Many of us have tried to whiten our teeth one way or another.
Whether opting for lavish toothpaste or braving the whitening strips that dentists relentlessly try to steer us away from, there are many whitening products to play with in order to achieve those pearly whites.
Teeth whitening pens are a readily-available product which has captured the attention of shoppers everywhere. The pens are said to reverse discolouration and staining, instead promoting a brilliant white flash of a smile for all to admire.
Despite the recent boom in demand for teeth whitening items, the procedure is nothing new. The Ancient Egyptians equated pristine gnashers with beauty and ground up a pumice stone mixed with white vinegar to produce a whitening paste.
Fast forward to the 17th century and people would frequent their local barbers for a tooth transformation. This involved grinding down the teeth and harnessing the power of acid for bleaching. This tradition carried on over into the 18th century, until fluoride was invented in 1840 which made teeth healthier and whiter.
Celebrities have always acted as the poster boys and girls for iridescent fangs, with stars such as Hailey Bieber, Iris Law and of course, number one whitening fan Simon Cowell flashing the brightest of smiles at all times. Most stars opt for professional whitening treatments or veneers, but this isn’t always an affordable option.
Teeth whitening pens are a pocket-friendly alternative to use as and when you please in the comfort of your own home. However, the products have garnered split reviews. Dr Sahil Patel, Cosmetic Dentist & Founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic is sceptical about their efficacy, noting: “Whitening pens are generally harmless, but they do not give lasting whitening results.”
Instead, he imparts some advice as to how to avoid staining. “Consider how you are using your toothbrush, floss and interdental brushes and how often you consume coloured foods and drinks. A higher frequency of 'tanin' containing foods and drinks causes more staining. Ensure your teeth are straight. Crowded or crooked teeth allow pooling of colouration on certain teeth, and also create shadows, optically darkening certain teeth.”
If you’re still tempted to try teeth-whitening pens, then look no further. Read on to discover which pens to try and test in order to achieve the most glistening of grins.
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Smile Therapy Teeth Whitening Pen
After a long coffee-fuelled day, you may want to put the sparkle back into your smile. Keep Smile Therapy’s teeth whitening pen on hand for brightening teeth at any time thanks to its non-peroxide dynamic that lightens staining with zero enamel aggravation. Did we mention it’s currently less than half-price?
Buy now £10.99, Smile Therapy
Gem Teeth Whitening Pen PAP Crisp Mint
The Gem Teeth Whitening Pen offers a brighter smile for under £10. The product is made with scientifically proven teeth whitening ingredients to gently and effectively lighten the teeth. To use, simply twist the bottom of the pen until the liquid begins to rise and apply a small amount to your soon-to-be pearly whites.
Buy now £8.00, Boots
Colgate Max White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Colgate understands that our lives are busy and time spent on teeth whitening is limited. The brand’s Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen can be applied before bed and left on while you snooze. It’s said to reverse up to 15 years of discolouration caused by food and drinks in just 3 weeks. Not only that, but it's enamel safe and easy to use, with the key to achieving the brightest of smiles possible with just three simple steps.
Buy now £10.00, Boots
HiSmile PAP+ Whitening Pen
You have probably seen the HiSmile promotional videos flood your Instagram feed. The brand launched its first Teeth Whitening Kit in 2014, aiming to promote at-home teeth whitening treatments and has since garnered the support of famous faces such as Tammy Hembrow and Kim Kardashian.
Some love the brand while others are sceptical. It’s worth testing out the whitening pen. It’s said to lift stains for a whiter smile and can access the hard-to-reach spots. Add one to your online basket and check it out for yourself.
Buy now £9.60, HiSmile
Smile Science Harley Street Professional Teeth Whitening Pen
Before rushing out the door to head to work, pick up Smile Science’s Professional Teeth Whitening Pen to remove any last remnants of staining. The dentist-approved pen contains a whitening gel specially designed for sensitive teeth and includes ingredients which are gentle on enamel.
Peppermint oil is just one example of the soothing ingredients in the formula, which helps to refresh the mouth and soothe the gums.
Buy now £6.99, Sephora
SmileTime Teeth Whitening Pen
Thanks to its pocket-size design, you never need to be without a trusty teeth whitener. Carry SmileTime’s Teeth Whitening Pen with you at all times, whether en route to a date or an important meeting. It’s mint-flavoured and designed to deliver whitening effects in one minute.
Like HiSmile, the product incorporates phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic acid (PAP), which is a non-toxic agent proven to whiten teeth. Twist the handle, brush against your teeth and avoid eating or drinking for 20 minutes. It’s as easy as that.
Buy now £16.99, Boots
