Teeth Whitening Pen: Pros and Cons

Everyone wants a beautiful smile, but not everyone is born with one. If you are not in love with your smile, there are ways to improve it and make it more appealing. A teeth whitening pen is one option.

A teeth whitening pen resembles a lipstick pencil or ballpoint pen. Like lip color, it is a simple way to dress your face and brighten your smile. After all, a smile is your prettiest adornment.

A beautiful smile is a confidence booster that encourages even more smiles. Purposeful smiling inspires happiness and joy. When your smile shows off your shiny white teeth, it is memorable for others as well.

There are many ways to whiten your teeth, from at-home products to Zoom teeth whitening. Your Los Angeles best cosmetic dentist can give you more details. For at-home treatments, a teeth whitening pen is a popular way to get a beautiful smile.

Could a teeth whitening pen brighten your smile? To answer this question, all you have to do is go online. You can find good reviews and bad reviews on the internet. This post offers a balanced look at the pros and cons of whitening pens.

What Is a Teeth Whitening Pen?

A teeth whitening pen, or brush-on whitener, is an over-the-counter teeth bleaching product. It utilizes the same peroxide compounds used in other at-home systems.

The difference between a teeth whitening pen and other bleaching systems is the product’s delivery method. In this case, the lack of a delivery system makes a teeth whitening pen unique.

For a teeth whitener to be effective, the bleaching agent must stay in contact with the teeth during treatment. Some methods promote contact through bleaching trays or plastic strips. Brush-on products do not use a treatment device.

Instead, a teeth whitening pen uses a bleaching gel to paint each tooth that needs treating. The gel goes straight from the applicator brush (or pen) to the surface of the teeth. After you apply the gel, it solidifies into a film that adheres to your teeth.

This whitening film produces the lightening effect. After a certain amount of time has passed, the film dissolves in your mouth and washes away. Some brands suggest that you use a teeth whitening pen twice a day for optimal results.

How to Use a Teeth Whitening Pen

There are many different pen whiteners on the market. Details vary from one product to the next, so follow instructions for best results. Here are some general guidelines for using a teeth whitening pen.

The Bleaching Agent

The typical brush-on teeth whitening pen uses peroxide-based compounds. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are the most common bleaching agents.

The first-ever commercial whitening product used carbamide peroxide with an 18 percent concentration. This amount is equal to a little over six percent hydrogen peroxide.

Many tray-based bleaching systems use this compound. The technique led to an explosion of over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

Other forms of peroxide, such as sodium percarbonate peroxide, became popular over time. Today, most teeth whiteners use hydrogen peroxide. The typical concentration is between six and nine percent.

Zoom teeth whitening and similar systems use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide. You can learn more about professional teeth whitening at Southland Dental Care. Ask for a free dental consultation to discuss all your treatment options.

Gel Application Tips

The typical way to apply brush-on gel is to paint it onto the teeth you want to lighten. The treatment period for a teeth whitening pen is between 20 and 30 minutes.

It is important to focus on all visible tooth surfaces, especially areas with heavy staining. You can reduce irritation by stopping the coverage short of the gum line.

For best results, allow the whitening film to dry for 10 to 15 seconds after application. Some brands make it necessary to dry your teeth before u