My alternative title for this piece was: ‘How to actually enjoy going to the dentist’, so that should give you some idea of what you’re in store for. After the frenetic pace of Fashion Week had subsided a bit, I decided it was time to start looking after myself again. A week of late nights, early mornings, hours hunched over the computer writing and photo editing, and a worse diet than Johnny Vegas on a stag weekend, I needed to reform my ways. I started with my teeth….
The Covent Garden Dental Spa
The endless lattes and raspberry based cocktails of Fashion Week had left my teeth in quite a state. I was feeling less like offering up a beaming smile when I felt happy and more inclined to keep my mouth shut at all times. I was feeling rather stressed and tired as I headed down to Neal Street for a hygiene clean halfway through a day riddled with business meetings and stomping about London. My blood sugar level was plummeting, I could barely summon up the energy to lift my handbag, and quite frankly the very last thing I wanted to do was to have a hygiene clean. As I approached the door, I had flashbacks of the last agonising clean I’d had, when I’d been so tense I’d been virtually superglued to the chair. I pushed open the rather unprepossessing front door and stepped down a long corridor, wondering why I was voluntarily doing this to myself.
Reaching the door of the spa itself, I stepped into a different world. Lighting was soft, scented candles were burning, plush sofas awaited, and the receptionist greeted me by name as I stepped in. I was instantly put at ease, and I must highly commend the truly delightful staff. I was asked to fill in a form about my dental history along with the name of my doctor – I always like thorough forms as I find them highly reassuring. I really liked the highly professional feel of the place, combined with the focus on relaxation. After I finished my forms, I was informed that Flora Chigwedere, the principal dentist at the practice, would be ready in 5-10 minutes (I’d turned up super early), and would I like to use their massage room while I waited?
Sorry, did you just say massage room? Yes. Yes I would. I was led into a sweet little room with a big leather massage chair in it, and stayed for a delightful 15 minutes while some soft chillout music played (you’re very welcome to bring your own with you!) I felt the stress completely melting away, and Flora herself came to get me and led me to my appointment. Ah yes, the appointment. I’d sort of forgotten about the actual teeth-y bit. Thing is, Flora did such a great job of making me feel calm and in safe hands that I completely forgot to be scared. Flora is delightful; charming and a consummate professional. I trusted her instantly, and she talked me through what she was going to do. She took a look at my teeth and pointed out any areas of staining she’d be able to clean up, and asked me some thorough questions about my teeth.
Flora started the hygiene clean, and I was amazed at how pain-free it felt. Flora warned me when some areas would be more sensitive than others, so I was always fully prepared. She told me which teeth I needed to focus more on taking care of, and generally made the whole thing as pleasant as it could possibly be. I was testing the Mini ‘Smile & Make-up’ package, which included a 20 minute hygiene clean, followed by a lipstick matching session at Shu Uemura just down the road, complete with free full size lipstick. Flora explained the concept behind the package, giving you healthier, more beautiful teeth then getting the perfect lipstick to help give you a beautiful style. The full ‘Smile & Make-up’ package includes a Diamond Sparkle Polish, optional whitening, a one hour makeover with Shu Uemura cosmetics and a lipstick match to show off your newly white teeth, and costs £99 (more with the whitening), which is a bargain when you consider what you get. Even if you’re not sure this particular package is for, I can wholeheartedly recommend Flora as a dentist.
Go and visit the Covent Garden Day Spa website for more info on their wide range of treatments, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with them if you have any questions. If you’re at all scared of going to the dentist, Flora and her team will help you get over it!
