The process of teeth whitening refers to the restoration of the color of teeth by removing debris and other dirt that can accumulate over time. Unlike bleaching, the pen does not whiten the teeth beyond their natural color.
Teeth whitening pens usually contain either one of these ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide usually works faster because of its higher concentration. When used to whiten teeth, this ingredient is typically in concentration of nine to forty percent. Concentrated whitening products are usually used for in-office whitening procedures because they need to be applied under the supervision of the dentist.
On the other hand, carbamide peroxide is preferred for whitening products that can be used at home. Carbamide peroxide breaks down to become hydrogen peroxide. It has one-third of the strength and thus works more slowly. However, this fact makes it much safer for use by non-professionals.
With the use of either one of the ingredients, the final result of the teeth whitening pens can vary from person to person. Some may be immediately pleased by the results while others may not see a difference. Some of the factors that can influence the outcome are genetics and the type of stains on the teeth surface. It is thus important to develop a realistic picture of the teeth whitening outcome and the length of time involved before any whitening product is chosen for use. Consult with a dentist or check with the manufacturer of the whitening product before making your final choice.