health & beautyhealth & beauty

Personally, I think Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell judging the nation’s singing talent with their gleaming veneers has done it. Or perhaps Californication has finally infiltrated the suburbanites of Manchester and Cheshire. Whatever is to blame, teeth whitening has become the Chloe Paddington du jour of cosmetic pick-me-ups. You are no one until you have dazzling molars

It was only a matter of time before I succumbed, and plagued by images of Ross’s day glo venture in Friends, I researched like crazy before jumping into a chair.

The Smile Spa has an amazing reputation, and only uses the very best products (there are thousands of brands on the market, only two of which are considered good by dentistry standards), so I booked in and hoped for the best.

Mark, my whitener, has been in the business for eight years and lost count of his procedure notches at about 15,000. He explained the process of applying a clay-like substance along my gums, which dries and acts as a barrier. The treatment itself involves painting a blue gel carefully onto my teeth and sitting under a cool laser for three sets of ten minutes, with fresh gel applied for each set.

Everyone has a different level of sensitivity and Mark tells me to imagine pain on a scale of one to ten. More than likely we will stay between one and two, but we definitely don’t want to get above five. “It’s about white teeth,” he says, “not heroics.”

I don my cheek clamp and goggles and Mark gets underway. I feel a twinge of pain as Mark is applying the crystals that I rate as a 3 and Mark looks concerned. We agree to try the first set and see how we go. I sail through, occasionally brushing a pain scale one.

Honestly, the most uncomfortable thing about the process was the disconcerting feeling of not being able to talk. As Mark entertained with his views on teeth, holidays, politics and celebrity gossip, I was left grunting and gesticulating my agreement or disapproval and mentally listing points to blurt when I could.

For the next 24 hours, I am told to stick to clear or white foods to avoid staining (I get a lovely goody bag which thoughtfully includes white chocolate) and to expect a bit of sensitivity, which I did.

I have discovered something rather interesting since my appointment: you can’t say no to white teeth. I ac-company unreasonable requests with a wide, full-beam smile and people can’t help but oblige. Boyfriend: “Fine, we’ll watch the SATC box set. Again.” BFF: “My new Choos would go lovely with that, borrow them if you like.” It’s amazing! Now, if you’ll excuse me, my pearly whites and I are off to ask the boss for a raise.

Review: Jenny Boden

Treatment cost: Initially £195, top up (every 9-12 months) £85Treatment length: 1hr 30 mins

The Smile Spa, clinics nationwide. T: 0800 612 4099, www.thesmilespa.eu

34 the buzz

Teeth Whitening

Tried tested&

00_04 Teeth Review.indd 1 7/6/10 19:16:44