A bright, white smile can do wonders for self-confidence and appearance. However, expensive professional whitening treatments every few months may not fit most budgets or lifestyles. For consumers seeking affordable, convenient options to safely maintain whiter teeth from home, over-the-counter whitening pens provide an appealing solution. The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen aims to fill this niche need, offering portable and easy-to-use whitening touch-ups on the go.
In this article, we’ll explore how the Zoom Whitening Pen works to fight stains and yellowing between dentist visits along with expected results based on consumer experiences. We’ll outline who can benefit most from the pen’s paint-on-peroxide gel formula versus situations calling for stronger bleaching methods. Lastly, we’ll cover proper usage and any potential side effects users should keep in mind.
Equipped with knowledge on how it works and what you can realistically expect, you can decide if teeth whitening with the Zoom Whitening Pen suits your individual dental needs and goals.
What Is Philips Zoom Whitening Pen?
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen is an over-the-counter cosmetic dental product made for at-home teeth whitening touch-ups and maintenance between professional treatments. Retailing between $20-30 per disposable pen, this affordable solution features a brush-tip applicator to paint on 5.25% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel directly onto tooth surfaces.
The formula aims to lift stains gently from the microscopic pores of the enamel to extend the longevity of previous professional whitening results. Though not a replacement for intensive in-office procedures on severely discolored teeth, the pen suits maintenance between appointments on surface yellowing and stains when used as directed.
| Ingredients | Water, hydrogen peroxide, carbomer, glycerin, PEG-60 hydrogenated caster oil, PVP, ammonium hydroxide, flavor, sodium saccharin, etidronic acid, and potassium stannate. |
| Treatment duration | 14 days |
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PROs and CONs of Philips Zoom Whitening Pen
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen has several beneficial features as an at-home teeth whitening product, but also some potential drawbacks to consider.
PROs
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen makes at-home brightening convenient with its easy applicator and affordable price point compared to professional treatments. Its minty gel requires no post-application waiting and can visibly boost brightness after just a single use while helping sustain salon-quality whitening between appointments.
- Easy-to-use
- Requires no waiting after the application
- Affordable price in comparison with other whitening products
- Effects visible after the first use
- Refreshing mint flavor
- Helps maintain a bright smile between whitening treatments and prolongs the results
CONs
The Zoom pen also has some limitations. While generally safe, it can temporarily increase sensitivity, especially initially. It cannot whiten dental work like crowns or fillings and works best for mild yellow staining rather than severe discoloration. The formula also is not suitable for those under 16 years old or people currently wearing overnight dental appliances like braces.
- Can cause tooth sensitivity, especially during the first use
- Cannot whiten crowns, veneers, fillings, or dentures
- Not suitable for people aged 16 or younger
- Not suitable for people with braces or any other kind of overnight dental appliance
- Will not whiten severe discolorations
- Only for yellow stain types
Who Is a Candidate for Philips Zoom Whitening Pen?
Candidates for the Philips Zoom Whitening Pen are adults and individuals over age 16 who seek to whiten natural teeth. It’s unsuitable for those with allergies to its ingredients and won’t whiten crowns, veneers, fillings, or dentures. The pen is effective for surface stains but may vary in results for severe or deep-set discolorations or darker tooth shades. It’s not recommended for children, those with braces, or overnight dental appliances. While it’s a useful addition to post-whitening care, it doesn’t replace full take-home or in-office whitening treatments. For patients with diabetes or pregnant women, it’s advised to consult a physician before use, as with any dental treatment.
See also: Snow Magic Teeth Whitening Strips – Review
How Does Philips Zoom Whitening Pen Work?
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen provides a convenient way to touch up and maintain the brightness of your smile between professional whitening treatments. Its ease of use makes it ideal for application on-the-go. To use it, start by removing the cap and clicking the button on the end until a small droplet of whitening gel appears on the brush tip. You should prime it by clicking 10-15 times initially. Once primed, simply use the brush to paint a thin layer of the gel directly onto the front surfaces of your teeth. Then replace the cap.
The whitening pen can be applied day or night without needing to rinse or wait afterward. For best brightening results, apply the gel twice daily. Allowing the gel to absorb for 30 minutes before eating or drinking will maximize its whitening power.
How Much Does Philips Zoom Whitening Pen Cost?
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen typically costs between $20 to $30 per unit, making it a competitively priced option among at-home teeth whitening products. This price point offers a more affordable alternative to more expensive treatments like professional whitening procedures or custom-fit whitening trays with gel.
Are There Any Side Effects?
When used as directed, the Philips Zoom Whitening Pen is generally safe for routine touch-up brightening. However, as with any peroxide-based whitening treatment, users may experience temporary side effects like mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation in some cases. The active ingredient hydrogen peroxide can provoke these effects in those predisposed to dental sensitivity or with repeated overuse. Applying the pen excessively beyond manufacturer guidelines regarding duration or frequency can increase the risks.
To prevent adverse effects, it’s important to carefully follow all package instructions and heed any usage warnings. Consulting your dentist beforehand if you have existing sensitivity, enamel issues, or gum problems can identify if hydrogen peroxide whitening is suitable for your individual oral health. Observing the recommended guidelines for application times and frequency based on your desired level of brightening effect can also help you avoid overdoing it. Discontinue usage and speak to your dentist if any unwelcome or worsening side effects do occur to prevent lasting damage.
See also: Can I Use Whitening Strips with Braces? Facts and Myths about Teeth Whitening with Braces
Does Philips Zoom Whitening Pen Really Work? Customer Reviews
According to customer reviews, the Philips Zoom Whitening Pen provides moderate yet noticeable teeth whitening results when used consistently over time. Most report some degree of improvement in tooth shade, brightness, or superficial stain removal after a few weeks of daily use—especially for maintenance between professional treatments. While dramatic “movie star” whiteness exceeds realistic expectations for an over-the-counter pen, many confirm visibly whiter and polished-looking teeth after persistent use, avoiding messy trays.
Common caveats in reviews point out the pen works better for yellowish staining rather than intrinsic discoloration. Some note it doesn’t last as long as other methods like whitening strips or dentist treatments when discontinued. Others dealing with more stubborn, deep-set stains find results less impressive compared to surface-level coffee or wine stains that lift fairly effectively.
In terms of side effects, sensitivity during early applications that subsides over time is commonly cited much like other peroxide whiteners. When directions are followed properly, most describe this sensitivity as temporary and mild.
Verdict
As an over-the-counter maintenance product, the Zoom Whitening Pen aims to keep smiles looking brighter longer by controlling re-staining between dentist visits. It cannot intrinsically change natural tooth coloration. But regular use can preserve the work of more intense in-office procedures for those not wanting to repeatedly undergo clinical-level bleaching. The pen’s simpler method targets surface discoloration and yellowing only however, not innate tooth shade or deep set stains. Still, consistency pays off – named one of People’s top 10 whitening pens, the Zoom pen sustainably eases and enhances at-home polishing habits. For those seeking touch-ups between intensive whitening efforts, this pen offers an approachable option to extend results a shining smile at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Pen good for teeth whitening?
The Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Pen is effective for maintaining teeth brightness between professional treatments. It’s designed for controlling re-staining and is best for surface discoloration and yellowing, rather than changing natural tooth color or removing deep stains. Regular use helps extend the results of intensive whitening procedures, making it a convenient option for at-home touch-ups and sustaining a brighter smile.
How do I use the Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Pen?
To use the Philips Zoom Whitening Pen, start by removing the cap and clicking the button at the end until the whitening gel appears on the brush tip; initially, you may need to click 10-15 times. Once primed, apply a thin layer of gel directly onto the front surfaces of your teeth using the brush, and then replace the cap. This pen can be used any time of day without the need to rinse or wait afterwards. For optimal whitening results, apply the gel twice daily and allow it to absorb for 30 minutes before eating or drinking, to maximize its effectiveness.
How often should I use the Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Pen?
For best results, the Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Pen should be used twice daily. This regular application helps maintain the brightness of your smile and enhances the effectiveness of the whitening gel.
What are the side effects of Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Pen?
The Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Pen contains urea peroxide as a whitening agent, which can cause teeth sensitivity in some users. Additionally, overusing teeth whiteners, including this pen, may potentially damage tooth enamel or gums.
How Much Does Philips Zoom Whitening Pen Cost?
The Philips Zoom Whitening Pen is priced between $20 to $30 per unit, positioning it as a competitively priced choice in the at-home teeth whitening market.
Is Philips Zoom whitening safe to swallow?
No, the Philips Zoom whitening gel is not intended to be swallowed and should be kept away from small children and pets. While small, inadvertent amounts applied to the teeth and swallowed would not be toxic, the formula contains hydrogen peroxide which can irritate tissues and cause upset stomach or nausea if ingested intentionally in larger quantities.
Sources
Cvikl, B., Lussi, A., Moritz, A., Flury, S., Enamel Surface Changes After Exposure to Bleaching Gels Containing Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide; Oper Dent (2016). DOI: 10.2341/15-010-L. Available online at: https://meridian.allenpress.com/operative-dentistry/article/41/1/E39/107779/
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/whitening
Epple, M., Meyer, F., Enax, J., A Critical Review of Modern Concepts for Teeth Whitening; Dent J (Basel). 2019. DOI: 10.3390/dj7030079. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784469/
Naidu, A. S., Bennani, V., Brunton, J., Brunton, P., Over-the-counter tooth whitening agents: A review of the literature. Braz Dent J, 2020; DOI: 31(3):221-35.