15 for a 7-10 day treatment, up & up is a fraction of the cost of Crest. For someone on a budget, this is a huge win. I could whiten my teeth without feeling like I’d splurged on a luxury item.
• Ease of Use: The strips are straightforward to apply. Brush your teeth, peel off the plastic backing, press them onto your teeth, and wait 30 minutes. I could multitask—watch Netflix, fold laundry, or even talk (though I sounded a bit like I had a mouth full of marshmallows).
• Minimal Sensitivity: I have mildly sensitive teeth, and these strips didn’t make me wince. I noticed slight discomfort on day three of consecutive use, but it was manageable and faded quickly after treatment.
• Decent Results: After just one use, I saw a subtle brightening. By day seven, my teeth were noticeably whiter—maybe a shade or two lighter on a dental chart. For the price, I was impressed.
• Comfortable Fit: The strips are thin and mold reasonably well to your teeth. They didn’t cover every nook and cranny, but they stayed put for the most part.

Cons of up & up Whitening Strips

• Adhesion Issues: While the strips stuck to my teeth, they weren’t as grippy as Crest’s. I had to press them down occasionally, especially on my bottom teeth, which was annoying during longer sessions.
• No ADA Seal: Unlike some Crest products, up & up strips don’t have the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, but it made me wonder about long-term enamel safety.
• Undisclosed Peroxide Levels: The packaging doesn’t specify the hydrogen peroxide concentration, which I estimated to be around 6-10% based on results and sensitivity. This lack of transparency was a bit frustrating.
• Limited Coverage: If you have crooked or crowded teeth (like my slightly rebellious snaggle tooth), the strips might not cover every surface evenly, leading to patchy results.
• Short-Term Results: The whitening effect lasted a few months, but I noticed stains creeping back faster than with Crest, especially after my morning coffee ritual.

Crest 3D Whitestrips: The Industry Standard

Next, I tried Crest 3D Whitestrips, specifically the Professional Effects and Glamorous White varieties, which range from $25 to $55 depending on the kit. Crest is the gold standard in at-home whitening, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Pros of Crest 3D Whitestrips

• Proven Effectiveness: Crest claims their strips can remove up to 14 years of stains, and I believe it. After a 20-day treatment with Professional Effects, my teeth went from a shade S14 (yellowed from coffee) to S8—six shades lighter. The results were dramatic and noticeable to friends.
• Advanced Seal Technology: Crest’s strips are stickier than up & up’s, thanks to their Advanced Seal technology. They stayed put even when I sipped water or chatted, which made the 30-minute sessions feel effortless.
• ADA Seal of Approval: The Glamorous White strips have the ADA Seal, which gave me peace of mind about safety and efficacy. Dentists often recommend Crest for at-home whitening, and I could see why.
• Variety of Options: Crest offers a range of products, from Gentle Routine for sensitive teeth to 1-Hour Express for quick results. I tried the Sensitive + LED Light kit, which was gentle yet effective, brightening my smile without pain.
• Long-Lasting Results: My teeth stayed noticeably whiter for nearly a year, even with my coffee habit. Touch-up treatments every few months kept the results fresh.

Cons of Crest 3D Whitestrips

• Higher Cost: At $25-$55 for a box, Crest is significantly pricier than up & up. For someone whitening regularly, the cost can add up, especially if you opt for premium kits like the LED Light version.
• Sensitivity Concerns: The higher peroxide concentration (up to 14% in some products) caused more sensitivity for me, especially with the 1-Hour Express strips. My teeth ached slightly after a few days, though it subsided after pausing treatment.
• Slimy Texture: Halfway through the 30-minute sessions, the gel felt a bit slimy, which was off-putting. I had to rinse thoroughly to get rid of the residue.
• Not Ideal for Dental Work: If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, Crest strips won’t whiten them, which could lead to uneven color. My snaggle tooth, tucked behind its neighbors, didn’t get as much coverage, leaving it slightly yellower.
• Time Commitment: Some kits require 20 days of consistent use, which can feel like a chore if you’re busy or forgetful. I missed a day or two and had to extend my treatment.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Crest And up & up Whitening Strips

Let’s break down the key features that set these two apart, based on my experience and research.

• Active Ingredients

Both up & up and Crest use hydrogen peroxide as their primary whitening agent, which is effective at breaking down stains.

Crest is more transparent about its concentrations (6-14% depending on the product), while up & up doesn’t disclose this, which makes it harder to gauge potency.

Crest’s higher concentrations, like in the Professional Effects strips, deliver faster, more dramatic results but come with a higher risk of sensitivity.

• Application and Comfort

Crest’s Advanced Seal technology is a game-changer. The strips grip your teeth like they’re glued on, which is great for multitasking. up & up’s strips are thinner and less adhesive, requiring occasional adjustments.

Both are easy to apply, but Crest feels more polished. For comfort, up & up wins for those with sensitive teeth, as I experienced less discomfort compared to Crest’s stronger formulas.

• Effectiveness and Speed

Crest takes the crown here. After a full treatment, my teeth were noticeably whiter, with results lasting up to a year. up & up delivered decent results in 3-7 days, but the whitening was less intense and faded faster.

If you’re prepping for a big event, Crest’s 1-Hour Express or Radiant Express strips can give you a quick boost, while up & up requires more patience.

• Price and Value

up & up is the clear winner for budget-conscious folks. At $11-$15, it’s less than half the price of Crest’s $25-$55 kits. However, Crest’s longer-lasting results and higher potency might justify the cost if you’re after professional-level whitening.

I found up & up’s value unbeatable for occasional touch-ups, while Crest felt like an investment for a major smile overhaul.

• Safety and Sensitivity

Both brands use enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide, but Crest’s higher concentrations can cause more sensitivity, especially in products like the 1-Hour Express. up & up’s milder formula was gentler on my teeth, making it a better choice for sensitive smiles.

Crest’s ADA Seal on some products adds a layer of trust, while up & up’s lack of certification left me slightly cautious.

• Availability

Crest is everywhere—pharmacies, supermarkets, online retailers. up & up is exclusive to Target, which is convenient if you’re a frequent Target shopper but limiting otherwise. I grabbed my up & up strips during a grocery run, but I had to plan ahead since they’re not as widely available.

My Testing Experience

To give both a fair shot, I used up & up’s Splendid White Whitening Wraps for seven consecutive days, then took a break before trying Crest’s Professional Effects for 20 days.

I followed the instructions to a T: brush, apply, wait 30 minutes, remove, rinse.

With up & up, I noticed a slight brightening after the first use, and by day seven, my teeth were a couple of shades lighter.

The strips slipped a bit, especially on my bottom teeth, but they didn’t irritate my gums.

Crest was a different beast. The strips stayed put, and the results were striking. After three days, my teeth were visibly whiter, and by the end of the 20-day treatment, I was thrilled with the transformation.

However, I felt mild sensitivity around day five, which I managed by spacing out applications. The slimy gel texture was a minor annoyance, but the results were worth it.

Who Should Choose up & up?

If you’re on a tight budget, have mildly sensitive teeth, or just want a quick touch-up, up & up is a solid choice. It’s perfect for occasional whitening or if you’re new to strips and don’t want to commit to a pricier option.

I’d recommend it for younger users or those with minimal staining who don’t need dramatic results.

Who Should Choose Crest?

Crest is for those who want professional-level whitening at home. If you have significant staining (think years of coffee or wine), need fast results for an event, or want long-lasting brightness, Crest is worth the investment.

It’s also ideal if you trust the ADA Seal and want a product backed by dentists.

Tips For Using Whitening Strips

From my trial and error, here are some tips to maximize your results with either brand:

• Brush First, But Gently: Brush your teeth before applying strips to remove plaque, but avoid aggressive brushing, which can irritate gums.
• Cut to Fit: If the strips are too long, trim them to avoid gum contact. I did this with up & up to prevent irritation.
• Follow Instructions: Don’t leave strips on longer than recommended—it won’t whiten faster and could increase sensitivity.
• Space Out Treatments: If you feel sensitivity, skip a day or two. I found this helped with Crest’s stronger formulas.
• Maintain Results: Use a whitening toothpaste and avoid stain-causing foods (like red wine) right after treatment.

Addressing Common Concerns

One worry I had was safety. Both brands use hydrogen peroxide, which is generally safe when used as directed. However, overuse can lead to enamel damage or gum irritation. Crest’s ADA Seal gave me confidence, but I was cautious with up & up due to the lack of certification.

Another concern was uneven whitening, especially with my crooked tooth. Crest’s better adhesion helped, but neither brand fully covered every surface, so consult a dentist if you have dental work or irregular teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

After testing both up & up and Crest whitening strips, I can say they each have a place in your smile-brightening journey. If you’re looking for an affordable, gentle option for occasional touch-ups, up & up delivers solid results without breaking the bank.

But if you’re chasing a Hollywood-worthy smile with long-lasting brightness, Crest’s superior effectiveness and dentist-backed formulas are hard to beat. Your choice depends on your budget, sensitivity, and whitening goals. So, grab a box, follow the instructions, and get ready to flash a confident smile—you’ve got this!