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I blame my less-than-blinding smile on a few factors: An addiction to coffee, a red wine habit, a paralyzing phobia of dentists, and a dash of genetics. It seems like our teeth are a metric for how we treat ourselves, but getting rid of stains can be a massive headache once they appear.
It doesn't help that I have sensitive enamel, which means that most whitening kits are more painful than effective for me.
And yes, I could seek treatment from professionals, but that would mean combining two of my most minor favorite things: dentists and bills. And why do that when you can get a professional grade, sensitive-safe teeth whitening from home? Whitening pens are nothing new, but they are more practical nowadays. No more nasty-tasting, gloopy formulas. Instead, think of sleek packaging and whitening agents that can take as little as 30 seconds to show results. Here, find the ten best whitening pens on the market that work.
Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- Doesn't cause sensitivity
Cons
- Takes time to apply
If you're been a chronic coffee drinker (or a heavy smoker, shame on you), odds are you have some stubborn stains that just won't budge. This whitening pen from Colgate can quickly fade and whiten yellow stains in just one week.
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Pen doesn't contain lots of product
If you've ever experienced sensitivity, burning, or irritation while whitening your teeth, this pen from MOON will change all that. Not only does it have a sleek, Kendall Jenner-approved look, but it also uses gentle yet effective ingredients that whiten teeth without damaging them.
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Pen doesn't contain lots of product
If you want quick results without any sensitivity, try this pen. Each time you apply it, you get subtle but real results that last. Plus, this box comes with two pens so you're getting a lot for your buck.
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Takes time to see results
Sometimes whitening agents can make your teeth feel like they're going to fall out if a cool breeze hits them. What's why this pen is such a miracle. The results are night and day, without causing any sensitivity.
VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- Quick application
Cons
- Takes time to see results
You don't need to set aside fifteen minutes to apply this whitening product. Unlike some pens that require a little elbow grease, this pen is simple: Just paint over your teeth and after 30 seconds you can go about your day.
Pros
- Works fast
Cons
- Consistency is key
Looking for results that are almost immediate? Reviewers note that their teeth look whiter just a minute after application. The more consistently you use it, the better the results will be.
Crest Whitening Emulsions On-the-Go Leave-On Teeth Whitening Gel Pen
Pros
- Doesn't cause sensitivity
Cons
- Takes time to see results
Throw this in your purse like a lip gloss and go about your day. This is a great on-the-go whitening pen because you don't need to wash it off after application. You can apply it on your ride to work, and marvel at the results once you've arrived.
Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen
Pros
- Quick results
Cons
- Some dislike the taste
Looking for instant results? This whitening pen only takes a few seconds to apply, and you don't have to rinse afterwards. It instantly whitens your teeth, and the results only get better from there.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can cause sensitivity
These whitening pens work quickly without breaking the bank. You get a set of four for under $10. After just a few uses, you'll notice a huge difference in your smile.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Bridget Glazarov, Co-Founder of Maison Be Dental
Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, Cosmetic Doctor of Dentistry and CEO of TruGlo Modern Dental
What is the difference between whitening strips and whitening pens?
"A whitening strip is generally a polyethylene plastic coated with peroxide. A gel pen is generally a dispensing unit that pumps out peroxide gel," says Dr. Kalasho. On a more practical level, though, the delivery system is completely different. "Once the whitening gel is painted on the teeth, it works its way into the enamel and then dissolves away," says Dr. Glazarov. "There is no mess or extra products to use, which makes them so convenient, fun, and easy to use. My favorite thing about whitening with a pen is being able to control where I paint the product!"
How do whitening pens work?
"The pen has peroxide in it, either hydrogen peroxide in gel form or carbamide peroxide. Both peroxide products have equal efficacy in whitening teeth. The gel goes on the teeth and gradually is supposed to whiten your teeth after several days of applying a thin layer of whitening on the teeth," says Kalasho.
Are pens more effective than other whitening techniques?
"The benefit of having a brush on application with the whitening pen makes it extremely easy to use, allows control of the areas that need to be whitened, and can be used on the go," says Glazarov. "Most pens work by twisting the cap or releasing the gel by pressing a button and give you full control over the teeth and areas you would like to whiten. It is great to use on the go and can be used on the way to an event. Because of the ease of use of the pen, and not needing to use any other devices or strips, people tend to use them for 2 weeks as instructed without getting discouraged by hard-to-use products or strips that make the gums sensitive." However, sometimes genetics prevent you from achieving blinding results. "Some teeth are not good candidates to whitening and generally do not whiten past a shade if they have a more gold undertone or thin enamel," says Kalasho.
How often should you use a tooth whitening pen?
"You should use it daily if you want to see any sort of result," says Kalasho. "Your saliva will wash away most of the product therefore it has a lesser efficacy than a whitening strip." The key is to be consistent. "I would recommend using a tooth whitening pen at least 2 times daily for 2 weeks to achieve a glowing brighter smile. The key with whitening is consistency, and being able to do it on the go with the ease of a pen, only makes it that much more attainable," says Glazarov.
Can people with sensitive teeth use a whitening pen?
"People with sensitive teeth can most definitely use a whitening pen!" says Glazarov. "The beauty about using a pen is that you have full control of where you are applying the gel with the brush applicator and can stay away from areas that may cause a lot of sensitivity. For most people, these sensitive areas tend to be around the gum line, and this is why strips sometimes cause more sensitivity because they end up covering the gum line. One of my favorite whitening pens is the Moon Rose Mint Teeth Whitening Pen which has an easy pen applicator and a gentle formula that doesn’t irritate gums or teeth."
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