September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
Never underestimate the power of the perfect smile. If you prefer perfecting what you already have than replacing it, Dr Maysoon is the go-to in the industry for a naturally flawless finish.
What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
My morning routine is quite simple. When I wake up I brush my teeth, do a few stretching exercises then have my breakfast before I leave for work.
In your role you have to have the ability to wear a lot of ‘hats’ in terms of understanding marketing, working with patients directly and of course the dentistry itself. What do you think are your natural strengths and which part do you enjoy most?
Most of the patients who have written me reviews have complimented me on my communications skills and on the way I’ve made them feel relaxed so I would say my communication skills are definitely one of my big strengths. I love to sit with my patients and take my time when explaining their dental challenges and treatment options. And of course, the dentistry itself comes naturally to me after many years of experience and the hundreds of courses I have attended and continue to attend. I believe the best marketing tool is word of mouth, and the majority of new patients that visit me are through recommendations from current patients.
Have you seen any trends in terms of cosmetic dentistry changing in recent years and if so what?
Treatments such as composite bonding (or cosmetic bonding) and composite veneers have become more popular recently because they are relatively quick and conservative treatment options that enhance your smile. You can do so much with composite bonding, such as changing the shape, the length and texture of teeth. Most of the time there is no drilling or injections involved.
The other trend is teeth straightening using clear aligners such as Invisalign. More adults are opting for these nearly invisible aligners to straighten their teeth as they can wear the aligners with more confidence and are able to remove them for important events.
Tell us about how you create the perfect smile and would you always suggest trying to perfect what you naturally have before turning to other more extreme solutions?
For me the perfect smile is enhancing what someone is naturally born with rather than destroying their teeth to achieve or copy someone else’s smile. This can be done in many ways depending on the patient’s goals, teeth, budget and time frame. I would always advise my patients to opt for the most conservative option if possible. For example, if someone has crowded teeth or a narrow smile then orthodontic treatment would be the least invasive option. I think Invisalign is a fantastic option and we can achieve so much with it. It allows us to transform the patient’s smile whilst still maintaining the uniqueness and natural shape of the teeth.
On average how long can someone expect to spend going through this process?
It really varies from person to person, depending on the position of their teeth to begin with. Teeth straightening can take any time from 3 to 24 months. Composite bonding and composite veneers can take 1 or 2 appointments.
How do you aid the patient through the process?
I always offer support, advice and encouragement throughout their treatment. Sometimes I would show them photos of their progress to increase their motivation and this ensures the time it takes to achieve the final result is minimised.
Can you describe the process for us in terms of stages?
The first appointment would involve a dental examination to check that the teeth and gums are healthy before embarking on any treatment. It’s essential to check if the patient is suitable for Invisalign and discuss a treatment plan accordingly. The second appointment would be to take photographs as well as impressions of the teeth and send them to the US where the aligners will be manufactured. After receiving the customised aligners, the third appointment would involve placing attachments on some of the teeth and fitting the first pair of aligners. After this, the patient will typically visit the dentist every 4 weeks to check progress and make any necessary adjustments until the treatment is complete.
Who for you has the perfect smile?
Anyone who has straight, bright, healthy teeth and gums has a perfect smile!
This year has proven challenging for many business and leaders. If you face a challenge – what have you found is personally the most successful way to overcome it?
I try to think positively and focus on my mental and physical health. Things somehow end up falling into place when you do this. We cannot control the challenges and problems that come in our way, but we can try to change our mindset towards them.
Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
I try to avoid bright light and screen time an hour before I go to bed. I always make time for my skin routine before I sleep as well. I’ve recently started spraying lavender on my pillow just before I sleep, lavender helps me relax.
What effect has social media played in the cosmetic dentistry industry and which channel do you feel will be strongest in future?
Social media has made dentists more competitive in a good way. Dentists can now share their work in terms of what can be achieved through photos and videos. Followers can engage with dentists and ask questions making the idea of treatment more accessible. Social media has definitely increased awareness amongst the public with regards to the importance of having a healthy, beautiful smile. Many influencers are documenting their smile makeover journeys on social media and sharing it with their followers. This has increased the demand for cosmetic dentistry. There are filters on Instagram and TikTok that make your teeth appear whiter and straighter which inevitably makes people think twice about their smile.
If you were not working in the role you are now, which other role would you choose career-wise?
I would have probably chosen a career in the culinary world. I’m very passionate about food and cooking!
This issue is The Power Issue. What is powerful to you?
Power is good health. Without a healthy body and mind we cannot achieve anything. Being powerful is being forgiving.
