Bright Idea

Cosmetic dentistry bolsters self-image as well as professional appeal

- Bruce Dennill

When watching any red carpet event, there are two facets of the coverage that are blinding – the camera flashes and the stars’ teeth. Those preternaturally radiant choppers require maintenance, and people wanting to upgrade their own grins may not be fully up to speed with what is involved.

Dr Carmen Wilsenach, head of the Cosmetic and Dental Emporium in Bryanston, Johannesburg, explains.

“We usually do fluoride treatments a couple of weeks before a whitening. Then, on the day, patients will generally sit for three sessions for an in-chair bleach – half an hour, change the bleach, another half an hour, change it again and then a final 15 minutes.”

Are there any health implications?