There was a time when sparkling white teeth were as much of a status symbol as a new Porsche or designer handbag.
They were a luxury for the rich and famous with bright Hollyw ood smiles saying more about your bank balance than your oral hygiene.
But in recent years, professional teeth whitening has become a popular and affordable treat.
Now it is available at a price which most of us can afford – or at least save up for, with scores of clinics offering the service.
Among these is Joanne Britton, a therapist from Diamond Teeth Whitening.
Operating from 10 salons across the region, Joanne also hosts whitening days at hotels and conference centres for people who don’t like the idea of visiting a salon. “It’s ideal for men,” she explained. “A lot of the time they don’t want to go to a salon because they think it’s a bit girly, but these days are ideal for them.”
There is also the chance to have the treatment done in the comfort of your own home, and with a team therapists working with her, she can visit homes in Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham.
Having spent the last 20 years trying to get my teeth whiter using every brand of whitening toothpaste on the market, I finally gave in and decided to try Diamond Teeth Whitening for myself with Joanne at Pure Beauty in Swalwell, Gateshead.
I’d heard a few scare stories of people having had their teeth done and it being agony, so I was a little apprehensive. However, Joanne put me at ease straight away, as she explained the treatment and how if I did feel any discomfort, to let her know and it could be sorted out immediately.
We began with a brief pre-consultation to ensure suitability, which included checking I had been to the dentist within the last year, had no allergies and wasn’t pregnant, and then Joanne matched my teeth to a shade chart. She explained that teeth can lighten between five and 15 shades with the treatment.
Then we got the treatment underway. This involved placing a cheek retractor into my mouth to expose the teeth then applying whitening gel to all visible top and bottom teeth. An accelerator lamp was then placed in front of my teeth for 20 minutes.
Once the time was up, Joanne removed the gel and reapplied it before placing me back under the lamp. This was done three times, then it was time for me to rinse the remnants of the gel away before looking at the finished job.
The transformation was amazing, instead of the grey teeth I’ve had for years, they were clean and fresh. Another chart comparison revealed I had gone nine shades lighter.
I was also given a take-home aftercare pack which was used for around four days after treatment and then once a month when required to top up. If used correctly, my teeth should remain as they are for around two years.
The process was painless and easy, the three cycles taking 20 minutes each meant I was in and out in little over an hour. Later in the day I had light sensitivity in my teeth which I had been warned about – but it wasn’t painful. You are also advised to avoid smoking, tea, coffee, red wine or other things that may stain, for 24-hours.
The treatment costs £149 and a further £40 for the after-care kit, but I’d say it is definitely worth the price. I have more confidence in my smile, and it makes me feel a bit more polished.
Joanne currently offers treatments at the following salons: Pure Beauty, Swalwell; Twisted Hair and Beauty, Westerhope, Beauty Visage, South Shields, In the Pink, Hazelrigg, Beaches, Westerhope, Natural Contours, Sunderland, Crystel, Consett, The Ritual Rooms, Corbridge and Body and Mind Therapies, South Shields.
She is also doing a day treatments at The Marriott Hotel, Metrocentre on April 16 from 10am-7pm. To book email: jb@diamondteethwhitening.co.uk or call 07825 698569.
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