Teeth whitening

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile and make it more aesthetically pleasing. Modern whitening techniques allow you to freshen the shade of your teeth by several shades while preserving the health and structure of your teeth.

Teeth and gum examination before whitening

Before any teeth whitening procedure, it is very important to make sure that it is safe and suitable for you. That’s why the first step is always a thorough examination of your teeth and gums.

What we assess at this stage:

  1. The general condition of the teeth
    We check for decay, cracks or worn fillings. Whitening on a decayed tooth can cause discomfort or increased sensitivity, so treatment is carried out first if necessary.
  2. Assessment of existing fillings, crowns and dentures
    It is important to know that fillings, crowns and veneers do not change colour during whitening, so your dentist will assess whether they will need to be adapted to the overall shade of your teeth after the procedure.
  3. Gum health
    We make sure there are no signs of inflammation or bleeding gums (gingivitis or periodontitis). If the gums are inflamed, whitening is postponed until the inflammation is treated.
  4. Enamel thickness and sensitivity
    We assess the condition of the tooth enamel to predict whether there might be increased sensitivity after bleaching. If necessary, fluoride or remineralising agents may be recommended before the procedure.
  5. Patient preferences and expectations
    We discuss your preferences – how much lighter you want, whether the procedure is planned for a special occasion – and find out which whitening method will suit you best.

Our aim is to ensure that the whitening process is effective, safe and tailored to your needs, while preserving the health of your teeth and gums.

Dental hygiene - professional cleaning recommended before whitening

For a smooth, effective and long-lasting teeth whitening result, it is very important to have professional dental hygiene before the procedure.

Why it’s important:

  1. Removing plaque and tartar
    Even with careful dental care at home, soft plaque and hard tartar build up on the surface of the teeth. These can prevent the whitening gel from working evenly and affect the final result.
  2. Pigment removal
    During a cleaning, pigments from coffee, tea, wine or smoking that darken the teeth are removed. This immediately improves the visual appearance of the teeth and helps to more accurately assess the natural shade of the teeth before whitening.
  3. Smooth tooth surface
    After the hygiene treatment, teeth become smoother, which helps the whitening gel to be evenly distributed and absorbed, ensuring a uniform colour across the entire row of teeth.
  4. Check the health of your gums
    During hygiene, you may also notice signs of gum inflammation, which should be treated before whitening to avoid discomfort.

When to have a hygiene check-up
We recommend having a dental hygiene check-up 1-2 weeks before your whitening treatment to ensure that your mouth is fully prepared and healthy.

Applying protective material to the gums

To make teeth whitening not only effective but also completely safe, it is very important to protect your gums and oral mucosa from direct contact with the whitening gel. Therefore, a special step is taken before applying the gel: applying a protective material to the gums.

How it works:

  1. Insulation
    The hygienist or doctor carefully dries the gum line and teeth to ensure that the protective material fits well and stays in place throughout the procedure.
  2. Applying a special protective gel or barrier
    A soft protective material, usually a gel or liquid barrier, is applied to the gums and hardens to form a flexible and secure layer. This protects the gums from possible irritation or chemical exposure during whitening.
  3. Pre-whitening check
    Before applying the whitening gel, the specialist makes sure that the entire gum area and the spaces between the teeth are securely covered and that the protective material has hardened.

Why it’s important:

  • Protects the gums from irritation or burning.
  • Ensures that the whitening gel acts only on the surface of the teeth.
  • Makes the procedure comfortable and safe.

Application and light activation of the whitening gel

How it works:

  1. Professional application of whitening gel
    After the gums are protected, the specialist applies a special whitening gel to the surface of the teeth. This contains an active ingredient (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) in a safe, controlled concentration that effectively breaks down pigments and stains in the tooth enamel structure.
  2. Even gel application
    Special care is taken to ensure that the gel is evenly applied to the visible part of each tooth, avoiding contact with the gums.
  3. Light activation (LED or laser technology)
    Once applied, the gel is activated by a special light lamp. This light accelerates the action of the active substances, making the treatment more effective and shortening its duration.
  4. Exposure time
    The whitening gel is usually left on the teeth for about 15-20 minutes per cycle. Depending on the desired result, the cycle may be repeated several times in one visit.
  5. Removing the gel and checking the result
    After the exposure time, the gel is carefully removed and the result is checked. If necessary, another cycle is performed until the desired shade is achieved.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening

Yes, professional teeth whitening in our clinic is a safe procedure, carried out with proven materials and in strict compliance with the technology. We always carry out an initial examination to make sure the procedure is right for you.

Not if it’s done professionally. Modern whitening products are formulated to avoid damaging enamel. In addition, we offer remineralising products after the procedure to strengthen your teeth.

The result is individual, but usually 4-8 shades lighter. The final effect depends on the original colour and pigmentation of the teeth.

No, whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. Existing fillings, crowns or veneers will not change colour. If necessary, they can be replaced after the treatment to adjust the overall shade.

From the consultation to the final fitting, the whole process takes on average 3 to 6 months. This includes the healing period, during which the implant fuses with the bone. In more complex cases or if necessary, longer time may be required

The effect usually lasts 1-2 years, depending on diet, smoking habits and oral hygiene. For longer-lasting results, we recommend regular dental hygiene and avoiding pigmented products.

We recommend professional dental hygiene before the procedure to remove plaque and tartar. The doctor will also assess the condition of your teeth and gums and make sure there is no caries or inflammation.

Home whitening kits (individual caps with gel) are an effective solution, but should only be used after consultation with a dentist. Do-it-yourself treatment with unknown products can be dangerous for dental health.

The whitening procedure at the clinic lasts on average 60-90 minutes. The results are visible immediately after the visit.

Whitening is not recommended for pregnant women, people with active caries, inflamed gums or very thin enamel. We always carry out a thorough examination to assess suitability for the procedure.

OUR EXPERTS

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Dr. Julia

Hygienist

Dr. Julia

Hygienist

Dr. Julia

Hygienist

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Dental protection

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Our clinic offers the latest dental technologies and a personal approach to each patient. We guarantee the highest quality materials and professional care.

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Valis Dental has been operating since 1992 and is one of the first private dental practices in Latvia. Our long-standing experience allows us to provide safe and effective solutions.

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Wide range of services

We offer everything from routine hygiene and whitening to complex implant and orthodontic procedures. We have everything you need for a beautiful and healthy smile.

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We use the latest digital diagnostic and treatment methods to ensure painless and effective treatment. Our clinic has a friendly and homely atmosphere.

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