Expert Advice

Professional laser teeth whitening, often called Zoom whitening or similar light activated systems, delivers dramatic results in a single appointment, typically lightening teeth three to eight shades in about 60 to 90 minutes. At Picasso Dental Clinic in Da Nang, we use advanced whitening technology with LED light activation to accelerate the peroxide chemistry that breaks down stains. The treatment works beautifully on yellow and brown stains from coffee, tea, wine, aging, and smoking. Most patients experience mild temporary sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours that's easily managed with over the counter pain relievers. The results last six months to two years depending on your diet and habits, making it an excellent investment for a brighter, more confident smile

Laser whitening works extremely well on yellow and brown stains from aging, coffee, tea, wine, and smoking, which are the most common types of tooth discoloration. However, it doesn't work on gray stains from certain medications like tetracycline, or on discoloration from excessive fluoride exposure. At Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, I evaluate stain type carefully before recommending whitening because the chemical process targets specific organic molecules. Yellow organic stains respond beautifully, achieving three to eight shades lighter. Gray inorganic stains resist treatment completely and may require veneers instead. Understanding your specific stain type prevents wasting money on treatment that won't work for your situation

Most patients don't need antibiotics for routine root canal treatment. The procedure itself removes the infected tissue, which is more effective than antibiotics alone. I prescribe antibiotics only when there's visible facial swelling, fever, or the infection is spreading beyond the tooth. Among the thousands of root canals I've performed at our Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City clinics, roughly 15% of patients need antibiotics. The root canal procedure is the treatment, antibiotics are supplemental support in specific situations.

Your tooth isn't dead after a root canal, it's simply different. We remove the nerve and blood vessels from inside the tooth, but the tooth remains alive through the periodontal ligament that connects it to your jawbone. This ligament provides blood supply, sensation, and support. I've seen root canal treated teeth function perfectly for 30 plus years at our Hanoi and Da Nang clinics. The tooth can still sense pressure, won't feel temperature changes, and continues serving as a fully functional part of your bite.

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a nightguard is absolutely essential with veneers. Without one, you'll likely crack or chip your veneers within a few years, sometimes within months. I've treated patients at our Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City clinics who destroyed beautiful veneer work in under a year from unprotected grinding. The nightguard doesn't weaken your bite or feel bulky once you adjust. It's a simple investment that can extend your veneers from 10 years to 20 plus years

Yes, veneers on just your front teeth is not only possible but the most common treatment approach. Most patients get veneers on the upper four to eight front teeth that show when smiling and talking, leaving back teeth completely untouched. At Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, I've found that focusing on the visible smile zone delivers dramatic aesthetic improvement while minimizing cost, treatment time, and tooth alteration. Lower front teeth sometimes get veneers too if they show prominently when you smile, but many patients need only upper veneers. The key is determining exactly which teeth are visible during your natural smile and conversation, then treating those specific teeth for maximum impact with minimum intervention.

Yes, veneers can effectively close gaps between teeth, making them appear perfectly aligned and evenly spaced in just two appointments. The porcelain veneers are designed slightly wider than your natural teeth to eliminate the spaces between them. At Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, I've closed countless gaps using veneers for patients who wanted immediate results without orthodontics. However, veneers work best for small to moderate gaps, roughly 1 to 3 millimeters. Larger spaces may require orthodontics first to move teeth closer together, then veneers to perfect the final appearance. The treatment typically takes two weeks total and delivers permanent gap closure that looks completely natural.