Why is my teeth whitening pen not working?

Whitening pens can fall short for several reasons. Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening gels usually contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents than professional options. Some stains respond better than others, and crowns, veneers and fillings do not change color with bleaching. Knowing what kind of discoloration you have can help explain why a pen is not giving you the result you expected. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Whitening does not change the color of crowns, veneers or fillings. 

• Some tooth colors and stain types respond better to whitening than others. 

• OTC whitening gels usually contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents than professional options. 

• The type of stain and the whitening product you use can affect your results. 

If your whitening pen isn’t giving you the results you expected, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. They can look at the type of discoloration you have and help you understand which whitening options may work best. 

How does a whitening pen work? 

A whitening pen holds a gel with a bleaching agent inside. You twist the bottom to push gel onto a brush tip. Then you paint the gel onto your teeth. The gel needs to sit on the tooth surface long enough to lift stains. 

That sounds simple. But several things can get in the way. 

Your pen may not be touching the tooth long enough 

Whitening pens do not all use the same formula or schedule. Follow the label for how much gel to apply, how often to use it and how long to leave it on your teeth. Don't use more gel or leave it on longer than directed to try to get faster results. 

Your teeth may have restorations that don't respond 

The American Dental Association (ADA) says whitening does not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also may not be effective when tooth discoloration is caused by certain medications.¹ 

That's a common surprise. Crowns, fillings and other dental work can blend in closely with natural teeth. But bleaching agents change the color of natural teeth, not tooth-colored restorations. 

If some teeth in your smile have restorations, the natural teeth around them may whiten while the restorations stay the same shade. That can make the color look less even. 

Your dental provider can tell you which teeth have restorations and what whitening options may work for you. 

The type of stain matters a lot 

Not all stains respond the same way. The ADA says whitening can work on both surface and intrinsic stains, but the type of intrinsic stain can affect the result and how many treatments may be needed.² Surface stains can come from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco and other strongly colored foods or drinks.  

Intrinsic stains are inside the tooth and can have causes such as fluorosis or certain antibiotics used while teeth are developing. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research also reports that high levels of water-borne fluoride can discolor enamel while teeth are developing.³ 

If your teeth have deep or unusual discoloration, your dental provider can help determine what type of stain you have and which option may work best. 

The concentration in OTC pens is lower than professional treatments 

The ADA says OTC peroxide-based whitening products, including gels painted directly on teeth, typically contain lower concentrations than in-office or dentist-prescribed bleaching products.² 

That can mean OTC whitening takes longer. Professional options may use different concentrations and delivery methods, including custom trays or in-office gels. 

If you've used your pen as directed and still see little change, your dental provider can help determine whether the type of stain or whitening product is limiting your results. 

What are some common errors that affect results? 

Whitening pens can have different directions. The most important thing is to follow the instructions for your specific product. 

Pay attention to: 

• How much gel the label says to use 

• How often the product should be applied 

• How long the gel should stay on your teeth 

• Any instructions about eating or drinking after use 

Using more product or leaving it on longer than directed is not a safe shortcut to faster whitening. 

When should you talk to your dental provider? 

A pen is a starting point. It's not the only option. If you've used the pen correctly for the full recommended time and still see no change, that's useful information. It tells you the stain may be too deep, the concentration may be too low or you may have a restoration the pen can't affect. 

Your dental provider can look at your teeth and tell you what's actually going on. They can check for restorations you may not know about. They can assess what type of stain you have and how deep it goes. They can also talk with you about professional whitening options if they're right for you. 

Some cases call for veneers or bonding instead. Your dental provider can walk you through those options too.

Why is my teeth whitening pen not working? FAQs 

Still have questions about whitening pens and your results? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Can I damage my teeth by using a whitening pen too often? 

Don't use a whitening pen more often or for longer than the label directs. If you develop tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, stop using it and talk with your dental provider. 

My teeth got slightly whiter but then went back. Why? 

Teeth can pick up new surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco and other strongly colored foods and drinks. If discoloration keeps returning, your dental provider can help you decide whether another whitening option makes sense. 

Will a whitening pen work on one very dark tooth? 

A tooth that is much darker than the others can sometimes be related to a past injury, and whitening may not correct that type of discoloration.¹ Have your dental provider check a single dark tooth before trying to whiten it. 

Is there a whitening option for teeth with crowns or veneers? 

Bleaching does not change the color of crowns, veneers or other tooth-colored restorations. Your dental provider can discuss options for making your smile look more uniform. 

How long should I use a whitening pen before I give up? 

Follow the treatment time on your product's label. If you've completed the recommended course and see little or no change, talk with your dental provider about other options. 

Is the bleaching agent in whitening pens safe? 

Peroxide-based whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. The ADA also reports that a 2022 systematic review found hydrogen peroxide whitening products do not appear to have carcinogenic effects on oral tissue.² Follow the product directions and talk with your dental provider if you have concerns. 

Sources

¹ American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: “Teeth Whitening.” https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teeth-whitening 

² American Dental Association: “Whitening.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening 

³ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “The Story of Fluoridation.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fluoride/the-story-of-fluoridation