Grin revolution

‘Beauty is power; a smile is its sword,' said English novelist Charles Reade.

Rings true, but in order to wield that power you need to clear a roadblock - what if your lack of mirth isn't a result of a morbid disposition, but more due to vain worries? What if you refrain from smiling over concerns of baring yellowish teeth? After all, that million-watt smile gets half of its sparkling wattage from the 32 pearlies that power it on. As far as grooming goes, having a set of sparkling white teeth is as important as healthy skin and glossy hair for both men and women.

Although beautiful teeth are a result of life-long oral hygiene habits and regular dental care, sometimes even that doesn't ensure perfectly white pearlies. Which is when specialist cosmetic whitening treatments come in. Although a popular practice in the West for many years, with an array of actors and singers, including Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt and Eva Longoria owing their sparkling pearlies to whitening, it is only in the last decade that the industry has taken off in the UAE. Following in the footsteps of celebrities people across a range of nationalities and backgrounds are now undergoing such whitening treatments in the region.

Cosmetic bleaching

As far as the actual process goes, tooth whitening is a specialised bleaching treatment, which effectively lightens the natural colour of the teeth without removing any of the protective enamel. The colour of the teeth doesn't completely change, but they become visibly lighter than their existing shade.

According to Dr Karim Fekih, who recently opened The Clinic in the DIFC, "the UAE is seeing a marked increase in demand for cosmetic treatment, which is seen as a reflection of good grooming habits by both men as well as women. These days people are short on time and want instant results - cosmetic whitening is a quick and painless procedure that gives the customer the beautiful teeth he or she wants."

Kinds of procedures

The first procedure involves bleaching using a specially made rubber mould which fits into the mouth like a gumshield. First the dentist decides if the patient is suitable for the treatment, then he gets a tray made to fit each individual mouth. The dentist will make a mouth guard containing hydrogen peroxide and take impressions of the teeth at the first appointment. Once this is done the dentist will advise patients to continue the treatment at home reapplying the whitening product over a two- to three-week period (for 30 minutes to one hour at a time).

The second and the more effective option for instant whitening involves laser treatment. This of course requires a pre-treatment consultation. Says Dr Fekih, "First the dentist assesses the quality and condition of the teeth and general oral hygiene. Have they been regularly cleaned and polished? Does the person have veneers, fillers or crowns? Depending on these initial findings he or she may prescribe a fluoride treatment which is needed seven days before the whitening or a scale and polish.

"If the teeth are in good condition and these are not needed, the whitening can take place immediately." Prior to the treatment, the lips and gums are covered using a rubber shield and liquid gel. "This protects the gums and stops any irritation that might occur," says Dr Fekih. "The oxygen peroxide bleaching product is then painted onto the teeth before a UV light or laser is reflected onto them for around 15 minutes to activate the chemical. If there is no sensitivity, there can be further sessions depending on how white the patient wants their teeth to be. The results can be up to six times lighter than the original colour," he says. For the next 48 hours patients are advised to stay clear of food and drink high in colourants.

A word of caution

Although whitening procedures fall in the category of simple aesthetic treatments, they don't boast the same level of DIY safety as you might associate with home flossing or hair colouring kits. A word of caution: Dentists advise against DIY bleaching kits which are readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

"People must be very careful with chemicals being used on their teeth, says Dr Fekih.

"I advise against home whitening kits as they are not adapted to individual teeth specifications. Some can even burn the gums due to them not being administered properly and there is no way of controlling the painful side effects, which can include burning.

"Home whitening kits also do not take into the account the fact that people might not have had scaling and polishing done, which is imperative before a whitening treatment is put on.

"If done by an expert, teeth whitening can make a huge difference to an individual's appearance and confidence and there are very few problems associated with this cosmetic procedure."

Whitening facts

Dentist Dr Dale Swallow from the UK Dental Clinic in Dubai's Healthcare City explains all there is to know about tooth whitening.

Can only natural teeth be whitened?

Yes, no porcelain veneers, crowns or white fillings can be whitened. Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour.

Are there any side effects?

Whitening is one of the safest cosmetic procedures there is. It is quick, convenient and reasonably priced.

What about over-the-counter kits?

I do not recommend home kits. If you are thinking about having whitening done you must go to a qualified dentist. It is essential that the dentist does a thorough check of the teeth before any whitening takes place. Home kits do not allow for this and because it is an unregulated industry it is difficult to know what is in the products.

Do whitening toothpastes work?

They will not make a difference to already discoloured teeth, but they can help maintain a natural white shade if whitening has been done. The concentration of the active ingredient is very low and won't do much.

When might tooth whitening not work?

There are very few times that I have not seen it work.

How can white teeth be maintained post whitening?

Besides avoiding food and drink with dark pigments, I recommend a bleaching procedure which can be done at the dentist and can be followed up at home using a gumshield which can be used after about three months and then once a month depending on the individual.

What is the brightest natural shade?

The human shade shows A1, B1, and B2 to be the most natural white a person can go. For artificial results porcelain veneers are required. Moulds are made of the complete set of teeth which are then filed and fitted individually.