Everyone dreams of having a dazzling smile. It can feel like a losing battle when you are constantly brushing with the latest whitening toothpaste, only to see lackluster results. Thanks to coffee and red wine, your teeth likely aren’t as easy to keep white as they used to be.

You’ve likely heard about several different at-home whitening methods, most recently, pens. While they promise a whiter smile, it can be hard to know you can get results that are noticeable. According to Mouth House, who performs professional Teeth Whitening on the Gold Coast, it is also hard to know that the whitening system you choose is safe. 

When considering this option for your teeth, it is important that you understand the pros and cons of at-home teeth whitening.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening Pens?

A whiter smile can do a lot for your self-confidence. Many people feel embarrassed or even debilitated because they feel that their teeth are lacking. Using an at-home whitening treatment such as a pen can be a quick and easy fix for a problem that can nag at you.

Another benefit is the fact that you do not have to spend big bucks at a dentist’s office to achieve results that you will be happy with. Most of these pens cost $20-$50 depending on the qualities that they boast.

Before at-home teeth whitening gained so much popularity, it was known as a more exclusive treatment because you had to spend hundreds of dollars to get it. Now, it is easier than ever.

The pens are even more convenient than the whitening strips because you do not have to spend 30 minutes to an hour with the treatment on your mouth.

The whitening pen can even be thrown into your bag for on-the-go treatment. It is as easy as brushing the formula onto your teeth and then continuing with your day.

Now that more research has been done, it has also been determined that at-home teeth whitening does not damage your enamel. What it does is simply reverse stains that have been created. When these stains are removed, this gives you a brighter smile.

How to Whiten Safely

1. At your next cleaning appointment, consult your dentist about at-home whitening. At this cleaning, your dentist is going to be checking for cavities and other problems that can hinder your teeth whitening process. They will also be able to verify that your enamel is strong enough to withstand an at-home whitening pen. Getting a dentist’s opinion first is going to be helpful in doing the process correctly.
2. Keep in mind that these whitening pens work because they contain certain levels of peroxide. They usually range from 10-20%. It is a smart idea to choose a pen that has levels that are somewhere between this range so you can avoid bothering your mouth while still achieving results.
3. Follow the directions. Each pen is going to give you a recommended time and frequency that you should follow closely. It is understandable that you want the whitest teeth possible, but remember that ignoring the directions can cause you serious and permanent damage to your teeth.
4. Your teeth might become sensitive after a whitening treatment. Make sure that you protect your mouth and avoid anything acidic. Try your best to also use straws when consuming sugary beverages to make the results last.

The Cons of Whitening Pens

While considering trying any new product, it is important that you also consider the downsides. Because teeth whitening pens are used as needed, the product isn’t going to be sitting on your teeth in the same way as it would at a medical professional’s or while using a whitening tray/strip.

You might not see results that are as noticeable as you would like at first, but you are also going to be using a product that is known for being more convenient and less expensive than those other options; it is all about the give and take.

Since the pen covers less surface area, you are going to experience a tedious application process when you are making sure that you are whitening every single tooth. Since nothing binds the formula to your teeth and allows it to absorb naturally, you will have to pay close attention to make sure that you have coated each one.

After you brush the product on, it leaves a slight film over your teeth. A complaint that some people have is that the film can be easily dislodged before the appropriate whitening period has passed.

You need to be careful that you are not eating or drinking after you apply the treatment. Setting a timer can help you remember this part. You might also have to practice using the pen a few times before you are entirely comfortable with it.

Getting the right kind of precision can be tricky, but many people enjoy how simple it is to get whiter teeth from home with the use of a pen.