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 Does a Teeth Whitening Pen Work? Are They Effective? (1)

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? ›

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.

How effective are teeth whitening pens? ›

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.

How does a whitener pen work? ›

They work as bleaching agents, breaking down the concentration and strength of surface stains. The Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide contain a water-resistant base with active peroxide particles that chemically whiten your teeth without causing much irritation or sensitivity.

How long does it take to see results from teeth whitening pen? ›

The Colgate Optic White Pen is safe to use nightly (once daily), and you may start to see results after one week. The recommended usage cycle is two weeks at a time, but you can use the product until it is finished. The product will continue to work even if you skip a day.

How does teeth whitening actually work? ›

Teeth whitening can make teeth whiter. The bleaching agent used for teeth whitening is peroxide which, in turn, breaks down the tooth enamel and makes it porous. This exposes the dentine below the enamel, and the bleaching agent penetrates deeper into the tooth's core to rebuild white tooth tissues from the inside out.

Do I brush my teeth after whitening pen? ›

Do you need to brush your teeth before eating in the morning after using the pen? We recommend brushing your teeth before eating as the formula will still have a layer of film on your teeth.

Do whitening pens work better than strips? ›

Quality Of Ingredients

An important factor to consider when deciding between whitening pens and strips is the quality of the ingredients present. In general, whitening pens contain higher-quality ingredients than strips. This means that a pen provides better coverage and more effective results in an easier way.

How long do you leave a teeth whitening pen on? ›

There are two ways to use the teeth whitening pen. If they are doing a full treatment, the gel needs to dry for 10-15 minutes. If it is a quick touch-up, they can rinse off the gel after 60 seconds. A few teeth whitening gels do not need a rinse-off.

How long should I leave whitening pen on? ›

How long should the whitening gel be on my teeth? For the Colgate® Optic White® Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen, we recommend a minimum of four to six hours of contact with teeth, without any food or drink.

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!

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

How many times a day should you use a teeth whitening pen? ›

Wait 60 seconds before closing mouth. Avoid eating or drinking for 1 hour after application. Apply 2 times per day for at least 14 days.

Can you drink water after teeth whitening pen? ›

A: We recommend a minimum 4-6 hours of contact with teeth and not eating or drinking 30 minutes post- treatment.

Can yellow teeth become white? ›

2. Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

What is the best thing to whiten your teeth with? ›

If you're looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you're hoping to whiten tooth enamel. You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth, she notes.

How many times a week should you use a teeth whitening pen? ›

Keep applying the product daily for at least 1 week.

Apply the product twice daily if the instructions allow.

Do whitening pens work long term? ›

Most experts agree that teeth whitening pens work best as maintenance as opposed to creating an overall and enduring whiter smile. For much more improved whiter teeth, speak with your dentist about in office or at home treatments for what will provide the longest lasting results.

Do whitening pens last? ›

At-home treatments such as whitening toothpaste, rinses, and pens do not last very long, but may help to prolong the benefits of other, more effective whitening treatments. White strips are the most effective over-the-counter whitening treatment you can use without a dentist's supervision.

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