What's this
The teeth whitening pen is a technological tool created by aesthetic dentistry, designed to improve the tone, shine and whiteness of the smile. Without the need to undergo a dental session, the whitening pen is the innovative device used to remove stains of yellowed or stained teeth such as coffee, tea, tobacco, tetracycline (antibiotics) or smoke.
Features
The whitening pen consists of:
- A "body" (pen-shaped).
- A small brush or sponge placed at one end of the pen.
- An internal gel ("the ink of the pen") which has a whitening and desensitizing effect.
- A small button at the opposite end of the sponge (which, once pressed, allows the gel contained in the pen to wet the brush).
Composition
The whitening pen restores the natural whiteness of the teeth through the combined action of substances contained within it. The spotting pens currently on the market are not all the same. They can be made up of the following whitening products:
- 35% carbamide peroxide, the same whitening substance used in silicone masks (worn on the teeth as if they were a mobile device).
- 7% urea peroxide . Ensures a whitening effect in 14 days. The urea whitening pen is indicated to remove a single stain or to give shine to all the teeth.
- Whitening gel with arctic lichen, hydroxylapatite and potassium chloride . Bleaching feathers formulated with these substances combine the spotting action (of lichen) with the desensitizing action (of hydroxyapatite and potassium chloride). For this purpose, the Arctic lichen whitening pen is also indicated for sensitive teeth.
- Gel based on dyes and matting pigments . The gels based on this particular type of substance, in reality, do not exert a real whitening action, but create a sort of "optical illusion" that makes the teeth appear whiter. These gels, in fact, form a film around the teeth that - reflecting the light - makes them look white and shiny. The duration of this effect is very short, for this reason several applications are needed throughout the day.
How to use
The use of the whitening pen is quite simple:
- In the evening, before sleeping at night, thoroughly brush your teeth with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash.
- To get a better bleaching effect, dry the surface of the teeth with a tissue.
- Rotate the lower end of the bleaching pen (or press the appropriate button) to allow the gel inside to wet the sponge (or brush) at the opposite end.
- Apply the gel directly on the teeth, possibly avoiding contact with the gums and oral mucosa (remove the lips from the teeth during application).
- After processing 2-3 teeth, turn the lower knob again to wet the applicator sponge again.
- Some types of pens require leaving the whitening gel for a period of time that can vary from one to about ten minutes. Others advise leaving the gel on overnight. The shutter speed is usually specified by the manufacturer and depends substantially on the composition of the gel inside the pen.
- Repeat the application once a day for 3-14 days (depending on the type of bleaching pen chosen).
- For pens based on matting pigments, it is advisable to carry out several applications throughout the day.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of tooth whitening pens is often surprising, given that the promised whiteness effect is almost immediate (sometimes visible even immediately after the first application). Clearly, as whitening pens are effective, they do not guarantee the same stain remover effect ensured by a professional bleaching session (eg teeth whitening with laser lamps). However, the correct "do-it-yourself" use of the whitening pen visibly improves the color of the stained teeth.
The stain remover of these pens can be considered a cross between professional dental bleaching and natural bleaching (performed with natural products, such as sage, apple and strawberry malic acid, ash, baking soda, etc.). However, while natural whitening remedies tend to improve the chromatic aesthetics of the teeth only in the long term, the whitening pen ensures an (almost) immediate effect.
Results
As mentioned, the results of whitening pens can be quite satisfactory and can be seen relatively quickly. In fact, the first effects are generally visible even after one or two applications, but to get the maximum spotting effectiveness 14 days of treatment are needed.
Advantages
The teeth whitening pen returns the natural dental whiteness in a couple of applications; moreover, being free of abrasive substances, it does not damage tooth enamel.
Some whitening pens can also be used by patients with sensitive teeth: in fact, many pens contain desensitizing substances.
In addition to improving the appearance of teeth, whitening pens strengthen enamel and prevent dentinal hypersensitivity. The treatment is not painful.
Another advantage is the price. In fact, the whitening pen is a much cheaper tool than professional whitening. The cost of a single pen generally varies from € 18 to € 45. The product can be purchased at the pharmacy. In addition, some types of whitening pens can also be found in various online stores, in perfumery and in supermarkets.
Warnings
Although they are to be considered relatively safe products, tooth whitening pens must be used carefully, in order not to run into unpleasant side effects.
First of all, the whitening substances contained in the pens must NOT be swallowed and must NOT come into contact with the eyes. In addition to this, the use of this type of products must be carried out only for short periods of time.
Side effects
When used correctly, tooth whitening pens should not create side effects. However, if the gel contained in them accidentally comes into contact with gums, mucous membranes or lips, it could cause a slight tingling or burning sensation.
Furthermore, as with any other product, the possibility of incurring allergic reactions is not to be excluded. Therefore, in case of irritation, redness, swelling or gum discomfort or oral mucosa (during or after treatment with whitening pens), stop use immediately and consult a dentist.
Contraindications
Containing peroxides, whitening pens are not recommended for children under the age of 12.
Furthermore, in general, the use of teeth whitening products is not recommended in the presence of diseases or disorders of the gums, teeth or the oral cavity in general (for example, gingivitis, pulpits, etc.).
However, in case of doubt, before using the tooth whitening pen, it is always a good idea to ask the dentist for advice.
