There is a direct correlation between tooth color and age. Over the years, teeth darken as a result of wear and tear and stain accumulation. Teeth starts to show a yellow cast in our twenties due to the wearing down of the porcelain-like enamel which allows the yellow colour of dentin - the teeth's core material - to show through. By the forties, the yellow gives way to brown and more maintenance may be called for. By the fifties, the teeth have absorbed a host of stubborn stains which can prove difficult to remove.

Thanks to my coffee habit, my teeth have definitely lost their lustre and are starting to look a little yellow. To get them sparkling white, I sought the help of dr Ronnie Yap at the Orchard Scotts dental and he scheduled me in for a cleaning session before the BriteSmile Teeth Whitening treatment. This will make the treatment more effective. On top of that, I would also be given a take-home kit to maintain my bright smile.

Orchard Scotts dental is a pristine and luxurious clinic that treats every patient like a VIP. I was first shown around the clinic before being ushered to the X-ray room where two X-rays were done using a digital X-ray with 70 percent less radiation. Then, photos were taken and molds of my teeth done for my take-home whitening kit.

A cleaning session was next and it was the most thorough one I have ever had. After scaling my teeth three times and polishing them, my dental hygienist gave them a good flossing, and even threw in a flossing lesson for me. She also explained why I have sensitive teeth (thanks to overly-aggressive brushing with the wrong toothbrush), gave me a tube of Colgate's new toothpaste for sensitive teeth as well as recommended a toothbrush to me. I was advised to use the toothpaste to de-sensitise my teeth before my laser teeth whitening in a week's time.

After a week, I returned to Orchard Scotts dental to do my BriteSmile Teeth Whitening treatment, also referred to as the in-office whitening treatment. First, a short survey was done to assess my lifestyle and dietary habits, then photos were taken and my teeth polished again to maximise treatment results. Plastic retractors were placed in my mouth to expose my teeth and a gum barrier cream applied to protect them. Whitening gel was applied on my teeth and a bright, blue light placed in front of my mouth to activate the whitening gel. The entire whitening process took three rounds of 20 minutes each with a new application of gel for each round.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the nice touches during the hour-long treatment. For example, a warm blanket was placed over my exposed legs and I was also given an alarm to sound if my teeth became sensitive. I was given my before-and-after photos in a nice card, a hi-tech looking home whitening kit as well as desensitising gel to use at home, in case my teeth got sensitive.

Orchard Scotts dental scores top marks for its personalised service. It offers complimentary consults for patients who wish to find out more about their services and you can count on their highly-informed assistants to help you create healthy, beautiful smiles, just like Hollywood celebrities!

My teeth were definitely a few shades whiter after the treatment. Their yellowish tinge was gone and they looked much healthier and cleaner! Dr Yap used the whitening brand, BriteSmile, which is suitable for sensitive teeth and it worked as my teeth did not feel uncomfortable at all during the treatment process.

One treatment is usually enough to achieve desired effect. You can purchase their home whitening kit to maintain your new, bright smile.

Everyone seeking to have whiter teeth - even if you have sensitive teeth.

Aesthetician : Dr Ronnie Yap
Clinic: Orchard Scotts Dental