The Best Teeth Whitening Pens for Quick Results—After 50 Hours of Testing

vie beauty teeth whitening pen
vie beauty teeth whitening pen

Our Testing Process

Choosing the right teeth whitening solution can be overwhelming. That’s why we have spent 50 hours testing 20 popular brands of teeth whitening pens to identify products that deliver real results. We began testing by recording our tooth shades before using whitening products and comparing them after two and four weeks. Each pen was applied once in the lab per the manufacturer’s instructions, followed by a month of at-home use. After this period, we evaluated the pens based on:

  • Ease of use: We evaluated the product’s usability, highlighting issues with the pen, such as a faulty click-up mechanism, and whether it was easy to use in public.
  • Comfort: We noted any discomfort or sensitivity in our teeth and gums from the whitening pens and whether keeping our mouths open while the gel dried was uncomfortable.
  • Effectiveness: We tracked how long it took to notice a change in our teeth’s shade and whether we felt more confident and improved our smiles since the start of the test.
  • Convenience: We assessed whether using the whitening pen became easier over time and if the routine was easy to maintain.
  • Value: At the end of the test, we shared if we felt the pen’s cost was justified and whether we would consider repurchasing the product.

Our Experts

We consulted multiple dental experts to understand key aspects of teeth whitening pens, including expected results, functionality, and the primary beneficiaries of using them.

  • Shahrooz Yazdani, DDS, CEO and director of Costello Family Dentistry in Carleton Place, Ontario
  • Bianca Velayo, DMD, dentist at Green Valley Smiles Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada
  • Lucy Hovanisyan, DDS, dentist at ProHealth Dental in New Jersey
  • Lena Varone, DMD, FIADFE, dentist at NY Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in New York City

What to Know About Teeth Whitening Pens

Active Ingredients

Peroxides are the most important active ingredients in teeth whitening pens.

  • Hydrogen peroxide: Works by breaking down the stains on your teeth and is one of the most common ingredients used in teeth whitening products.
  • Carbamide peroxide: Gentler than hydrogen peroxide because it works more slowly to break down the enamel on the teeth. It’s a good option for those with sensitive teeth who still want to whiten them.

Frequency of Use

For optimal results, teeth whitening pens should generally be used once daily for a few weeks or as directed on the product label. Overuse can lead to sensitivity or gum irritation, so it’s best to follow the recommended frequency and take breaks if you experience discomfort. For maintenance, occasional touch-ups may be all you need to keep your smile bright.

Results

The level of whitening achieved varies depending on the concentration of peroxide and the duration of application. Many products claim to whiten teeth by up to 8 shades, but these are often misleading. In reality, at-home whiteners, including pens, usually lighten teeth by only about three shades. Dr. Varone explains that while touch-ups can provide immediate results, they may not be as dramatic as those from other treatments.

Safety

Teeth whitening pens are generally safe when used as directed, though they may cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation in some users. Dr. Yazdani advises only using products with a peroxide percentage of 10% or less—anything higher increases the risk of damaging tooth enamel. Also, look for products with American Dental Association (ADA) approval or a reputable brand, and avoid overuse, as frequent application can lead to enamel erosion over time. As always, consult with a dentist if you have concerns, especially if you have dental restorations, sensitive teeth, or a history of oral health issues.

Teeth Whitening Pens We Also Tested

We tested these teeth whitening pens but chose not to include them due to shortcomings in ease of use, comfort, effectiveness, convenience, and value.

  • Invisalign™ Whitening Pen: We saw a difference in our teeth shade after testing this product, but it was hard to dispense the gel and it left our teeth feeling a bit sensitive.
  • Moon Oral Care Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen: We didn’t see dramatic results with this pick, but did think it was easy to use.
  • Made by Dentists Teeth Whitening Pen: We found the process of using this pick annoying—you have to spit the product out and brush your teeth lightly to get all the gel out after the whitening session.

Who We Are

Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She also writes for her blog, The Daley Dose.

Jaylyn Pruitt covers teeth whitening products for Health and Verywell Health. She uses the Crest Whitening Emulsions Pen for quick touch-ups in between whitening treatments. She has a Master of Library and Information Science with a focus on health information.