When you think about teeth whitening, you might picture hours spent at home with uncomfortable gel trays or whitening devices or getting a professional whitening treatment with your dentist. But if you’re looking for quick, convenient whitening options, teeth whitening pens are easy and effective.
When shopping for a pen, keep an eye on the ingredients list. Bianca Velayo, DMD, dentist at Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, informed us that hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most effective whitening ingredients, no matter what method you use.
To find the best teeth-whitening pens,we tested 21 products in our lab and at home. We've narrowed down our list of top products by following expert guidance and ranking each option based on criteria such as convenience, comfort, effectiveness, and overall value. An orthodontist on ourMedical Expert Boardalso reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
SmileDirectClub Update
On Friday, December 8, 2023, SmileDirectClub announced it was shutting down global operations immediately. We’ve tested and included their products in our teeth-whitening articles in the past. However, in light of this news, we’ve removed their products from our stories.
We continuously test products and monitor the news to ensure our readers have the most factual and up-to-date news about the products we recommend.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Overall Runner-Up:
Best for Maintenance:
Best Quick Use:
Why We Like It
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen is our pick for the best overall teeth-whitening pen due to its exceptional combination of portability, ease of use, and effectiveness in delivering observable whitening results without increasing tooth sensitivity, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go and regular use.
The application process was straightforward and quick, simpler than daily routines like putting on contact lenses. From the first application, we observed shinier teeth, and with consistent use, our smiles became noticeably whiter within a week, improving significantly on the shade scale. The pen didn’t increase tooth sensitivity or cause irritation, although there was a minor aftertaste that quickly faded.
This pen proved to be long-lasting, remaining effective even with twice-daily usage. Despite frequent use, the first pen still had plenty of solution, offering an affordable alternative to professional whitening treatments.
It’s Worth Noting
- There is a minor aftertaste after application. Although this aftertaste is brief and doesn't affect the overall effectiveness of the pen, some users might find it slightly unpleasant.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of applications: Twice daily use for 2 weeks
- Time to full results: 15 days
Why We Like It
The VieBeauti Teeth Whitening Pen came in as the best overall runner-up in teeth whitening pens for being a gentle yet effective pen with ingredients like glycerin, potassium sorbate, and polysorbate 20 that are powerful enough to lift several years' worth of stains. This pen uses carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient, so it's less irritating to those with sensitivity issues.
The quick application process took about a minute and integrated easily into our daily dental care. After only a week, our teeth brightened by 1-2 shades, enhancing our confidence, especially in photographs. The package includes three pens, each lasting several weeks, offering good value for the price and reducing the frequency of repurchasing.
It's Worth Noting
- While we didn’t experience tooth sensitivity, we did notice slight gum irritation when the gel accidentally contacted our gums repeatedly. This was a minor issue, as the irritation was minimal and short-lived, particularly when we carefully avoided the gums.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Carbamide peroxide
- Number of applications: 30
- Time to full results: One week
Why We Like It
The Smileactives Teeth Whitening Pen is the perfect blend of affordability, effectiveness, and ease of use, making it a great choice for anyone looking to brighten their smile without breaking the bank.
Incorporating the pen into our routine was easy. Initially, our gums tingled with a minty sensation, but this subsided with regular use. Our teeth were an impressively whiter shade in just two days; it even improved the appearance of a greyish tooth and whitened between teeth better than strips.
Though recommended for twice daily use over three weeks, we felt less frequent use would still be effective. Each pen contained plenty of gel, lasting beyond the suggested period. Priced at $37 for two pens, the value was excellent, especially considering their effectiveness and the sufficient amount of gel provided.
It’s Worth Noting
- Its main drawback was the need to keep our mouths open for 45-60 seconds post-application, causing us to salivate.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of applications: 2-4 times per day
- Time to full results: One week
Why We Like It
The Lumineux Bright Pen provides a gentle yet effective whitening solution that avoids the common issue of increased sensitivity or irritation, making it an ideal choice for those who want a brighter smile without discomfort.
Peroxide—either hydrogen or carbamide—is the active ingredient in most whitening products, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity. Lumineux, a fan-favorite whitening company, makes all its products without peroxide. Instead, they use a combination of essential oils to provide results—without any chemical taste you get from most whitening products.
Using the pen was straightforward: just twist, apply, and go. It was so easy that we could do it without a mirror. The pen's precise brush allowed for effortless application, reaching every part of our teeth without any mess. We had to wait 30 minutes after application before eating or drinking. Within two weeks, we noticed our teeth becoming a shade lighter, enhancing our confidence in our smile. We didn’t experience any sensitivity or irritation, a welcome change from our past experiences with teeth-whitening products. The pack included two pens, offering excellent value for a single purchase or a $10 discount with a subscription.
It’s Worth Noting
- The results may not be as dramatic as other pens that use peroxide.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Coconut oil
- Number of applications: 20
- Time to full results: Two weeks
Best Rinse-Free
Polar Teeth Whitening Polar Teeth Whitening Pen Single
Why We Like It
The Polar Teeth Whitening Pen is the best no-rinse option, offering a convenient whitening process that seamlessly integrates into your morning routine, eliminating the need for a separate rinsing step and making it an ideal choice for those seeking simplicity and efficiency in their teeth whitening regimen.
To use the pen, you just brush the gel onto your teeth, wait 60 seconds for drying, and then leave it on for an hour. The pen made our teeth four shades lighter after about three weeks, even receiving positive remarks from our dentist.
During our testing, we didn’t notice any teeth or gum sensitivity while the gel was applied, but we did observe a slight increase in gum sensitivity after a month, possibly due to more frequent brushing. Each pen lasted over a month, offering great value.
It’s Worth Noting
- One downside of the Polar Teeth Whitening Pen is the time commitment required for its application. You need to keep the gel on your teeth for an hour and hold your mouth open for the first 60 seconds.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of applications: 10 to 20 applications each
- Time to full results: Three weeks
Why We Like It
The Periosciences LED Whitening Kit uses advanced LED technology, ensuring impressive results that surpass expectations, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-tech solution to teeth whitening. LED treatments work by breaking down peroxide faster, leading to whiter teeth sooner.
We were pleasantly surprised with the Periosciences LED Whitening Kit; the process was simple and streamlined. The whitening effect was immediate, though temporarily reduced by coffee or wine. Over time, our teeth lightened by 5-7 shades, impressively meeting the kit's claims.
The tray's snug fit was effective, although it did accumulate saliva. We managed minor tooth sensitivity by reducing usage to 3-5 times a week, and fortunately, there was no gum irritation. The kit offers good value, with each pen lasting nearly three weeks.
It’s Worth Noting
- You need to keep the gel on your teeth for an hour and wait for it to dry and regularly charge the LED device, which can be inconvenient for those with busy schedules.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of applications: 30
- Time to full results: 10 days
Best for Maintenance
Tarte Pearly Girl Vegan Teeth Whitening Pen
Why We Like It
The Tarte Pearly Girl teeth whitening pen is an excellent pick for touch-ups and keeping your smile bright, especially after consuming staining beverages or for a quick boost before important events.
We easily carried this teeth-whitening pen in our bags thanks to its compact size. Using it in public bathrooms was straightforward, without feeling too self-conscious. Throughout our testing, the pen worked consistently well.
There was no increase in sensitivity or irritation from using the product, though the sweet taste of the gel became slightly overwhelming over time. Since we used the pen for maintenance rather than intensive whitening, we were satisfied with the subtle results. We felt the affordable cost justified the results for upkeep in between our regular whitening routine.
It’s Worth Noting
- This pen solution has a sweet taste, which some might find overwhelming or unpleasant over time.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of applications: Four times a day
- Time to full results: One week
Why We Like It
With its efficient application process and rapid action formula, the GLO Science GLO To Go Teeth Whitening Pen is ideal for those seeking fast and noticeable teeth whitening results in the comfort of their own home.
The pen was straightforward to use, with an intuitive design allowing controlled gel application. While we didn't observe an immediate brightening effect, after a week, we noticed our teeth lighten by two shades.
Initially, there was no sensitivity, but we later experienced minor gum irritation when the gel was applied too close. This issue was easily resolved with a rinse. After a month of use, there was still plenty of gel left, making the price point a great value for its effectiveness and affordability compared to more expensive alternatives.
It’s Worth Noting
- The need to rinse off the gel shortly after application limits its convenience and means you'll need to use it in a place where a sink is readily available.
Product Details:
- Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide
- Number of applications: Twice a day
- Time to full results: Two weeks
To find the best teeth-whitening pens,we tested 21 whitening pen brandsin our lab and at home. We considered each pen for its ingredients, wear time, number of applications, and time to results for touch-ups and full whitening treatments.
Before testing, we determined our tooth shades and compared our shades two and four weeks later. In our lab test, we used products once according to manufacturer instructions and then took the products home and continued to follow the instructions on the package.
The Experts
We also spoke to experts to determine what shoppers should know about teeth whitening pens, including the results they can expect, how they work, and who teeth whitening pens are best for. Our experts included:
- 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
Key Ingredients to Look for in Teeth Whitening Pens
“The most effective bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide,” says Dr. Yazdani. “These are the most common chemicals used for in-office treatments.” He notes that you should keep an eye on your peroxide percentage. “Up to 10 percent peroxide content is considered safe for teeth; any higher, and you increase the risk of damage to your enamel.”
How to Use Teeth Whitening Pens
How you use a teeth whitening pen depends on the kind of results you’re expecting. You can use a teeth whitening pen as a full teeth whitening treatment, using a pen once to twice a day—or more, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions—for a week to see higher-level results.
If you’re just looking for a quick touch-up or maintenance between whitening treatments, you can use a pen any time you notice your teeth starting to look a little less white. Many teeth whitening pens also function as stain barriers, like the Lumineux Ultra-Bright Whitening Pen, meaning that you can apply them before eating or drinking something that might stain your teeth to avoid damage.
How Much to Expect to Pay for a Teeth Whitening Pen
Whitening pens are generally under $50. The picks on our list range from $20 to $50, with one pick over $100 thanks to its device and whitening pen combo. Our least expensive pick, the Polar Teeth Whitening Pen Single, was just $10.
Your Questions, Answered
How do teeth whitening pens work?
Teeth whitening pens work the same way as other whitening products, but they use a serum to apply whitening ingredients to your teeth. Most teeth whitening pens use a peroxide formulation—either hydrogen or carbamide—to break down stains. “Peroxide gels break down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules,” explains Dr. Velayo. “These reactive oxygen molecules treat both the enamel and the dentin, oxidizing the bonds of discolored stain molecules. By changing the stained molecules, the tooth becomes lighter.”
Teeth whitening pens work best for quick touch-ups because they spend less time on your teeth, explains Dr. Velayo. “The most effective teeth whitening treatments involve a combination of the high peroxide concentration and wear time/interaction,” she says. “Typically, teeth whitening pens and other at-home treatments have a lower peroxide concentration and therefore require a longer wear time to achieve a visible result.”
Are teeth whitening pens safe?
Teeth whitening pens come in various strengths and with peroxide-free formulations so that most people can use them. While their lower peroxide percentages may not get you the drastic results you want, this makes them safer to use, as Dr. Yazdani explains that “because they usually have a lower concentration of the bleaching agent, there is little risk for enamel damage.”
Dr. Yazdani does note that you should be careful when applying teeth whitening pens, since they do require a little more free-hand work than most other whitening treatments. “Ensure you brush or rinse your mouth after directed use to help lower the risk of irritating your gums,” he says, because “if applied incorrectly, there is the possibility of irritating the gums.”
What results can I expect from a teeth whitening pen?
If you’re using a teeth whitening pen for touch-ups, you can expect results almost immediately after the first use, but they won’t be as extreme as with other teeth whitening treatments. If you’re using the teeth whitening pen for a fuller whitening treatment—like for several days—you can expect results comparable to other whitening treatments, like strips or gel trays.
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. Her goal is to provide easy-to-understand information with a patient perspective in mind.