In this issue of Grazia, leading award-winning dentist Dr. Ahmed Hussain speaks exclusively with our front cover Creative Director, Kaniz Ali, about men’s teeth grooming before their magical day.
Wedding photos hold special memories, and something as small as a tooth shouldn’t overshadow that beauty. It may seem like a small change, but the knock-on effect that a wedding smile makeover has is astonishing. ‘Everyone at the wedding commented on how the smile didn’t leave my face the whole day!’ – Adam
Dr. Ahmed discusses the most popular, sought-after smile makeover treatments that do not damage your teeth, with examples attached of his beautiful cases.
Teeth Whitening (7 weeks before the wedding):
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that involves bleaching your teeth to make them whiter. It’s very popular and evidence-based. A 3D digital scan of your teeth is taken to produce specifically tailor-made trays. Whitening gel will then be applied inside the trays and left in the mouth for up to an hour. Aim to begin this at least 5 weeks before your wedding day, which includes 2-3 weeks of whitening and 2 weeks for your teeth to settle before the big day.your teeth to settle before the big day.
Another technique involves in-chair whitening. This should always be used in combination with the trays for lasting results. This method alone is quicker, but the results may not last as long. So, if you’re a last-minute planner, this may be an option a week before the wedding.
Composite Bonding (8 weeks before the wedding):
Composite bonding is a white filling material that is carefully sculpted on top of a tooth to enhance its length, volume, and shape. The shapes of the teeth can be designed to suit either the bride or the groom. Women generally receive round, soft, and delicate teeth for proper harmony. Men, on the other hand, would suit square, angular-shaped teeth (see the comparison below, both treated using composite bonding).
I recommend composite bonding to many of my patients, as it doesn’t require any drilling of the underlying tooth surface or any injections. Maintenance is required, but the results can last for many years.
Teeth Straightening (12 months before the wedding):
Just like the memories in wedding pictures, the benefits of teeth straightening can last a lifetime. It can be difficult for us to justify investing in ourselves, so something like a wedding smile makeover is the little push we need to make a decision that will benefit us for many years.
The two options are fixed braces or removable aligners, such as Invisalign. Undoubtedly, Invisalign is by far the most popular method, as it’s very discreet and easier to clean your teeth compared to fixed braces. Treatments may take as little as 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the case. However, suppose your treatment takes 9 months to complete, but you start your treatment 6 months before the big day. In that case, the great benefit of having something removable is that you can remove them on your wedding day, and your smile would have improved significantly by then.
ABC (Align, Bleach, and Composite)
This smile makeover protocol includes the combination of the above three steps!
– Align: Teeth are straightened using Invisalign.
– Bleach: Whitening at home for 2 weeks using bleaching trays.
– Composite Bonding: Finishing touches to achieve that ‘wow’ finish using cosmetic bonding.
As we are straightening the teeth, you should arrange a consultation at least 12 months before the wedding date. The results are stunning yet natural. No drilling, no damage, just ethical dentistry.
Porcelain Veneers (7 weeks before the wedding):
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. The benefit of this over composite is that it will not stain, but the drawback is that it usually requires some reduction from your natural teeth. However, if you have spaces you want to close, or teeth that have already been filled, then this may be a good option for you.
We would do a ‘trial smile’ (similar to a trial makeup) before we start to test drive your veneers. This will allow you to see what to expect before we proceed.
Finally, make sure your smile is gleaming with your last dental appointment before the day. A visit to the hygienist for a scale and polish will ensure your teeth are sparkling clean and bright.
Dr Ahmed Hussain
Harrow on The Hill Clinic
34 Henry Mews
Byron Hill Road, Harrow, Middlesex
HA2 0JF
Telephone +44 (0) 208 426 5250
www.harrowonthehillclinic.co.uk
————————————————————
CEO: Zahraa Saifullah
Managing Editor: Saneela Swaleh
Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: Danny Singh
Creative Styling: Kaniz Ali
Editorial Associate: Sibgha Batool
Assistant: Mehreen Sohail
Location: Shangri La Hotel,
Abu Dhabi
