The NewMouth editorial team analyzed dozens of products available today to determine the available products. Although many carbamide-based whitening pens have the same 35% formulation, manufacturers only recommend using them for 7 to 10 days which is within the safe range. The price is another factor to consider when choosing a teeth whitening pen. Some whitening pens can be on the more expensive side. You’ll want to get the best value for your money. 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.

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. Out late socializing with friends over a couple of glasses of red wine? You need our PAP-X Pro White Teeth Whitening Pen! Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017: everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that help you manage everyday conditions. Team Byrdie interviewed two experts to better understand what's important when finding the best teeth whitening pen. These sources included:Trays — Trays contain a peroxide-based whitening gel you place on your teeth for a period of time. They’re one of the most effective at-home teeth whitening options

Applicator: Teeth whitening pens typically have small brushes at the tip, similar to many lip glosses and under-eye concealers you'll see on the market—this is ideal because the thin, flexible brush tip allows you to apply the product in the crevices of your teeth. Pens that feature silicone applicators don’t provide the same precision, which can prevent you from evenly coating your teeth. Do your best not to develop a routine of using these products regularly,” says Dr. Izhaky, noting that overuse and misuse of whitening products can lead to dental problems. This may include tooth painand nerve damage. Teeth whitening products, in general, are known to cause sensitive teeth. As such, you must choose a teeth whitening pen with a lower peroxide level. This level will depend on your teeth’s sensitivity. AlShehri et al. " Biomimetic Whitening Effect of Polyphosphate-Bleaching Agents on Dental Enamel. " Biomimetics, 2022.

Chewing gums — These contain peroxide-based whitening ingredients and work to remove surface stains while freshening your breath On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster than carbamide peroxide and lightens stains in as little as 30 to 60 minutes. But it doesn’t produce much effect until the next application. 2 Some people may experience tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort when using whitening products. This discomfort is temporary and not harmful. If you experience more than mild tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort, stop use and consult your dental professional. In testing, this gel was easy to put on and caused no discomfort during or after application (including for those of us with sensitive teeth). The mouthpiece fit well and stayed in place, thanks to the fact that it’s soft and flexible, not rigid. We also loved that the tray could be plugged into our smartphones, so we could get up and move around the house while we waited out the whitening time. 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.

If you want brighter teeth, all you have to do is pop the pen open and brush on the gel. They can help remove teeth stains within minutes, leaving them a few shades whiter. How Do Teeth Whitening Pens Work? The article is updated and reviewed again regularly to ensure pricing, product details, and other specs are up-to-date Overall, the whitening results were significant enough to make us recommend this product as a good choice, especially since it didn’t cause any pain or discomfort and is priced within the average range for a whitening kit. Given how much we know professional whitening costs, and remembering the pain and sensitivity we've had with other whitening products in the past, we absolutely think this is worth the price and the inconvenience for a couple of weeks.APPLY: Apply a thin layer to each tooth and allow to dry. 1-2 drops of serum covers up to 4 teeth. Wait 1 hour, then brush with water to remove. Essentially, you position the upper and lower trays on your teeth, bite down for a few seconds, and then remove the colored outer tray, leaving behind a more snug-fitting inner tray containing the whitening gel. This allows you to get a snug and comfortable fit every time. However, this option isn’t entirely painless. In testing, we found that the upper tray caused some serious gum discomfort (even after we brushed our teeth to remove the gel). We'd describe it as being similar to the feeling of applying an acid facial peel or retinoid for the first time—painful but bearable. Treatment with a teeth whitening pen usually lasts for 7 to 10 days. You will continue to see visible effects throughout the process. How Often Should You Use Whitening Pens? AlShehri et al. " Effect of Over-The-Counter Tooth-Whitening Products on Enamel Surface Roughness and Microhardness . " Applied Sciences, 2022.

We used the products for the first time in our Verywell Testing Laband continued to use them at home according to manufacturer instructions. In the Lab and at home, we took note of how easy it was to set up and apply the product or treatment, as well as how our teeth felt before and after the treatment (e.g., if there was any sensitivity or discomfort from the appliance or device itself).Per Dr. Kalasho, common whitening ingredients that work well for at-home use are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. For carbamide peroxide, look for a percent of around 35 percent; for hydrogen peroxide, you’ll want something with a 10 to 15 percent concentration.