Tooth Whitening treatment has been around for a while but most publicised by the recent reality series Extreme Makeover. Natural teeth age and this not just means wear and tear, it also includes yellowing or darkening of the enamel and dentine, the main components of the tooth. The likely causes are the absorbtion of various stains we introduce to our mouth in the food, drinks and of course smoking.

In dental terms, we refer to them as intrinsic or extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains refers to stains such as stains coming from your genes, probably given to you by your parents. It comes from within your body. Extrinsic stains refer to stains such as excessive drinking of coffee, and other food stains, etc.

To create a whiter set of teeth dentists provide what is known as "Teeth whitening" which is a process where we use an oxidant called carbamide peroxide and a high intensity plasma light to quickly whiten yellowed teeth in the clinic. This procedure is performed entirely in the clinic for about an hour or so. In the clinic under strictly controlled protocol, concentrated peroxide gels can be applied safely on your teeth because we have protected the surrounding tissues carefully. This sort of treatment should not be performed by untrained personnel and should never be attempted at home. Only the lower concentration bleaching systems meant for home whitening should be used in order to be safe.

With the "In-Clinic" systems the concentrated carbamide peroxide gels manage to penetrate the layer of enamel in about an hour. Home-bleach systems which are much diluted take considerably longer to achieve the same results but can be effective when used as directed.

There has been many cases in the market where patients are enticed to join "Dental Spas" where they get their teeth whitened by "Dental Therapists". Do remember importantly that Teeth Whitening should only be done by a qualified dentist. You wouldn't want to mess around your teeth. What if the damage is irreversible?

In our clinic we use the BRITESMILE system which has proved extremely effective. A single seating treatment will usually achieve an average reduction of 5-6 shades and often much more. This is equivalent to turning back the clock by 10 to 15-years. To achieve the extreme white that is seen on the smiles of movie stars, requires several whitening sessions but the effect while impressive is by the same token, highly artificial and serves as a distraction rather than an attraction. If you're looking for a dental clinic in Singapore, do find a dental surgeon that you're comfortable with.

Lam Dental Surgery was started in 1971 by Prof. Ronald V Lam after leaving the Dental Faculty, University of Singapore and was located at the previous Specialists Center, Hotel Phoenix where now Orchard 313 stands. Prof. Lam specialized in removable denture prosthodontics and received his post graduate training in Ohio State University.

In 1985 Dr. Andre Lam joined our clinic and expanded its facilities. Two years later in 1987 Dr. Bernice Chow and Dr. Ho Soo Herng joined this enlarged practice.

By 1997 Lam Dental Surgery had to find a more suitable location and moved to Orchard Building opposite Orchard Cineleisure where it is still located. Dr. JoAnne Lam a Specialist Endodontist joined our clinic in 2007 to provide expert root canal treatment for an ever burgeoning clientele. In 2008 Dr. Glaphyra Lim joined our clinic and together Lam Dental Surgery aims to provide the highest standard of straight forward, trustworthy dental care to our patients.