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A Dental 'Spa' Experience
[This article reprinted with permission of Southern Exposure Magazine, July-August 2004 issue]
I know, you're wondering, "How can any experience at the dentist be equated with a spa?" Well, fortunately for me, I've spent more time at a spa than I have at a dentist's, even though I can count the visits on one hand.
No, my teeth aren't rotting out, and I don't have dentures. Actually, I've never had a cavity in all my 36 years! [Knock on wood] But after many years of smoking and most recently consuming large amounts of coffee … my smile needed a little brightening.
I met Nina [pronounced "NY-Na"] Foley at a dinner party not too long ago. We hit it off right away – she's a very comfortable and fun lady. I'm sure that being a dentist means you notice people's teeth right away. So when she said, "You have great teeth," I felt pretty flattered. Then she mentioned that she specialized in cosmetic dentistry which explained why she suggested, "You should let me whiten them."
At first, I became a little self-conscious. But truthfully, I'd been thinking about it for a while … so I blocked off some time. Little did I know, I wouldn't need the whole block. An early-riser, I called and made my appointment for 8 a.m.
Nina's Grassland office is layered with comfort, taste and ambience – great colors, incredible artwork and soft, comfortable chairs. There is a fascinating before and after reel (on a television) of some of her success stories. And her staff is the kind that looks you in the eye and treats you like a person.
During an initial visit, photos are taken and questions are answered. I had done that the week before, so I was ready for the procedure. When you sit in the chair, you have two whitening options with the Zoom product – which is what they use. You may decide to do it yourself at home over the course of 14 days with the Night White. This is done by making impressions of your teeth, and you are given trays and the whitening solution to apply at home. Or they can do it in their office with a laser and speed up the process to a little over an hour, which is what I chose. It all depends on the individual and how quickly they would like to see the results.
Before I sat down, Tonya, one of the Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) asked if I wanted to have my hands waxed while I was having the procedure done (Why not?). Then she introduced me to Tammy, another RDA who would be "taking care" of me as well. They asked if I wanted to slip my shoes off, offered me a blanket and a huge selection of music and/or movies. I was beginning to wonder if I was really in a dentist office or a spa. So, I asked.
"Patient comfort is most important," Tammy answered. And that's when they offered me the GAS!!! I've never had "the gas." Once again I thought, "Why not?" It is important to note, that Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is offered to any patient for any procedure to help relax them – at no extra charge!
I felt like an alien with the gas thingy over my face [see picture], but no one was watching, and after a short while I didn't care. I knew that my mouth was open – with no help from me, and it wasn't going to be closing any time soon. They began packing my mouth with gauze to absorb the moisture and to protect my gums and other soft tissue. Then they applied something that looked like blue wax on my gums for extra insurance.
I tried to communicate but was told it wasn't worth my effort – I wouldn't be able to talk. I did manage to laugh a few times before I got lost listening to Nora Jones and Sarah McLachlan (my choice).
The procedure is broken down into three 20 minute sessions. The whitening gel is applied, and you are given protective eyewear. Then the laser is positioned over your mouth. The light is used to warm the solution, which oxidizes and begins the whitening process. After each 20 minute session, the gel is removed and re-applied, and the process begins again.
I must say, I was more relaxed than when I'd had a facial the week before (sorry, Heather). The bad thing is that I can't do it as often as a facial because I won't need to. The whitening lasts for years. They made trays for me so I could touch it up at home, but I was told that I shouldn't need to for several months!
"Some people use their trays once a year just for maintenance, but you can do it as often as you like. It's all up to the individual," Tonya told me.
I left there opening my mouth proudly for everyone to see, and the staff smiled back at me – proudly. I couldn't wait to go home and show my family. It was nice to spend time doing something for ME, with such rapid and miraculous results. I wish I had done it sooner.
So if you've been thinking about getting your teeth whitened … I suggest you do, you won't be disappointed.
--Brandy Blanton
Creative & Editorial Director
Southern Exposure Magazine |
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