Now, just 30 minutes for that dazzling white smile!

DUBAI — Thirty minutes with a dentist is all you need to flash a dazzling white smile that will last at least six months.

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Sat 8 Mar 2008, 8:20 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 6:38 PM

As compared to the time consuming methods earlier, new technology and treatment options have made it easier for people to follow quick beauty regimens which are also quite popular in the country.

'Cool' light technology is now being used as a Power Whitening tool, explained an expert at the recently concluded UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition AEEDC 2008.

"It's quick, easy and painless. Besides, it lasts for up to two years if maintained properly," said Melvin Mendonca, a bio-medical engineer at a Dubai-based medical supplies company.

"In recent years, light accelerated power whitening has become an industry standard for dental professionals," he explained. The demand in the UAE is huge as people pay special attention to their appearance.

"We have great demand from private and government dental clinics as well as spas," said Mendonca, adding that a home kit, complete with a zero intensity lamp, has made it possible to get quick treatment for stained teeth within your comfort zone.

The technology works through an advanced light filtration system that filters high-intensity blue light released from a powerful 150 watt halogen bulb through a coated optical lens, then through over 12,000 optical fibres.

"These filters remove harmful ultraviolet light and potential damage to soft tissue and deliver a tailored beam of light between 480 and 520 nanometres in wave-length," added Mendonca.

Similar treatments earlier would take time as one tooth at a time would be whitened.

Mendonca also pointed out that treatment in spas would cost more.

"At dental clinics, filling, polishing and cleaning is done before the whitening itself which cannot be done at a spa," he explained.

The process, Mendonca claims, can be carried out as often as one would like. "It's like a 'facial' for the teeth. Looks good immediately but you cannot ask for a guarantee. You need to maintain it," he said, claiming that there was no permanent damage to teeth.