While one-off teeth whitening treatments can get great results, staining is constantly occurring and results can fade quickly. Teeth whitening pens are a great tool to help maintain a whiter smile.
But with such a range of products available on the market, many are ineffective and some even dangerous, so it can be difficult to know which product is right for you.
One whitening pen might sound great, but how does it compare to others available? Is it safe? And is it worth the cost?
Find out in our round-up of the Best Teeth Whitening Pens.
Introduction
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the 3 big questions you should always ask before purchasing a whitening product:
1. How do whitening pens work?
Whitening pens work in the same way as many bleaching products. They use a bleach which seeps into the tooth and breaks up color compounds, making the teeth appear white. This means that the most effective whitening pens not only remove surface stains, but can whiten the tooth beyond its natural color.
2. Are whitening pens safe?
The bleach used in most whitening pens is hydrogen peroxide. This is the same enamel-safe bleaching agent as used by dentist across the world. Many studies have shown that, with proper use, hydrogen peroxide should not cause damage to the tooth’s enamel.
While whitening pens are safe to use, you may still experience some discomfort. The most common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. This is typically worse for those with already-sensitive teeth, but is usually temporary and not harmful.
As the gel can come into direct contact with your gums, the chances of experiencing gum irritation are heightened when using whitening pens. To combat this, many whitening pens use a lower concentration of peroxide to minimize the risk of irritation. However, the lower concentration of bleaching agent means that whitening pens are less effective at whitening than their stronger counterparts, such as whitening strips or gel kits.
3. How to use whitening pens
While there are some differences, most whitening pens operate in a similar way. Simply:
Wait the designated time before eating or drinking
Some whitening pens will require you to rinse after a certain amount of time, whereas other formulas will dissolve. Consult the manufacturer’s directions for best results.
Top tip
Dry your teeth with a tissue before applying. This ensures that the gel gets best contact with the teeth.
Colgate Optic White
Highlights
Well-known reputable brand
Whitens by 5 shades
Convenient design
The Colgate Whitening Pen comes in a kit with the Optic Whitening Toothbrush. Colgate recognizes that any whitening product works best when consistently used and their solution is this convenient all-in-one brushing and whitening system.
Simply store the whitening pen inside your toothbrush handle, ready to be used at the end of your oral hygiene routine.
When used in tandem with the Whitening Toothbrush, the Colgate Whitening pen can lighten your teeth by up to 5 shades, with results visible from as soon as one day. For full results, continue to use twice daily for 3 weeks.
The VS1 Whitening Pen has recently gained more popularity since it became available on Amazon. Listed in Amazon’s round up of best whitening pens, it gives fast and effective results in as little as 10 minutes.
Philips is one of the most well-known electronics brands in the world, so it might surprise you that they also do whitening pens. However, these pens are part of their successful Sonicare oral hygiene line. The packaging of this product has changed several times over the last few years, but all feature the iconic ZOOM! logo and the expert whitening technology that goes with it.
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pens are often recommended by dentists and can provide whitening of up to 5 shades lighter.
The Smilebriter Teeth Whitening Gel Pen is a favorite on Amazon. This could be due to the fact that the extra strength formula gets results while still being a consciously-made product that is gentle on your mouth.
As Smilebriter Teeth Whitening Gel Pens are stronger than many other whitening pens, they give great results. However, for those with sensitive teeth and gums, this product could be too strong.
The AsaVea is becoming more and more popular on Amazon due to its effectiveness and great price point. The whitening pen uses 35% carbamide peroxide which is the most common concentration of bleaching agent in whitening pens. It is strong enough to be effective but gentle enough to safely use at home.
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This travel-friendly whitening pen has a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their product.
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Smileactives Teeth Whitening Pen
Highlights
Polyclean Technology for maximum results
Vanilla mint flavor
Chic design
The Smileactives Advanced Teeth Whitening Pen uses Polyclean Technology to ensure that the active ingredient gets into all cracks and crevices on the tooth surface. This helps it to achieve great whitening effects that are up to 6 shade whiter. In a clinical trial, 100% of patients reported whiter teeth after using for 7 days.
Despite being effective, the whitening formula is free from alcohol, parabens, detergents and artificial colors that can often cause irritation. It also has a vanilla mint flavor that leaves your breath feeling fresh.
Each whitening pen contains enough gel to last 3 weeks – enough for a full course of twice daily treatments. The pens are travel sized and beautifully designed, making for a premium whitening experience without the price tag.
Winner of the 2016 Beauty Choice Award from New Beauty
Hyperox Technology to aid application
Go Smile is a company centered entirely on teeth whitening
If you’ve looked at teeth whitening, you have probably heard of Go Smile. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of teeth whitening with products like their whitening toothbrush and their snap packs.
Recipient of New Beauty’s Beauty Choice Award for 2016, the On The Go Whitening Pen requires just seconds of use per day. You don’t even have to wait for it to dry! Using Hyperox Technology, the whitening gel dissolves into the teeth, leaving behind a minty fresh aftertaste.
Each stylishly designed tube contains enough gel for 7 days of applications.
This whitening pen requires the least amount of time so is great for those who struggle to find even seconds to spare. (Busy parents – we’re looking at you!).
How do teeth whitening pens compare to other whitening products?
Whitening pens are an excellent tool for touch ups and maintaining a white smile. They are also great for people who are on the go and those with limited time. Each one has strengths and can be better suited to one person over another. However, if you’re looking for a significant and long-lasting result, you may wish to opt for a one-off whitening product first.
So which product is best?
The Colgate Whitening Pen comes in at a close second: it delivers results, is a good price and comes from a highly reputable brand. However, it is less suitable for electric toothbrush users as it is only available to purchase with the toothbrush. For best ethical product, opt for the Smilebriter Whitening Pen which is vegan and cruelty free.
The Philips ZOOM! whitening pens get our vote for the best whitening pen. While all of the whitening pens in our round up are great products, the ZOOM! whitening pens are the most frequently recommended by dentists and have withstood the test of time.
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Teeth whitening pens are generally safe when used according to the instructions provided. However, there may be some potential risks and side effects from their use such as temporary sensitivity or gum irritation.
How Effective Are They? When it comes to these pens' effectiveness, it really depends on your type of discoloration and the application process. First, not all stains are created equal: these bleaching agents will likely whiten yellow stains but probably won't whiten brown or grey stains.
The pen produces the best results if you brush your teeth immediately before applying the whitening gel, but it can also be used without pre-brushing. To apply, follow these simple steps: Open your mouth into a wide smile and dry the front surface of your teeth.
But the Kardashians' go-to teeth whitening product? The HiSmile Teeth Whitening Kit. Full disclosure: the Kardashian clan have the best teeth already, and were no doubt paid to promote the HiSmile products on their Instagram accounts, but even so.
Teeth whitening pens are a convenient and affordable way to brighten teeth, but their effects may not be as immediately noticeable or long-lasting as those of traditional strips. Applying strips takes more time and effort, but they often provide better results than pens.
It is possible to whiten a dead tooth using in-office or at-home teeth whitening treatments. The key is to go about this procedure in a specific way to encourage a more natural appearance to the end result.
However, not all whitening pens are the same—some may cause sensitivity, a few might require several applications throughout the day, and others may not deliver on the smile you're looking for. To help you choose the best teeth whitening pen for you, we've broken down the main benefits to look for and why.
Whitening strips can lighten the teeth by 5-7 shades, whereas whitening pens can only brighten them by 2-3 shades. Both strips and pens are easy to use and compatible with LED devices, however, pens can be more convenient as each tooth can be easily covered.
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Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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Philips Zoom Whitening Pen
Philips Zoom Whitening Pen
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