Teeth whitening pencil – what is it, how to use it

Author of the article:

Soldatova Lyudmila Nikolaevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Clinical Dentistry of the St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute, Chief Physician of the Alfa-Dent Dental Clinic, St. Petersburg

We all want to get results without spending much effort, and we also want to understand whether it is harmful or beneficial. Therefore, the opportunity to quickly and easily make a snow-white smile attracts many people. Accordingly, manufacturers are adapting to the needs of the audience by producing a variety of convenient devices for home use. One of the most popular is a special whitening pencil.

There is no doubt that it is very cool to use, but numerous consumer reviews indicate the ambiguity of the method. Let's figure out how to use a teeth whitening pencil and identify the pitfalls.

Key Features of Whitening Pencils

a teeth whitening pencil is a transparent substance, usually of a gel-like consistency, the main active role of which is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide,
the whitening composition is placed in a special container that looks like a small bottle for mascara, lipstick, or a marker or felt-tip pen,
The product from the bottle is applied to the enamel using the included brush or dispensing sponge. The liquid is evenly distributed over the front surface of the teeth; in most cases it is not necessary to wash it off,
You can purchase a gel pencil for teeth whitening at a pharmacy or through an online store.

Operating principle

The active ingredient in all whitening pencils is carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, familiar to everyone from childhood. The first component is essentially the same hydrogen peroxide, but also contains urea residues.

The beneficial effect of peroxide on enamel is achieved through conventional chemical processes. After applying the composition to the teeth, urea reacts with saliva, then breaks down into active oxygen and water, penetrating into all the pores of the enamel.

The coloring pigments deposited in the depths of the pores are broken down by oxygen, washed to the surface with water and then removed by saliva. The ability of oxygen to remain in dental tissues, while maintaining its properties, prolongs the whitening process by 10 days or more.

Peculiarity. Carbamide peroxide functions more slowly, but due to its higher concentration and gradual conversion of urea into hydrogen peroxide, it is more effective and does not damage the gums.

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We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rating of whitening toothpastes here.

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Components that are included in the composition

Regardless of brand or brand, all whitening sticks contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Only other components and additives can differ in the compositions from different manufacturers: enamel-strengthening minerals and elements (calcium, fluorine, phosphorus), flavorings for fresh breath with the smell and taste of mint and fruit.

The peroxide content usually ranges from 5 to 15%. This concentration is considered to be as safe as possible for enamel, but, of course, only if you have no contraindications to the use of such products.

On a note! Doctors recommend choosing pencils that contain carbamide peroxide. It acts a little slower than hydrogen peroxide, but its effect on gums and hard tissues is softer and more gentle.

Information about important contraindications

Can everyone use a teeth whitening pencil? The product is unsafe for people who have recently undergone surgery in the oral cavity (for example, tooth extraction), have acute inflammatory processes, wounds on the mucous membranes and gums, as well as untreated diseased teeth. It should not be used by those who have thin and sensitive enamel. In all of these cases, the discomfort will increase even more, dental problems will worsen, and tissues will begin to deteriorate.

Procedures should not be performed on pregnant and lactating women, as well as those under 18 years of age. People who are allergic to peroxide or other components included in the composition should not use the product. If you plan to undergo pencil whitening, you will need to remove the piercing from your mouth.

The product cannot be used if you have braces, as well as many crowns and fillings in the smile area. In this case, the effect will not live up to expectations, and the result will be disappointing, since the enamel will be colored unevenly. Artificial structures, fillings and crowns cannot be lightened using such means.

What about people with fluorosis, hypoplasia and tetracycline teeth? Will a pencil help change the color of the enamel in this case? No, the concentration of the active substance in it is too low to cope with such defects. Not even all office methods are capable of this. In addition, with these pathologies, hard tissues are very sensitive, and using a pencil without prior professional preparation for whitening can lead to dire consequences: pain, cracking and crumbling of the enamel.

Rules for using whitening pencils

If you purchased a teeth whitening pencil, it will usually come with instructions on how to use it. Most products have a similar operating principle, so the rules of use are almost always the same:

Brush or rinse your teeth to ensure no food particles remain in your mouth. Blot saliva from the enamel with a dry cloth.
open the bottle and squeeze out the liquid so that it reaches the brush or dispenser in sufficient quantity,
Distribute the product evenly over the front of your front teeth. Avoid contact of the drug with mucous membranes,
soak the composition exactly as long as indicated in the instructions: on average 5-10 minutes. At this time, you should keep your mouth open in a smile,
leave the remaining gel or rinse your mouth depending on what the instructions say,
Avoid eating and drinking for 30-60 minutes.

The procedure must be repeated 1 to 2-3 times a day. Apply the composition in front of a mirror.

Reviews

Whitening procedures can cause completely opposite emotions in each individual person and give different effects. Therefore, if you have personally experienced the effects of a whitening pencil, you can share your feedback with other readers in the comments to this article.

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Tags Teeth Whitening Pencil Teeth Whitening

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Helpful Tips and Precautions

To minimize the risk of unpleasant consequences, consult your dentist before using the gel pencil. Perhaps, before the course of procedures, it will be necessary to cure diseased teeth and relieve inflammation on the gums and mucous membranes. Or maybe after a detailed examination it turns out that you have hypoplasia or fluorosis, in which this method will not work and will be dangerous. Then the doctor will offer alternative options for transforming your smile, for example, prosthetics with veneers and crowns, microabrasion, and composite extensions.
To get the best lightening effect, first undergo professional hygiene at the dentist. The doctor will remove bacterial plaque, level and prepare the enamel surface for further exposure to peroxide. Without this procedure, the result of 2-4 tones, which manufacturers of whitening pencils promise, is simply unattainable.
After the procedure, avoid drinking drinks and foods that contain bright dyes. Eat foods that are neutral in color: fermented milk, pasta, mashed potatoes, chicken, eggs. It is recommended to follow a “white” diet from the moment you first use the pencil and for 7-10 after the last procedure. You should also stop smoking.
Do not swallow bleach as it may cause gastrointestinal upset.
During use of the product and for two weeks after this, use a remineralizing calcium-containing or fluoride-containing enamel paste. This will strengthen hard tissues and make them less sensitive to external influences.
Strictly follow the instructions for using the teeth whitening pencil. Do not use the product more often or for longer than recommended.
Buy special mouthguards that will allow you not to strain your facial muscles and will ensure comfort while you wear the product on your teeth. Plus, some manufacturers indicate that the use of mouth guards will help improve the result, since they will allow you to keep the gel on the enamel in the right amount and for as long as required.

How to use the product?

Before using the product, it is recommended that you read the instructions. The gel will need to be applied evenly over the entire surface of the incisors. It should not be left on the enamel longer than specified in the instructions. It is recommended to use the product for at least a week.

It is recommended to repeat the course from time to time in order to maintain the achieved result. People only need two tubes of Japan Stick per year to prevent caries and yellowing of enamel. That's why you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your smile in excellent condition.

Complications that may occur

If you use the product without taking into account contraindications and if the instructions are not followed, unpleasant complications may arise:

allergic reaction: usually manifests itself in the form of rashes on the mucous membrane, itching, redness, and swelling of the tissues. But with an acute reaction and individual intolerance, it can lead to angioedema and anaphylactic shock,
pain and discomfort, “ache” in the teeth, damage and irritation of the gums,
cracks and chips of enamel,
discoloration: if the whitening composition was used despite fillings and crowns in the smile area, braces.

Obvious advantages and disadvantages of pencils

Advantages of use

Disadvantages of use

compact: easily fits in a handbag,
ease of use: you can carry out the procedure in any place convenient for you and at any time,
contains a minimal concentration of peroxide and is relatively safe for enamel,
a large selection of products from different manufacturers,
gives a better and more lasting result than whitening abrasive pastes and traditional recipes,
if the composition contains calcium and fluoride, it additionally strengthens the teeth,
low cost.

whitens by a maximum of 2-4 tones,
not suitable for people with dark enamel color, hypoplasia, fluorosis, tetracycline teeth,
increases the sensitivity of enamel during use,
does not give an immediate effect: to get results, you have to use it for 7-10-14 days,
you have to keep your mouth open while the gel is on your teeth, otherwise there will be no effect,
the likelihood of allergies, as well as complications if used incorrectly.

“It touches me when pencil manufacturers promise an effect of 5-6 tones. No matter how many different brands I have bought, they all lighten the color by a maximum of 1-3 tones for me personally. Therefore, do not even hope that after using it you will get a Hollywood smile, as in the photo on the Internet. And the result will not last long, even if you give up coffee, tea, beets, berries and red wine altogether. It lasts for 1-1.5 months, then the course must be repeated. But you can’t do it too often, otherwise your teeth will become like foil, just as thin!”
Buttercup, review from woman.ru

“Before this, I once tried to whiten my teeth with toothpastes from different price categories, but it always didn’t work out very well. Then I bought a pencil on an online sale for 700 rubles, and, you know, compared to paste, the effect is much better!!! I think that this is a completely worthy alternative when there is no money for whitening at the dentist. The only drawback: the composition is quite caustic, if it gets on the gums, it will hurt later and may even bleed.”
K.Lukina, review from 32top.ru

Clinical researches

Clinical studies have proven that regular use of professional toothpaste ASEPTA GENTLE WHITENING for a month allows you to lighten tooth enamel by 1.5 tones, increases anti-caries effectiveness by 3.4 times and increases enamel remineralization by 2.6 times.

Sources:

Report on determining/confirming the preventive properties of toothpaste “ASEPTA PLUS” GENTLE WHITENING” Author: doctor-researcher A.A. Leontyev, head Department of Preventive Dentistry, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor S.B. Ulitovsky First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova, Department of Preventive Dentistry
Report on the determination/confirmation of the preventive properties of personal oral hygiene products “ASEPTA PLUS” Remineralization doctor-researcher A.A. Leontyev, head Department of Preventive Dentistry, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor S.B. Ulitovsky First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova, Department of Preventive Dentistry
Clinical studies of antisensitive toothpaste “Asepta Sensitive” (A.A. Leontyev, O.V. Kalinina, S.B. Ulitovsky) A.A. LEONTIEV, dentist O.V. KALININA, dentist S.B. ULITOVSKY, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Department of Therapeutic Dentistry, St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova
Report on determining/confirming the preventive properties of commercially produced personal oral hygiene products: Asepta toothpaste used in combination with Asepta mouthwash and Asepta gum balm Head. Department of PFS Doctor of Medical Sciences Professor S.B. Ulitovsky St. Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I.P. Pavlova. Faculty of Dentistry. Department of Preventive Dentistry.

Review of the most popular brands of pencils

Luxury White PRO (China)

This gel is very popular, despite the fact that it contains a completely unsafe concentration of carbamide peroxide - 35%. Promises an enamel lightening effect of 4-6 tones. To avoid complications, it is recommended to use this drug only after consultation with a dentist and thorough professional training.

Important! Dentists recommend that you pay attention to products that are manufactured in China, since often the information about products from this country indicated on the packaging is not true.

ROCS (Russia-Switzerland)

The product promises to easily deal with stains from coffee, wine, and cigarettes that have become ingrained into hard tissues. It must be used precisely, directly on the spots. The principle of operation of this pencil is slightly different from the previous and subsequent ones. ROCS operates using patented TSR-1010 technology. The pencil itself has two tips of different thicknesses and is coated with polishing microcrystals. The tips resemble a nail file in appearance. It is necessary to bring the end of the pencil to the enamel with the stain and clean it. The manufacturer warns that if the defect is not removed easily and without strong pressure, then it is better not to continue the experiment, but to consult a dentist.

Bright White (China)

Some sources indicate that the product is produced in the USA, but in fact these are just tricks of advertisers, thus increasing the degree of trust in the product. The composition has a mint aroma that freshens breath. The main active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 12%. The pencil comes with a color scale, thanks to which you can evaluate the initial, intermediate and final results.

GLOBAL WHITE (Russia-Italy)

The product should not be used for longer than 14 days. The promised effect is up to 3 tones. The composition contains potassium nitrate and xylitol[1], which reduce the sensitivity of enamel and also increase its resistance to caries. There is a variety of gel on sale with the aroma and taste of “Fruit Mix”.

Amazing White Teeth Whitening Pen (USA)

This product is trusted by many because its manufacturer is the Amazing White company, which developed the professional whitening technology of the same name (today the procedure can be done in many dentists). The product freshens breath, not only whitens, but also remineralizes the enamel.

My Brilliant Smile (USA)

Contains glycerin, carbopol, peroxide, menthol. The brightening gel comes in a stylish pencil pen. Many consumers note that there is very little information about the manufacturer on the packaging, and not entirely complete instructions are provided. To have an effect, the product must be kept in the mouth for up to 30 minutes. When it gets on the tongue, mucous membranes and gums, the gel begins to sting and cause irritation. But, as buyers assure, it still has an effect, because the teeth become 2-3 shades lighter.

ICEBERG Professional Whitening (China)

Contains hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, menthol, carbopol. After application, the product must be kept in the mouth for 7-10 minutes, then it must be washed off with water. The manufacturer recommends using ICEBERG Professional Whitening once every two days, and promises maximum effect from use after 10 procedures.

MiBrite Luminite (USA)

This is a whitening pen. The main active ingredient in this product is carbamide peroxide at a concentration of 9%. The composition also contains potassium nitrate, silicon dioxide, peppermint oil and menthol. Thanks to the patented NanoBright Science formula, the pen not only whitens, but also strengthens hard tissues and prevents damage. One such pen is designed for 30 procedures (full course of use). The effect promised by the manufacturer is 2-5 tones on the Vita scale. For better and faster results, it is allowed to apply the composition up to 2-4 times a day.

SupremeDent (Russia)

Tested in the USA. The manufacturer promises that if you use SupremeDent for 14 days, your teeth will become crystal white, as they will change their shade by 4-5 tones. The product is suitable for sensitive enamel, and the results from its use will last up to 12 months, but, of course, only with proper oral care.