Getting a brighter, whiter smile is a goal for many people today. With so many whitening products on the market, it can be tricky to decide which system is right for you and your teeth.
Two popular options from Crest are the 1 Hour Express Whitestrips and the Professional Effects whitening treatment. But what exactly sets these whitening systems apart?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Crest Express Whitening and Professional Effects, look at the pros and cons of each system, and help you determine which option may work best to get you the white smile you want.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Crest Express Whitening | Crest Professional Effects |
| Whitening Method | Whitestrips with hydrogen peroxide | Whitestrips with hydrogen peroxide + LED light |
| Treatment Duration | 1 hour per day for 7-14 days | 30 minutes per day for 7 days |
| Whitening Power | Lightens up to 3 shades | Lightens up to 7 shades |
| Ease of Use | Apply strips once daily | Apply strips and use LED light daily |
| Cost | $25-$45 per kit | $200+ per kit |
| Sensitivity | May cause minor sensitivity | May cause moderate sensitivity |
| Best For | Minor stains | Moderate to severe stains |
How Do They Work?
The first difference between Express Whitening and Professional Effects lies in how each system works to whiten your teeth.
Crest Express Whitestrips utilize strips coated with hydrogen peroxide gel that stick to your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide works to lift stains from the enamel and lighten tooth discoloration. The thin, flexible strips mold to the shape of your teeth for targeted whitening. You wear the strips for just 60 minutes a day for 7-14 days depending on the kit.
Professional Effects Whitestrips also use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth. But this system combines the Whitestrips treatment with an LED light accelerator device. The light accelerates the whitening process, so you only need to wear the strips for 30 minutes a day for 7 days. The LED light helps the hydrogen peroxide work faster and more efficiently for better whitening results.
So in summary:
- Express Whitestrips – 1 hour wear time, no light device
- Professional Effects – 30 minute wear time, includes LED light accelerator
Whitening Power
When it comes to whitening power, Professional Effects packs more of a punch. The advanced serum formula combined with the LED light can remove over 10 years of stains in just 7 days. Express Whitestrips will still brighten your smile, but the 1 week Professional Effects treatment delivers noticeably whiter teeth.
However, it’s key to note that whitening results will vary depending on the state of your teeth before treatment. If your teeth are lightly stained, Express Whitestrips may get you the brightness you want. But if you have deeper set stains or discoloration, the stronger peroxide serum and LED light of Professional Effects will provide more dramatic whitening.
Ease Of Use
Both of these at-home whitening systems from Crest are designed to be easy to use. The thin, flexible Whitestrips comfortably mold to your teeth so you can talk and even drink water while wearing them. And the clear strips are nearly invisible when applied correctly.
The Express Whitestrips require a bit more time commitment at 1 hour of wear per day. Professional Effects cuts that down to just 30 minutes with the help of the LED accelerator.
When it comes to application, Express is likely the simpler option. There are no extra devices or steps – just apply the strips, wear, and remove. Professional Effects has the additional component of using the LED light device during the treatment. But the device is lightweight, rechargeable, and quite user friendly.
So Express gets a slight edge for being quicker and simpler in terms of use. But Professional Effects still delivers easy, convenient teeth whitening thanks to the well-designed strips and LED device combo.
Cost Comparison
As you might expect given the advanced technology, Professional Effects comes with a higher price tag than Express. The exact cost will vary based on which kit you choose, but on average:
- Crest Express Whitestrips range from $25-$45 for a 7-14 day supply
- Crest Professional Effects Whitestrips kits cost $200+
The Express strips provide an affordable at-home whitening option. But you get what you pay for with Professional Effects – factoring in the faster results and included LED accelerator makes the higher price worth it for serious whitening.
It’s also worth looking at each system’s policies. Many Crest Whitestrips kits come with a money-back satisfaction guarantee if you don’t get your desired whitening results. Professional Effects offers free touch-up gels if you need to boost your whitening after the initial 7 day treatment.
Also Read: Is Crest Radiant Express Better Than Crest Professional White?
Sensitivity
Whitening treatments can sometimes cause temporary tooth sensitivity as a side effect. This is more likely when using peroxide-based formulations like Crest Whitestrips.
Sensitivity can vary from person to person when using Whitestrips. Some experience no irritation at all. For others, Express may cause less sensitivity since the strips are worn for a shorter time versus Professional Effects.
Crest does include potassium nitrate in both formulas, which helps reduce sensitivity. You can also try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth before and during treatment. If you know you have sensitive teeth, Express may be the safer option to minimize discomfort.
Whitestrips Levels Comparison
Crest offers Express Whitestrips in different “levels” to match different whitening needs:
- 1 Hour Express – Lowest level whitening for minor stains
- 3D White Whitestrips – Mid-level for moderate stains
- 1 Hour Express Extra Whitening – Highest level for 20+ years of stains
The Professional Effects whitening is equivalent to the Extra Whitening version in terms of bleaching power. It produces up to 7 shades whiter teeth in 7 days.
So if you want dramatic results, Professional Effects and 1 Hour Express Extra provide the most intensive whitening. Express 3D White and regular 1 Hour Express offer lighter whitening better suited for maintenance between professional treatments.
Also watch the video!
Which Whitestrips Are Best?
When it comes to Crest Whitestrips, there is no definitive “best” option. The best whitening choice for you depends on:
- Level of staining/discoloration
- Sensitivity of your teeth
- Your budget
Here’s a quick guide on choosing the right Crest Whitestrips system:
- Light stains: 1 Hour Express or 3D White
- Moderate stains: 3D White or 1 Hour Express
- Heavy stains: 1 Hour Express Extra Whitening
- Sensitive teeth: 1 Hour Express
- Budget buy: 1 Hour Express
- Dramatic whitening: Professional Effects
Analyze the condition of your teeth and determine your whitening goals. Then use the comparisons in this guide to pick the Crest Whitestrips that can best give you a brighter, whiter smile.
Also Read: Is Crest Gum Detoxify Better Than Gum Restore:?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If your teeth are significantly stained or discolored, it’s best to start with Professional Effects. The stronger peroxide serum and LED light can break down stubborn stains for whiter teeth after just 7 days. For minor stains, 1 Hour Express Whitestrips can be used first for gentle whitening.
The Crest whitening system that provides the most dramatic teeth whitening results is the Professional Effects treatment. With advanced serum technology and the LED light accelerator, you can see up to 7 shades of whiter teeth in just 7 days with Professional Effects.
The levels indicate the intensity of the whitening formula used on the strips:
1 Hour Express – Lowest 6% hydrogen peroxide concentration
3D White – Mid-level 10% hydrogen peroxide
1 Hour Express Extra – Highest 14% hydrogen peroxide for intense stains
Higher levels like Extra and Professional Effects contain more whitening agents to fade tough stains. Lower levels are gentler for mild discoloration.
The “best” whitening strips depends on your specific needs:
For fast dramatic whitening, Professional Effects is the best.
For whitening on a budget, 1 Hour Express is a great value.
For moderate whitening with minimal sensitivity, 3D White is a top pick.
For gentle maintenance whitening, 1 Hour Express is best.
Assess your teeth, budget, and preferences to decide on the best Crest whitening option for your smile.
Also Read: Choose Between Crest 3D White Brilliance And Crest Glamorous White.
The Bottom Line
While Express Whitestrips and Professional Effects take different approaches, both can effectively brighten your smile. For fast, dramatic whitening, Professional Effects is likely the better option. If you have minor stains or want a more affordable choice, Express Whitestrips get the job done without the higher price tag.
Evaluate your specific whitening needs and goals to determine if Express Whitestrips or Professional Effects is the right system for you. With the information in this guide, you can confidently choose the Crest whitening treatment that will give you that gorgeous white smile you want.