How To Use Teeth Whitening Pen - Cosmetic Surgery Tips (2024)

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably tried everything to get a brighter smile. You’ve probably even tried the old “brush your teeth with baking soda” trick—and maybe even some of the other tips we’ve shared over the years. But now there’s something new in the world of teeth whitening that can help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of: Teeth whitening pens!

These pens are a great option for people who want to keep their teeth looking whiter and brighter, but don’t have time to make it to the dentist or pay for expensive treatments. They’re also very easy to use: simply put the pen in your mouth and brush!

How To Use Teeth Whitening Pen

Teeth Whitening Pens have stepped oral care systems up. The product introduces slow-acting bleaching agents that can safely stay on the teeth for long periods of time. They’re practical and safe because of the ingredients they have.

This article discusses teeth whitening pens, how to use one, the pros and cons, and if they’re the best option available. Learn more about these easily accessible products and how they can ( or can not) give you the whiter, brighter smile you’ve always wanted.

What Is A Teeth Whitening Pen?

A tooth whitening pen is an at-home tooth whitening product that makes it possible for you to achieve whiter teeth from the comforts of your home. They use lower doses of common whitening agents, typically carbamide peroxide, to improve your smile.

Carbamide peroxide is a combination of both urea and hydrogen peroxide. It whitens the teeth slower than hydrogen peroxide alone but this actually prevents tooth sensitivity and the possibility of enamel deterioration.

In short, carbamide peroxide is a much safer formula that is often the main whitening agent in these pens. Of course, you should always read the ingredients of a whitening product to verify the bleaching agent in action. Some are more harmful than the manufacturers would like you to believe.

4 Steps To Using A Tooth Whitening Pen

Applying a teeth whitening pen can easily be done in 4 simple steps:

1. First, make sure you brush your teeth with asoft-bristle toothbrushbefore proceeding to the application.
2. Remove the cap of the pen and gently twist the bottom until you see the gel escape.
3. Next, apply a fair amount of thin layer on the surface of your teeth. Put it particularly in areas with heavy stains before leaving it for around 20 to 30 minutes. As an added tip: some whitening agents are more effective when the teeth are dry. Wipe your teeth with a dry towel before applying the gel.
4. After the time expires, rinse off any excess gel by brushing your teeth. Leaving it on may damage the enamel.

Do Whitening Pens Damage Teeth?

Like all whitening products, it’s important to keep an eye on the percentage of bleaching agents present in the product. Scott Cayouette, a South Carolina-based dentist,previously told Health magazinethat he “recommends products that contain between 10% and 12% hydrogen peroxide”. Because carbamide-peroxide is less damaging, a product can contain about 35% of this ingredient to fall within the recommendation.

Overall, whitening pens do have the possibility of damaging teeth. If done in excess, they may leave your teeth sensitive and more prone to staining.

Fortunately for you, teeth whitening pens are generally safe to use. Carbamide Peroxide is a safe ingredient with minimal negative side effects as we discussed before. Your teeth are capable of withstanding greater concentrations of this ingredient without feeling sensitivity or gum irritation than hydrogen peroxide or other forms of bleaching agents.

Can I Use A Whitening Pen Every Day?

Because whitening pens contain less harmful ingredients in comparison to other teeth whitening products, a whitening pen may be used up to twice a day. However, because using a product too often will only serve to hurt your teeth, we recommend refraining from using a teeth whitening pen for longer than 14 days consecutively.

Are Teeth Whitening Pens Worth It?

At the end of the day, we ask ourselves: are teeth whitening pens worth the try?

The short and quick reply to it is yes, they are – but there are so many better options out there that are more effective despite being more expensive. It’s all about what matters to you. If you’re looking for a quick and easy option that may or may not work, then go ahead and try teeth whitening pens.

Just know that there are better options out there thatwhiten your teeth without any other side effects. Simply improving your oral hygiene is an easier and more cost-effective way to whiten teeth.

You may look at soft- or medium-bristled toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste from BrilliantSmile to get a better sense of how you can improve your oral hygiene from home.

If you’re looking for a guaranteed solution that will whiten your teeth in under 20 minutes, visit us at TheSmile Bar and see results right after your first visit. It’s safe, effective, and most of all, affordable. There’s no need to think too much about the step-by-step process as a team of specialists will take you through the entire process. We’ll even provide you with after-care tips to leave your teeth whiter and brighter for longer!

We all want to experiencewhiter teeth for a brighter smile, and many of us will go to great lengths to get there. There are so many different whitening products on the market that it can be difficult to navigate and understand what works and what doesn’t.

One such popular trend in the teeth whitening industry is a teeth whitening pen. Do teeth whitening pens work, and are they good for your teeth? While this simple, portable solution might seem like it’s whitening your teeth, it’s really only best for short-term results or maintaining an already white and bright smile.

In this guide, we will discuss more specifics so you know just what you can expect from using a teeth whitening pen and understand just how they work overall.

1. What is a teeth whitening pen?
A teeth whitening pen is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. These convenient pens can be carried on your person, whether you have them in your car, purse, or pocket. Each pen is filled with a whitening formula (this could vary by the manufacturer) designed to whiten your teeth on the go.

Most pens work by twisting to release the serum, just as you might twist a writing pen to release ink. The serum inside the pen will coat your teeth, helping to cover and reduce dark spots. You simply brush the top of the pen across your tooth surface and let it do the work.

The unique thing about whitening pens is they typically do not require any brushing or rinsing as part of the process. You just brush it on and go.

If you look at the details of the pens, you will find that most of them tell you that they work best when paired with other whitening products or when used to touch up challenging stains on your teeth.

2. How do teeth whitening pens work?
You will find that not all teeth whitening pens are made the same. They can contain a variety of different ingredients. However, most of them will be similar in function. Teeth whitening pens typically contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth and break up stains.

When you apply the whitening formula to your teeth using a pen, you may notice bubbling on the surface. That is a sign that the whitening is working, but there remains some question as to how long it works or how effective it is overall.

When you use the pen, it is meant for touch-ups or use in between other whitening processes. For example, if your teeth are prone to stains, you could use a teeth whitening pen after drinking things like coffee or soda that are more likely to leave stains behind.

Teeth whitening pens work best as a maintenance response than used primarily as a whitening treatment on their own. It can help prevent some of those “sticky” foods and drinks from sticking as much to your teeth, keeping your teeth bright.

3. Benefits of Teeth Whitening Pens
There are some great benefits to teeth whitening pens. If you’re looking for lasting and strong results, you will need to pair the teeth whitening pen with other whitening solutions. However, for quick results and on-the-go solutions, teeth whitening pens can be really helpful.

Check out these benefits of teeth whitening pens.

• Affordable solution. A teeth whitening pen is often affordable, and you can typically find them at your local drug store. If you want whitening capabilities that won’t cost a lot, this could be a good solution. It might also be good for upkeep if you have used other more expensive solutions.
• Simplicity. Using a teeth whitening pen is easy and convenient. You don’t need to let it sit, and you don’t need extra accessories or an appointment. You simply brush on the solution at your convenience and avoid food and drink for 20-30 minutes. Apply it whenever and wherever you please.
• Effective application. If you use a high-quality whitening pen, it can be effective for reducing stains, covering hard-to-handle stains, and providing maintenance between other techniques. It is effective as a short-term solution and quick fix.
• Gentle to use. Teeth whitening pens are gentle on your teeth for the most part. You will want to pay attention to active ingredients, but these typically will not cause added sensitivity to your teeth like some whitening solutions might.

4. Downsides to Using Teeth Whitening Pens
There are always downsides to be aware of with any product, and the same rings true of teeth whitening pens. While they do work effectively for short-term and spot use, their capabilities are limited.

Here are some potential downsides to using teeth whitening pens.

• The results are short-lived
• Saliva can easily break down the active ingredient
• It’s not a sustainable option for long-term results
• Teeth whitening pens may reduce your tooth enamel
• The formula or serum in the pens can sometimes cause gum irritation
• Teeth whitening pens might cause sensitivity
• Whitening might be inconsistent or uneven

5. Do Teeth Whitening Pens Really Work?
Essentially, teeth whitening pens really can work, but keep in mind that they are best when used as a quick fix or as a maintenance tool as opposed to the ultimate whitening solution. Most times, teeth whitening pens will need to be paired with other whitening processes to be effective.

6. Final Words
Teeth whitening pens certainly can have a time and place that they will work for you. We recommend that you pair this solution with some other process and rely on the pen for spot fixes and upkeep rather than your only whitening process.

When you think about teeth whitening, you might picture hours spent at home with uncomfortable gel trays or whitening devices—or, even worse, thousands in medical bills and hours of discomfort getting a professional whitening treatment with your dentist. But if you’re looking for quick, convenient whitening options, you don’t want to worry about any of that—and, thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from: especially whitening pens.

Teeth whitening pens are touted for their convenience and are an effective whitening option for quick results, Shahrooz Yazdani, DDS, CEO and director of Costello Family Dentistry in Carleton Place, Ontario, tells Health. Dr. Yazdani notes that while teeth whitening pens are great on the go if you’re looking for more drastic results, you might not get them with just a pen. “Results will be less optimal than in-office treatments as the concentration of the bleaching agent is usually lower in pens, so the process is gradual,” he says.

If you are looking for a quick touch-up or maintenance option—or even a way to prevent further staining from wine and coffee—teeth whitening pens are easy and effective. When shopping for a pen, keep an eye on the ingredients list. Both Dr. Yazdani and Bianca Velayo, DMD, dentist at Green Valley Smiles Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada, agree that hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide arethe most effective whitening ingredients, no matter what method you use.

While whitening pens begin to work immediately, we’ve also noted each pen’s expected time to full results—meaning the number of days, generally, that you’ll need to use it for longer-lasting whitening, along with its ingredients and the total number of applications each pen contains.

Best Overall

AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen

4.2

Why We Like It

• This comfortable, easy-to-use pen didn’t provide any tooth sensitivity or discomfort during testing.

It’s Worth Noting

• The carbamide peroxide might not get you the same results as a hydrogen peroxide pen.

When we tested teeth whitening products, the Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen was our top pick for whitening pens. “Very convenient to use…you can bring it with you anywhere,” our tester said. “It is easy for this to become a part of your routine after brushing your teeth since you can’t eat or drink afterward for an hour.” Our tester also loved that the pen didn’t cause any burning or sensitivity, giving it a 4.5 out of five for comfort.

The application takes under a minute. Just brush the applicator onto each tooth one to two times a day, then wait one hour before eating or drinking. You should see results after just one use, but use consistently for one week for a longer-lasting whitening treatment.

Price at time of publication: $37

Product Details:

• Active ingredients:Carbamide peroxide
• Number of applications:20
• Time to full results:One week

Best Value

ARC On-The-Go Teeth Whitening Pen

Why We Like It

• This budget-friendly whitening pen goes on quickly and offers high-level results.

It’s Worth Noting

• Full results take longer than with most other whitening pens.

Teeth whitening can be expensive, especially when it comes to teeth whitening pens—thanks to their powerful whitening in a convenient package. But the Arc Teeth Whitening Pen offers a budget-friendly solution to on-the-go whitening.

You can apply the Arc Teeth Whitening Pen twice daily for full results in two weeks. To apply, just brush onto teeth, smile for 60 seconds, and wait an hour before eating or drinking. You should see full results in two weeks.

Price at time of publication: $20

Product Details:

• Active ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide
• Number of applications:Not specified
• Time to full results:Two weeks

Prime Day Deal

Best Peroxide-free

Lumineux Oral Essentials Ultra-Bright Pen 2-Pack

Why We Like It

• The pen works to both whiten teeth and repel future stains for longer-lasting results.

It’s Worth Noting

• The results may not be as dramatic as other pens that use peroxide.

Peroxide—either hydrogen or carbamide—is the active ingredient in most whitening products, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity. “Whitening can also induce tooth sensitivity, asperoxide can pass through the enamelto the dentin layer of the tooth and irritate the pulp (nerve) of the tooth,” explains Lucy Hovanisyan, DDS, of ProHealth Dental in New Jersey. Lumineux, a fan-favorite whitening company, makes all its products without peroxide. Instead, they use a combination of essential oils toprovide results—without any chemical taste you get from most whitening products.¹

The Lumineux whitening pen works like your standard teeth whitening pen, geared toward on-the-go results. Because the pen serves two purposes, it comes with two sets of instructions. If you’re using the pen primarily as a stain repellent—especially before that cup of coffee or glass of red wine—just apply two coats to your teeth and wait 60 seconds before eating or drinking. If you’re looking for whitening results, follow the same directions but wait 30 minutes before you eat or drink. You should see results after one application.

Price at time of publication: $45

Product Details:

• Active ingredients:Coconut oil
• Number of applications:20
• Time to full results:Not specified

Prime Day Deal

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Crest Whitening Emulsions Leave-on Teeth Whitening with Built-in Applicator

Why We Like It

• This pen uses a hydrating formula to take the sensitivity out of teeth whitening.

It’s Worth Noting

• It may be more prone to spills or leaking because of its tube design.

Teeth whitening can be tough on sensitive teeth, even if you’re just using a whitening pen. Fan-favorite whitening brand Crest has the solution, with a whitening pen geared towards those worried about extra tooth pain while trying to brighten their smile. How’s it work? The Crest Whitening Emulsions Pen uses a hydrating whitening formulation. So while most whitening treatments dry out teeth during use—leading to that dreaded tooth sensitivity—the Crest whitening pen uses a hydrogen peroxide suspension that coats and rehydrates dried-out teeth before whitening. Even with that process, the whitening application only takes a few seconds.

The Crest Whitening Emulsions Pen looks slightly different than most other pens requiring clicks to get serum onto the brush. The Crest whitening pen instead uses a tube, making it easier to get to the gel, while many other pens can take as many as 20 clicks for the serum to get to the applicator. Just squeeze the tube, wait for your desired amount of serum to coat the applicator, and apply. Crest says you can expect full results after 14 treatments, but you can also use the pen as needed if you’re not looking for full whitening results. You can use the pen up to four times daily, meaning you may see optimum results in just four days. You should wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.

Price at time of publication: $40

Product Details:

• Active ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide
• Number of applications:Not specified
• Time to full results:14 treatments; may be applied up to four times per day

Best for Stains

SmileDirectClub Bright On Premium Teeth Whitening Kit

5

Why We Like It

• The SmileDirectClub whitening gel was one of our favorites during our whitening kit lab test.

It’s Worth Noting

• The dispenser cap can sometimes get blocked

SmileDirectClub was one of our favorite brands during our teeth whitening products lab test, with its teeth whitening kit earning our top overall spot. Now, you can experience the whitening power of SmileDirectClub’s products in a quick, convenient package. While the whitening kit comes with an LED light for faster results, the SmileDirectClub kit uses the same powerful whitening gel you can take for quick touch-ups. During our test, our tester saw results of 10 shades whiter.

SmileDirectClub recommends using the whitening pen twice daily for fuller results, which should take just one week to see. Application takes five minutes—and the cool mint flavor makes the wait even easier. We also like that this kit includes lip balm as teeth whitening can sometimes chap lips during treatment—so you can freshen up both simultaneously.

If you’re looking for an even faster solution,SmileDirectClub’s stain barrieris great for using just before potential teeth staining—like that coffee or red wine—to keep your teeth fresh.

Price at time of publication: $25

Product Details:

• Active ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide
• Number of applications:Not specified; each kit lasts for one week of treatment
• Time to full results:One week

Best LED

Colgate SuperNova Rechargeable At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit

Why We Like It

• This pen-LED kit offers a full whitening treatment in a shorter time frame.

It’s Worth Noting

• You can’t eat or drink for four hours after using the LED, so it’s not great for a quick brighten.

If you’re looking for a whitening treatment that falls between committing to an hour-long LED treatment and a standard whitening pen, combining the two might be just what you want. Colgate SuperNova offers the results of a full whitening treatment with a shorter application. LED treatments work by breaking down peroxide faster, leading to whiter teeth sooner.²

To use Colgate SuperNova, just apply to top and bottom teeth and wait 15 seconds. Follow up with the SuperNova LED tray for 10 minutes, and you should see full results in 10 days. The tray comes with a built-in timer, beeping once when you’re five minutes in and twice when you’re done with treatment. If you’re looking for a quick treatment process, note that you shouldn’t eat or drink for four hours after using the LED tray, and you’ll need to follow up with a brush after the waiting period.

When looking at whitening pen-LED combos, we also considered another option. TheGo Smile Glo On the Go—a fan-favorite on TikTok—uses a similar process with less effective results.

Price at time of publication: $109

Product Details:

• Active ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide
• Number of applications:30
• Time to full results:10 days

Best Overnight

Colgate Optic White Overnight Whitening Pen

Why We Like It

• Its increased wear time leads to longer-lasting whitening.

It’s Worth Noting

• It’s a much more time-consuming process than other whitening pens, so it’s not great for touching up teeth.

While teeth whitening pens are typically a shorter-term solution, they can also work well if you want longer-lasting, overnight application without the fuss of an LED mouthpiece or whitening trays. Enter the Colgate Optic White Overnight Whitening Pen, designed specifically as a more effective, longer-term solution to whitening. Plus, this pen has one of the highest applications available, with more than 35 treatments available in one pen.

Colgate recommends drying your teeth before applying. To apply, apply to each tooth—top and bottom—applying more gel to the brush with every few teeth. Wait about 15 seconds for the gel to dry and leave overnight—that’s it! Thanks to its longer application time, you’ll see more dramatic results than a standard pen due to the extended contact period. “Whitening pens that have a higher peroxide concentration plus have the added benefit of increased wear interaction between the teeth and ingredients are the most effective products,” explains Dr. Velayo.

Price at time of publication: $25

Product Details:

• Active ingredients:Hydrogen peroxide
• Number of applications:35
• Time to full results:Full results in one week

How We Selected

To choose the best teeth whitening pens, we researched the top options, including a few we tested in our lab tests. We considered each pen for its ingredients, wear time, number of applications, and time to results for touch-ups and full whitening treatments.

We also spoke to experts to determine what shoppers should know about teeth whitening pens, including the results they can expect, how they work, and who teeth whitening pens are best for.

What to Know About Teeth Whitening Pens

Key Ingredients to Look for in Teeth Whitening Pens

“The most effective bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide,” says Dr. Yazdani. “These are the most common chemicals used for in-office treatments.” He notes that you should keep an eye on your peroxide percentage. “Up to 10 percent peroxide content is considered safe for teeth; any higher, and you increase the risk of damage to your enamel.”

How to Use Teeth Whitening Pens

How you use a teeth whitening pen depends on the kind of results you’re expecting. You can use a teeth whitening pen as a full teeth whitening treatment, using a pen once to twice a day—or more, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions—for a week to see higher-level results.

If you’re just looking for a quick touch-up or maintenance between whitening treatments, you can use a pen any time you notice your teeth starting to look a little less white. Many teeth whitening pens also function as stain barriers, like theLumineux Ultra-Bright Whitening Pen, meaning that you can apply them before eating or drinking something that might stain your teeth to avoid damage.

How Much to Expect to Pay for a Teeth Whitening Pen

Whitening pens are generally under $50. The picks on our list range from $20 to $50, with one pick over $100 thanks to its device and whitening pen combo. Our least expensive pick,the Arc Teeth Whitening Pen, was just $20.

Your Questions, Answered

How do teeth whitening pens work?

Teeth whitening pens work the same way as other whitening products, but they use a serum to apply whitening ingredients to your teeth. Most teeth whitening pens use a peroxide formulation—either hydrogen or carbamide—to break down stains. “Peroxide gels break down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules,” explains Dr. Velayo. “These reactive oxygen molecules treat both the enamel and the dentin, oxidizing the bonds of discolored stain molecules. By changing the stained molecules, the tooth becomes lighter.”

Teeth whitening pens work best for quick touch-ups because they spend less time on your teeth, explains Dr. Velayo. “The most effective teeth whitening treatments involve a combination of the high peroxide concentration and wear time/interaction,” she says. “Typically, teeth whitening pens and other at-home treatments have a lower peroxide concentration and therefore require a longer wear time to achieve a visible result.”

Are teeth whitening pens safe?

Teeth whitening pens come in various strengths and with peroxide-free formulations so that most people can use them. While their lower peroxide percentages may not get you the drastic results you want, this makes them safer to use, as Dr. Yazdani explains that “because they usually have a lower concentration of the bleaching agent, there is little risk for enamel damage.”

Dr. Yazdani does note that you should be careful when applying teeth whitening pens, since they do require a little more free-hand work than most other whitening treatments. “Ensure you brush or rinse your mouth after directed use to help lower the risk of irritating your gums,” he says, because “if applied incorrectly, there is the possibility of irritating the gums.”

What results can I expect from a teeth whitening pen?

If you’re using a teeth whitening pen for touch up, you can expect results almost immediately after the first use, but they won’t be as extreme as with other teeth whitening treatments. If you’re using the teeth whitening pen for a fuller whitening treatment—like for several days—you can expect results comparable to other whitening treatments, like strips or gel trays.