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Of all the ways one can brighten their smile at home, teeth whitening pens are some of the easiest to use — and the most effective. While whitening strips are immensely popular, it can be hard to fit them snugly into every contour or crevice in the teeth. The best teeth whitening pens, on the other hand, can easily “color” the entire row of teeth for an even-keeled result, especially on less-than-perfectly-straight smiles.
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“You can generally use a pen daily, but it’s important to understand that some products can be used more or less depending on the formula and your tolerance,” says board-certified cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands of Beverly Hills, California. Since no two products are going to provide the same formula or results, it’s important to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions, Sands adds. “Follow the recommended application process, including how often to use the pen and the duration of each application.”
Additionally, brightening pens often contain a lower level of bleaching agents than strips, which comes with both pros and cons. On one hand, they may cause less tooth sensitivity, which allows for quick touch-ups before big events. On the other, it means that results may not last as long as strips if they’re not part of a larger, consistent maintenance routine.
For more insight on teeth whitening pens — and for five of the best teeth whitening pens on the market today —read on.
What the Experts Say About Teeth Whitening Pens
For this story, SPY spoke to Sands, as well as board-certified cosmetic dentist Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein, aka Dr. Daniel, of Bensonhurst Dental in Brooklyn, and board-certified aesthetic dentist and oral implant surgeon Dr. Nicolas Aguilera, aka Dr. Nicolas, of Apa Aesthetic in NYC.
According to our experts, the main component to look for in a teeth whitening pen is its active ingredient. The majority of at-home whitening pens (as well as strips and gels) use different concentrations of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, says Dr. Daniel, which help remove surface stains on the teeth. But there’s a third (and increasingly more common) ingredient making waves, too. Below is a brief run-down of the major players.
Hydrogen peroxide: “Hydrogen peroxide is faster-acting and stronger but with the potential for some sensitivity,” says Dr. Nicolas. “It releases most of its whitening power in the first 30-60 minutes.”
Carbamide peroxide: “Carbamide peroxide can work for up to 8 hours, which is something to consider if you’re planning to whiten overnight,” says Dr. Nicolas.
Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP+): Here’s the new-age ingredient whose efficacy and safety are supported by studies. (It’s kind of like how nano-hydroxyapatite [nHA] is replacing fluoride in many toothpastes, in terms of enamel fortifiers; both PAP+ and nHA all a concentrated effort to honor tooth sensitivity and prevent the depletion of enamel.)
“If the product you are using doesn’t contain these active ingredients, it won’t be as effective,” says Rubinshtein.
The Best Teeth Whitening Pens
BEST OVERALL
GoSmile On-the-Go Teeth Whitening Pen
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Dr. Sands credits GoSmile with mass-popularizing teeth whitening pens in recent years, and all roads lead back to this tool right here. “It was one of the pioneering brands that helped bring the concept of teeth whitening pens into the mainstream,” he says. “I recommend this to my patients because it is so effective — it can yield visible results when used up to twice a day for a week.”
This hero ingredient is — no surprises here — fast-acting hydrogen peroxide, delivered with a brush-tip pen that paints the whitening serum cleanly across the teeth. The results are drastic, sensitive enough, and lasting, too. Hey, it became a sensation for a reason
BEST NAME-BRAND
Colgate Optic White Overnight Whitening Pen
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Key Ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide breaks down and removes surface stains on teeth, leading to a whiter appearance, notes Sands.
Why It’s Great: “Colgate is a trusted brand in the dental care industry,” Sands says. “I recommend this pen to my patients due to the brand’s reputation and the product’s efficacy.”
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Boka Express Glow Whitening Pen
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Key Ingredients: This pen is powered by PAP+, a peroxide-less whitening alternative that studies say offers “superior safety and effectiveness” compared to hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. It also uses nano-hydroxyapatite (an alternative to fluoride) to rebuild enamel.
Why It’s Great: I’m a decade-long vet of grooming writing, and Boka is the ever-growing oral care brand that has made the biggest impression on me. This pen is one of its newest launches, alongside a teeth whitening kit, which has given me terrific results in just a few uses. It’s a new favorite.
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SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light (4 pens)
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Key Ingredient: This set of hydrogen peroxide pens includes an LED light to accelerate whitening results.
Why It’s Great: Customers can opt into one, four, or eight pens with this kit, and the separate pens allow for long-term benefits, since none will ever dry out. Plus, the LED mouth guard yields brighter results faster, so that means this kit is both immediate and long lasting…who can say no?
BEST OVERNIGHT
Apa Beauty White Duo Teeth Whitening Kit
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Key Ingredient: Carbamide peroxide provides a long-term whitening effect, which can steadily (and sensitively) brighten teeth for as long as eight hours.
Why It’s Great: This kit comes from Dr. Nicolas’ own boss, who treats some of the world’s most famous smiles. It uses carbamide peroxide in both its pen and strips, with a focus on sensitivity-conscious brightening for anyone who is especially prone to those enamel-compromised “zingers” (which, honestly, is everyone).
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening Pens
What is the best way to whiten teeth?
“In-office treatments are without a doubt the best option for optimal whitening results,” says Dr. Nicolas. “You’re getting a higher percentage of the active ingredient, applied by a professional, who knows how to isolate and protect your gums. Treatment also typically includes a sensitivity gel, so you’re less likely to battle those whitening zingers.” Nicolas recommends in-office whitening once or twice a year, depending on your social habits (such as smoking or drinking coffee). “Whitening strips, pens, or gels can be used every 4 to 6 months to maintain results,” he adds.
How do you use a teeth whitening pen?
Always floss and brush teeth thoroughly before doing any whitening treatment, says Sands. “This ensures that the whitening gel can make direct contact with your teeth.” From there, he says to use the pen’s applicator to apply the whitening gel to each tooth. “Be precise and avoid applying it to your gums, lips or other soft tissues. A thin, even layer is usually sufficient.”
After applying, it is important to avoid anything that might disrupt the treatment, such as eating, drinking or rinsing the mouth. Avoid these for whichever amount of time the product instructions indicate. Sands advises setting a timer to ensure that the gel is brushed away at the correct interval, rather than overstaying its welcome and stripping tooth enamel. “Overusing the whitening pen beyond the recommended duration or frequency can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation,” he warns. “Avoid removing it too soon, also, as this can impact the results.”
Lastly, Sands says not to expect instant or dramatic changes after single sessions. These things can take a while. Plus, any at-home whitening efforts should be used as a supplement to professional whitenings administered at the dentist office. (Plan for an annual or semi-annual cadence of professional whitening, paired with periodic at-home touch ups from pens, gels, or strips.) remember that the teeth are especially prone to staining immediately after any whitening treatment, so it’s imperative to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, says Sands—“such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods. These can counteract the whitening effects.”
What is PAP+ in teeth whitening?
PAP+ stands for phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, which is a synthetic bleaching alternative to hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. It is proven to whiten teeth safely and effectively while causing less enamel loss than peroxide-based ingredients. PAP+ is also used in some laundry detergents to help brighten white fabrics.
Can teeth whitening pens be used overnight?
Use teeth whitening pens (and all teeth whitening products) as directed. Some allow for overnight wear, but any products that aren’t meant for extended use should not be used in such a way — overuse can risk long-term enamel damage, extremely heightened sensitivity, and proneness to stains after the fact.
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