How Does a Teeth Whitening Pen Work? Are They Effective? (2024)

Teeth whitening pens are a quick and simple way to enhance the whiteness of your teeth. They are thin, plastic tubes containing whitening gel. Teeth can be stained from food such as berries, red sauces, coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks and cigarettes. Like whitening toothpaste, a teeth whitening pen fights these common stains—but it differs from toothpaste because of its size, portability, and general convenience. Here, we’ll discuss what they are, how to use them, and their effectiveness.

How do teeth whitening pens work?

Many teeth whitening pens are filled with whitening serums with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the key bleaching agents. Whitening serum is applied to the teeth with an applicator brush. This allows for a precise application and ensures that it is distributed evenly across each tooth without any mess or wastage.

Want whiter teeth while you sleep? Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Treatment Pen whitens teeth up to 3 shades in as little as 2 weeks.* Simply apply Colgate Optic White Teeth Whitening serum to clean teeth right before going to bed, after your normal oral care routine. The serum, which is vegan, gluten free, and sugar free, quickly forms a smudge-proof, concentrated hydrogen peroxide film on your teeth once applied. The next morning, brush normally to remove the film and reveal your brighter, whiter smile.

*Starts working from day 1.Individual results may vary.

How to use the Colgate Optic White teeth whitening pen?

Colgate’s Optic White Pen is a hassle free way to whitening your teeth. Follow these easy how-to steps for a whiter smile overnight:

  • After brushing your teeth just before bed, dry the top row of teeth by simply dabbing with a tissue. When your teeth are dry, the film adheres to your teeth better, for enhanced whitening!

  • Remove the cap and click the end of the pen until the gel is released. It may take a few extra clicks for the first time.

  • Apply a single, thin layer of serum to each tooth across the top row - and wait 10 to 15 seconds for clear film to form. Dry the bottom row of teeth and repeat the process.

  • The concentrated hydrogen peroxide film will stay on your teeth overnight while you catch those zzzs. The next morning, brush normally to remove the film and reveal your brighter, whiter smile.

  • To clean your pen, wipe the brush bristles with a dry tissue, do not use water. Firmly replace the cap until you hear a soft click to avoid hardening of the tip. If the pen dries out, click 2 - 3 times to dispense more serum and flex the brush to soften.

Want to amplify your teeth whitening results even further? Check out the Colgate Optic White Pro Series LED Teeth Whitening Kit! Unlike other devices, the Colgate Pro Series LED device actually enhances the whitening performance of the Hydrogen Peroxide Serum in our treatment pen, with clinically-proven LED light technology for professional-level results. When used as directed.

How Does a Teeth Whitening Pen Work? Are They Effective? (2024)

FAQs

How Does a Teeth Whitening Pen Work? Are They Effective? ›

And they work on a very simple principle: Brush-like tips are soaked with a liquid solution with hydrogen peroxide as its base (some use carbamide, a bleaching compound similar to peroxide) that, when applied directly to the teeth, removes discoloration from staining caused by smoking, coffee, wine, and other ...

Does a teeth whitening pen actually work? ›

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.

Do whitening pens work on yellow teeth? ›

Although whitening pens certainly do help break up surface (extrinsic) stains, they aren't strong enough for deeper (intrinsic) staining.

Do whitening pens work better than strips? ›

Effectiveness Comparison

When it comes to effectiveness, whitening strips are the clear winner here. They contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than whitening pens and typically last longer. Therefore, they provide more effective results in less time when compared to whitening pens.

Do I rinse my mouth after using a whitening pen? ›

Don't rinse. Q: Do you really only leave this on for 30 seconds? Yes, just set a timer and it goes by fast!

What do dentists say about teeth whitening pens? ›

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.

What is the best method to whiten teeth? ›

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment.

How long does a teeth whitening pen last? ›

Each pen has 35 nightly uses so you can touch up when you need to and is designed for no tooth sensitivity during and after the whitening process. Effective whitening from the comfort of your own home!

Can badly yellow teeth be whitened? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Can you drink water after using a teeth whitening pen? ›

Waiting an hour before eating or drinking after applying a teeth whitening pen can help give you better results, and brushing your teeth thoroughly before application can make the process smoother and give you a more even whitening effect.

What is the best teeth whitening toothpaste? ›

What Are the Best Whitening Toothpaste Recommended by Dentists?
  • Colgate Optic White. ...
  • Crest 3D White Brilliance. ...
  • Ecodenta Extra Black Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  • Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  • Tom's of Maine Simply White Natural Toothpaste.
Oct 20, 2023

Are cheap whitening strips worth it? ›

Even after months of using the strips, you won't get a fraction of the effects that you will from professional teeth whitening. You can take years of surface stains off your teeth with a trip to the dentist, but you may only be able to lose a couple shades with the home kits.

Can I swallow my saliva during teeth whitening? ›

Can I swallow saliva during teeth whitening? Yes, the teeth whitening gel is safe. The by-products when peroxide is broken down is largely oxygen (the byproduct that allows for the whitening process) and water.

Should I brush my teeth directly after whitening? ›

It's safe to brush and floss your teeth after using whitening strips. It won't reduce the whitening effects of the treatment. Manufacturers recommend doing so gently. This will help you avoid gum irritation and discomfort.

Should I brush my teeth before using a whitening pen? ›

Here's how a teeth whitening pen typically works: First, start by brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush. After a thorough brushing, remove the top cap of the pen and twist the bottom of the pen until you see the gel on the brush tip.

How long does it take for a whitening pen to work? ›

Made to remove years of stains in just 1 week,* this enamel-safe, teeth whitening pen features a precision brush that dispenses a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel directly on the surface of each tooth with just the click of a pen.

Can yellow teeth become white? ›

Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.

Do teeth whitening devices actually work? ›

At-home LED teeth-whitening kits may deliver results. But the whitening you see is a result of the gel, not the light. “There is not enough data to show definitively that the LED offers a significant improvement over just using a tray with the gel,” says cosmetic dentist Dr.

Do teeth whitening pens work on dead teeth? ›

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.

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