What to Keep in Mind
Ingredients
Dr. Kantor says that the most important ingredient to look for in a teeth whitening pen is hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient is one of the most well-known and powerful for teeth whitening. While many whitening options contain up to 10% of hydrogen peroxide, Dr. Issayans adds that it has a higher risk for sensitivity because of its strength and quickness in getting rid of stains.
If you are sensitive or looking for something more gentle, he says to look for carbamide peroxide, which is a derivative of hydrogen peroxide. Other ingredients that can help prevent tooth sensitivity and improve oral health include potassium nitrate and xylitol.
The whitening ingredient you choose and the concentration can also impact how quickly you see results. Lower concentrations or less effective ingredients will need to be used over more days and weeks (and possibly for longer time periods each day) to get the whitening you are looking for.
Whitening Strips vs. Whitening Pens
The main difference between whitening strips and whitening pens, says Dr. Issayans, is how fast whitening strips use a hydrogen peroxide base. She explains that the physical strips create a barrier between the teeth and lips, which allows for the hydrogen peroxide to quickly whiten teeth. With whitening pens, the gel comes into contact with the lips and cheeks. While it’s safe and still effective, it becomes weaker without a barrier.
Dr. Kalasho agrees and adds that teeth whitening pens have such low levels of peroxide because you end up swallowing the gel as opposed to having it stick on your teeth. While this is still safe, the pens won’t be as effective a method as other teeth whitening options. “A whitening pen will remove surface stains, but will not really whiten your teeth because it does not stay isolated on your teeth.”
“Whitening pens are not a substitute for strips, but they do reach tricky spots, like where crooked teeth overlap,” says Dr. Kantor. Whitening pens can also be useful for those who dislike the feeling or time commitment of strips. Or who want a product they can use in-between their professional whitening sessions.
Your Questions, Answered
Are teeth whitening pens safe?
Generally yes, whitening pens are safe. You just have to use each product as instructed. “Since this whitening method does not create a barrier between the gums and cheeks and the gel, it is purposely gentler than some other whitening products,” says Dr. Issayans. “However, if used outside of the manufacturers’ instructions, such as wearing it for extended periods of time or using it too often, it could lead to issues like tooth sensitivity or irritation of the gums or cheeks.”
How do teeth whitening pens work?
According to Dr. Issayans, teeth whitening pens disperse a whitening gel through a brush tip directly on the tooth when you twist or push a dial at the bottom. You then paint on a thin layer of gel over your teeth, allowing it to dry and set for the recommended time. Once it sets, you can brush off any excess gel.
Dr. Kantor says that they are most effective when used right before a meeting, special event, or an instance where you want whiter teeth. He also says that they can be useful right after meals as many colored foods (berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and more) can leave a stain. Dr. Kalasho adds that for a teeth whitening pen to be its most effective, it should stay on your teeth for upwards of 30 minutes. But be sure to read labels on the formula you choose on the recommended length of time.
