Most people get a little bit nervous when they head to the dentist, but call me crazy, but I am really looking forward to tomorrow!!

The time has finally come to follow my dream and get my teeth sorted out. Inspired by a tv presenting friend, closely followed by a model I met on a shoot, and definitely influenced by the latest statistics from a survey carried out by You Gov in conjunction with the London Smile Clinic, which highlight that the 72% of men look for a nice smile over a 42% good physique! So I thought if I have both, I might meet Prince Charming, right….?

I have craved straight teeth for such a long time, but was too vain for the visible metal train tracks, which my normal dentist told me are a big commitment and would have taken two years.. So when I saw my teeth looking extra “quirky” in my best friend’s wedding photo, I knew the time had come to do something about it.

So filled with excitement for what would- in effect change my smiling outlook (currently closed mouth or a big guffaw to disguise the crooked little blighters!!!) Along with a long list of questions, and the dreaded pre-brace photo looming, I am off to get my toothy pegs harnessed in Inman Aligner braces for the next nine months.

Perhaps it’s because going to the London Smile Clinic, is not like going to a regular dentist, but more like a Spa; Close to Harley Street and bright and airy, everything from the reception and toilets to choice of dvds to watch whilst you are having a filling is uber modern and minimalistic- a far cry from pictures of Barbados blue tacked to the ceiling- which holds particularly bad memories (owch)!!

Having had a full dental hygienist appointment and the impressions taken two weeks ago, and the consultation with Dr Tim two weeks prior to that, I was ready for what was coming, which is an invisible set of braces that are designed to straighten crowding and protrusion of the four front teeth.

It is a revolutionary system that is made from clear plastic and is worn every day for approximately 20 hours (so you even sleep in it), only to be removed for drinking, brushing and flossing. This is going to be a challenge for me, as I am normally running around on appointments and meetings, but once I have honed how to remove and insert it, apparently I will never know its there!

It might also result in weight loss, as there will be no more snacking between meals- double result!?

This works its magic without you actually having to do anything, as your teeth are gently pushed into alignment by the pressure of the brace. It is then replaced by the next in the series two weeks later, until they have straightened to the final position.

With a visit to the dentist every eight weeks, to ensure everything is working as should be, this looks like it’s going to be a start of a whole new me! I will just have to get over the lisp, which is pretty much guaranteed for the first week or so.

I am having treatment at the London Smile Clinic, with Dr. Tim Bradstock-Smith, who has been working as a cosmetic dentist since he graduated in 1989 and has been awarded the highly prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Accreditation in recognition of his excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry, so I am looking forward very much to my winning smile!

You can find the London Smile Clinic and it’s lovely smiley staff at
40-44 Clipstone Street
London
W1W 5DW
020 7255 2559
www.londonsmile.co.uk

By Sara Darling