Interproximal reduction, also called IPR or tooth stripping, involves removing tiny amounts of enamel between teeth to create space. I use a special file or disc to remove 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the sides of specific teeth. You need IPR for Invisalign when your teeth are crowded and there's not enough room for them to align properly. At Picasso Dental Clinic, where I've completed over 1,500 Invisalign cases since 2013, about 70% require some IPR. It's painless, doesn't damage teeth, and often prevents the need for tooth extractions to create space.

Professional teeth whitening, when done correctly with appropriate concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, does not damage tooth enamel. Research consistently shows that whitening agents penetrate enamel to bleach underlying dentin without eroding or weakening the enamel structure itself. At Picasso Dental Clinic, I've performed whitening treatments for over a decade without seeing permanent enamel damage from properly administered professional whitening. However, overuse of whitening products, especially high concentration treatments done too frequently or for extended periods, can cause temporary sensitivity and may damage enamel if misused. The key is professional supervision, appropriate product selection, and following recommended treatment protocols rather than excessive, unguided whitening.

The most common side effect of Zoom whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity lasting 24 to 72 hours after treatment. About 60% of patients experience some sensitivity to cold temperatures or air. Gum irritation occurs if the protective barrier isn't applied perfectly, causing temporary soreness. These effects resolve quickly without lasting damage. At Picasso Dental Clinic, where I've performed thousands of Zoom treatments since 2013, serious complications are extremely rare when proper protocols are followed. The hydrogen peroxide gel is FDA approved and safe when applied by trained professionals at our Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City locations.

Zoom teeth whitening in Vietnam typically costs between 5 million and 8 million VND (approximately $200 to $320 USD) per session at reputable clinics. At Picasso Dental Clinic, we charge 5-7 million VND for professional Zoom whitening at our Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City locations. This includes the full procedure, protective measures, and post-treatment care. Prices vary based on clinic location, dentist experience, and whether you need preliminary treatments like cleaning or cavity filling. Since opening in 2013, I've found that extremely low prices often mean outdated equipment or undertrained staff.

Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into proper positions. Each aligner moves your teeth about 0.25 millimeters over two weeks, then you switch to the next aligner in the series. The aligners apply controlled force to specific teeth at specific times based on a digital treatment plan I create from 3D scans of your mouth. At Picasso Dental Clinic, where I've completed over 1,500 Invisalign cases since 2013, the entire process typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on complexity. You wear the aligners 22 hours daily, removing them only for eating and brushing.

The primary alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction, after which you need tooth replacement with an implant, bridge, or partial denture. Pulp capping works only for very early pulp exposure before infection develops. Pulpotomy is a partial root canal mainly for children. Doing nothing allows infection to spread, causing abscess, bone loss, and potentially life threatening complications. At Picasso Dental Clinic, where I've performed thousands of root canals since 2013 treating over 70,000 patients, root canal treatment saves your natural tooth, which almost always provides better long term function and value than extraction and replacement.

Root canal treatment in Vietnam typically costs between $150 and $450 USD per tooth depending on which tooth needs treatment and the complexity involved. At Picasso Dental Clinic, where I've performed root canals since 2013, front teeth with single roots usually cost $150 to $250 USD, premolars with one to two roots range from $200 to $300 USD, and molars with three to four roots cost $300 to $450 USD. These prices represent 60% to 80% savings compared to Western countries while using the same materials and techniques. The cost includes diagnosis with X-rays, local anesthesia, root canal procedure with cleaning and shaping, filling the canal system, and temporary or permanent filling. Additional costs might include crown placement afterward, which most root canal treated teeth need for long term protection