Teeth whitening pencil - a dummy or a real help?

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.

How it works

Thanks to a whitening agent in the form of a gel placed in the middle of a tube containing hydrogen peroxide (its part in the whitening agent is only no more than 12%), everyone can now have a snow-white smile.

The remaining components serve to prevent gum disease and refresh the oral cavity.

Also, instead of hydrogen peroxide, the composition may contain other substances that have a bleaching effect, for example, carbamide peroxide. Gels containing it have a more gentle effect on tooth enamel, due to the large amount of urea in the total volume of the product.

When applied, peroxide undergoes a chemical reaction, causing it to break down, and the resulting oxygen saturates the tooth enamel.

It is worth understanding the fact that the higher the content of hydrogen peroxide in the gel, the more obvious the result will be, but also the higher the likelihood of injuring the dental coating.

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.

How to use Tooth Mousee gel?

The gel is very easy to use and application will not be difficult for anyone. It is recommended to apply the gel 2 times a day - morning and evening, preferably after brushing your teeth. It is best to apply it with a special mouth guard or toothbrush. If this is not possible, smear the gel over the oral cavity with your finger, leaving it there for 3-5 minutes.

How long does the effect of Tooth Mousse last after treatment? This depends on many factors, in particular on the quality of subsequent dental care, on the capabilities of saliva (the content of calcium and phosphorus ions in it) and the acidity level of dental plaque.

Dentists recommend that after treatment, register with a specialist and visit a doctor with some regularity (once a year), who will assess the situation, check the condition of saliva, the tendency of plaque formation and acidity. This will help you cope with a problem that is just beginning and keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible.

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.

Real reviews of “Bright White”

Valeria, 25 years old: Well, it doesn’t smell like a scam here, I would say that you can only really get a better effect from a dentist. I liked Bright White, I would buy it again, because I really like coffee and smoke, I will use it from time to time.

Margarita, 33 years old: I really liked the result. I also ordered this for my husband. Ideal for those who want to whiten their teeth, but do not have the money for it. An excellent option and not expensive.

Veronica, 37 years old: Wow the effect! I was worried that the mouthguard would be uncomfortable to wear or that something would happen to my teeth. But I didn’t notice anything like that, I can only say positive things. Worth buying, definitely!!!

Attention! The only official dealer of Bright White sells only through its own website

There is currently a promotion going on - 50% DISCOUNT

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.

Negative reviews of "Bright White"

Yulia, 30 years old: Teeth are generally a sore subject for me; there have always been some problems with them. And now, when they have already been completely treated, all that remains is to do teeth whitening. But it was a pity to spend money on this procedure; it’s not that cheap. Once I was talking to a friend, and she told me that her husband whitened his teeth this way, he just bought this product. I immediately started searching on the Internet and found that when the package arrived I was a little surprised that instead of 2 bottles there was only one. I never used it, so did I fall for a fake?

Elena, 38 years old: Bright White whitened my yellow teeth, but not enough. I would like it to be as white as they show in toothpaste advertisements. Apparently, this is not real, but so good...

Yana, 42 years old: Some real reviews disappointed me, I decided that the drug was a lie. Nevertheless, interest took its toll. And I bought it. And it’s good that I didn’t listen to anyone, now I have a beautiful smile, I’m happy. I didn’t like that they took so long to call back, I dialed 6 times just to place this order.

Helpful Tips and Precautions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Do not swallow bleach as it may cause gastrointestinal upset.
5. 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.
6. Strictly follow the instructions for using the teeth whitening pencil. Do not use the product more often or for longer than recommended.
7. 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.

When and who should use such rods?

The indication for the use of such pencils is the desire to have a snow-white smile worthy of praise.
In most cases, the pencil will be effective as an oral care aid after professional cleaning and whitening procedures, and its ease of use can only please you.

Another advantage of the bleaching agent in a tube is the presence of a minimum of contraindications for use.

One of the most significant is damage to tooth enamel, and, accordingly, the presence of tooth sensitivity in a person, that is, before applying the product directly to the teeth, it is necessary to undergo an examination of the oral cavity by a specialist in a dental clinic.

A number of contraindications include personal intolerance to the components contained in the gel, which is extremely rare and therefore does not play a significant role.

It must be remembered that the use of a whitening pencil is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, since this age refers to the period of formation of the facial-maxillary apparatus, teeth, and bite. Pregnant women are also not recommended to use this product.

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.

Contraindications to teeth whitening

Doctors recommend completely abandoning the procedure or postponing it indefinitely during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as when:

• individual intolerance to the components of the whitening composition;
• the presence of a milk bite that has not changed to a permanent one;
• oncology;
• increased sensitivity of enamel;
• tissue damage due to traumatic exposure or other reasons;
• pulpitis in chronic form;
• orthodontic treatment;
• dental diseases (for example, caries) in the acute phase;
• a large number of fillings, fixed dentures, artificial crowns (possible color balance disturbances, unnatural whiteness of certain areas).

Each case is reviewed by a dentist; the doctor may prohibit lightening of the teeth to avoid adverse reactions. Why do you need teeth whitening if it will lead to irreversible consequences? It is likely that the presence of the above circumstances is not an absolute obstacle to a cosmetic procedure, and in the absence of dangerous risks it can be completed.

Obvious advantages and disadvantages of pencils

“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:

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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.

Types of teeth whitening: pros and cons

There are no ideal lightening methods. Each has positive and negative sides that the patient must be prepared for. This is why you need to consult your dentist first.

Mouthguards

These are removable devices that are made of special materials that are not subject to oxidative processes. As a rule, structures are used to correct bites and change the position of teeth. If the mouth guard is installed correctly, it does not cause discomfort (pain or other discomfort). After the adaptation period, the patient completely forgets about the presence of a foreign object in the mouth.

The device is created from an impression, which the dentist first makes during the initial appointment. The finished structure is filled with a whitening agent and placed on the upper or lower jaw.

Advantages:

• low cost compared to other methods;
• Possibility of teeth whitening at home.

Flaws:

• insufficient visual effect, mouth guards will not get rid of intense yellowish deposits;
• risk of developing an allergic reaction;
• The method is contraindicated for persons with orthodontic structures in the mouth (plates, braces, etc.).

Laser technique

This method is one of the most effective. You can walk with a snow-white smile for up to 10 years, of course, if you do not ignore medical instructions. In this case, the enamel becomes white in just one session.

A gel composition is applied to the teeth, after which its components are activated using a laser, oxygen ions are formed, which penetrate the enamel layer and deactivate the coloring pigment.

Pros:

• To lighten by more than 5 tones, one visit to the clinic is enough;
• absence of pain and other discomfort;
• the device operates for a short time (about 20 minutes);
• the gel used has antiseptic properties and prevents inflammatory processes in the mouth;
• the components of the drug strengthen the enamel and protect it from external influences.

Negative sides:

• high price compared to alternative methods;
• increased tooth sensitivity immediately after the procedure.

Ultrasonic cleaning

In this case, enamel lightening occurs due to the removal of hard plaque and other deposits, even in the interdental spaces. With the help of vibrations, all layers are mechanically removed. After all the manipulations, the specialist applies a special paste-like composition to the teeth to improve the protection of the dentition from external influences and various chemical irritants.

Ultrasound helps to get rid of even subgingival plaque. The stone is also removed.

Pros:

• in one visit to the dentist you can lighten your teeth several shades;
• during the procedure, the entire oral cavity is cleaned, and not just hard tissues;
• absence of pain and other unpleasant sensations;
• affordable price.

Minuses:

• To consolidate the effect, ultrasonic cleaning should be repeated annually;
• the result may seem insufficient if the enamel is too dark;
• the natural shade of dentin tissue does not change;
• A visit to the doctor takes up to an hour.

Chemical bleaching

The dentist applies highly concentrated preparations that contain hydrogen peroxide or other active ingredients. As a result, dentin is whitened, its shade becomes lighter by 5-7 tones or more.

Advantages of the method:

• an effective procedure that removes plaque and lightens the dentinal layer;
• if all manipulations were performed according to the rules, the result can last up to 4-5 years.

Minuses:

• increased sensitivity of enamel after lightening;
• high price;
• the risk of burns to the mucous membranes if the dosage regimen of the chemical composition is not followed;
• It takes many procedures (about 7) at intervals of 2-3 days to achieve the desired effect.

Air Flow

The surface of the teeth is processed mechanically, without affecting the dentinal layer. The doctor uses a sandblasting machine for this. Even the most difficult to reach areas (for example, interdental spaces) will be clean after exposure to a mixture of water, air and soda. The enamel is polished and the smile becomes dazzling.

Advantages:

• absence of pain and other discomfort;
• the entire oral cavity is cleansed, including the space between the teeth, under the gums, etc.;
• fabrics are not damaged, abrasive particles act very gently;
• the patient is not bothered by increased tooth sensitivity immediately after brushing;
• affordable price.

Minuses:

• insufficiently expressed visual effect;
• a greater number of contraindications compared to alternative methods;
• the color lasts up to a year.

Photobleaching

One of the most modern techniques with ZOOM or Luma-Arch devices. The enamel brightens due to ultraviolet exposure. The lamp warms up the lightening gel applied to the teeth, thereby enhancing its effect.

Pros:

• the procedure lasts about 15 minutes;
• per visit you can make the enamel 10 shades lighter;
• the effect lasts up to 4 years if you follow the rules established by your doctor and adhere to basic hygiene standards;
• absence of pain syndrome.

Minuses:

• high cost (methods involving mechanical cleansing will be much cheaper);
• It is advisable to completely exclude foods with bright dyes from the diet;
• subsequent remineralization may be required;
• before photobleaching, it is necessary to remove microprostheses and veneers;
• bleaching is uneven, hard-to-reach areas are not lightened, but only the front incisors and canines;
• If the procedure technique is not followed, the risk of burns to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity increases.

Endobleaching

This technique is also called in-canal bleaching. This method is used when depulpation has been performed, that is, removal of palpable tissue. After the death of the nerve, the teeth darken, so many patients want to lighten them.

The doctor pours a special synthetic composition with a whitening effect into the cavity and places a temporary filling material on top. If the enamel becomes lighter within 10-15 days, the drug is removed and everything is filled.

Advantages:

• you can lighten one or several teeth at once;
• the enamel remains intact because the whitening agent acts from the inside.

Flaws:

• short-term effect (up to a year);
• not suitable for processing both rows;
• the price increases as the number of teeth treated increases.

Home whitening

Not all patients want to visit a dental clinic and prefer to whiten their enamel at home. The most common procedures:

• The use of special whitening pastes. Typically, such compositions contain abrasives, affecting the entire surface of the dentition. As a result, it is possible to lighten the enamel layer by several tones.
• Special stripes. They resemble a plaster and are glued to the incisors of the upper and lower jaws. The adhesive side contains a gel with concentrated chemical compounds. An oxidation process takes place in the mouth, which promotes quick and easy cleansing.
• Traditional methods. Fans of “grandmother’s” recipes use hydrogen peroxide, soda, activated carbon and other substances.

What are the advantages of self-lightening at home:

• low price;
• ease of implementation.

The list of disadvantages is much more extensive than the list of advantages. This:

• low effectiveness compared to professional care;
• negative impact on enamel, damage to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, the appearance of hypersensitivity to any irritant;
• high risk of allergies and poisoning due to careless use and, as a result, ingestion of bleaching mixtures.

Efficiency or dangerous consequences?

The pencil is effective if you follow all the recommendations specified in the instructions.
If you do not adhere to the terms of use, you can expect the following negative consequences:

1. The appearance of a feeling of excessive tooth sensitivity . This feeling will accompany the whitening procedure all the time, but you should worry when this feeling begins to become painful. In this case, you must stop using a pencil.
2. Damage to the enamel, and subsequently its destruction . Before using any whitening products, you should consult your dentist. It is possible that the substances contained in whitening products will have an extremely negative effect on the already deteriorated condition of the teeth.
3. Invisible lightening of the enamel . Most manufacturers do not mention in their instructions that in order to obtain noticeable results, teeth whitening with a pencil must be done in conjunction with other procedures and using the necessary means, otherwise it is very difficult to notice the result after a short amount of time.