THE TREATMENT

Sunday Herald, The, May 20, 2007 by PAUL DALGARNO

STAFF at Glasgow's Visage Lifestyle Clinic tell me that deep bleaching, a "revolutionary" new technique from the US, is the biggest breakthrough in cosmetic dentistry in the last 15 years. My teeth will dazzle, I am assured, they will shine.

"I'm enjoying being able to guarantee my patients that I can get their teeth as bright as it is possible for them to become, " says cosmetic dentist and clinical director Attiq Rahman, during the initial consultation.

My teeth are cleaned by a hygienist and casts are taken. When the finished moulds are ready about two weeks later I receive a kit including desensitising swabs and two syringes full of bleaching gel.

I wear the moulds while sleeping for a fortnight, and each morning see a marked improvement in my gnashers. Initially there is sensitivity not when drinking water or tea, but a yelp when I least expect it. But it seems a small price to pay for erasing stains that have taken a lifetime to gather.

The process takes longer than Zoom2 laser treatment, of TV makeover fame, but offers far better results. Rahman says 80-per cent of his clients now choose deep bleaching over other whitening methods.

During the final 40-minute session at the clinic, more gel is administered.

Before and after photos show a dramatic colour change and I'm told my teeth are now actually off the scale. Best of all, I can still drink coffee and red wine. I'm given emergency syringes with top-up gel to ensure my new white smile is permanent.

Evolution deep bleaching, GBP650, at the Visage Lifestyle Clinic, 61 Miller Street, Glasgow, 0800 040 7700