(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) New Yorks finest dentist Dr.
Who can forget the ‘Big Book of British Smiles’ A classic Simpsons scene Ralph Wiggum heads to the dentist and upon lying about brushing his teeth Dr. Wolfe pulls out a picture book full of British celebrities and their malformed gnashers - a warning as to the results of oral hygiene neglect.
While this stereotype is gradually changing in the UK such is the fear of traditional British teeth that according to the American Dental Association in 2012 our cross-Atlantic cousins spent a whopping $111 billion on their pearly-whites. By any standards that is a huge chunk of change and with that much cash floating around it is no wonder that there are over 150000 dentist practices and almost 200000 dentists in the US. And one of New York’s finest is going to be spending a lot of his time here in Dubai with the launch of his eponymous clinic.
“The perfect Hollywood smile belongs to Jessica Alba” said Dr. Michael Apa who has worked on actors including Catherine Zeta Jones and Lea Michele during a visit to his newly opened Jumeirah Beach Road Dubai Clinic. “Not too many people come in saying ‘I want teeth like this person’ but if there’s an ideal I’d say it is her.”
Renowned for his pioneering approach to cosmetic dentistry and anti-ageing procedures Dr. Apa has been visiting the emirate for the last six years to conduct one-off surgery and follow-up appointments for a chosen few clients including the royal family. However in that time demand has risen substantially and he feels now is the right moment to lay down some roots.
The Dubai Clinic will have two permanent surgeons and the Good Morning America–featured doctor hopes to commute from his home base New York one week out of every month.
Dr. Apa created the concept of Facial Aesthetic Design (FAD) - a minimally invasive method that he is evolving and teaching to other professionals throughout the world. The Dubai surgery that offers a blend of luxury with the latest technology encompass 5000 square feet and will be one of the first aesthetic dentistry practices to feature a state-of-the-art lab on-site. Visit: http://askdrapa.com
“We felt there was nothing in Dubai offering the services we provide” he said. “The way the lab is set up and the qualified surgeons all under one roof is something a bit unique. We have done things like we do them in America.”
On whom he expects through the door Dr. Apa said: “We get two types of customer – those who want to look better and those who need reconstructive surgery. We hope to provide whatever people need.”
Surprisingly if he had the chance the celebrity he’d most like to see turn up is uber movie star Tom Cruise.
“[His teeth] are not perfect. We have procedures that could sort them out.”
If Dr. Apa’s standards are so high even Tom doesn’t fit the bill then it’s probably worth checking him out. Yet do not only wait until there’s a problem Dr. Apa implores.
“So many people won’t go see a dentist until it hurts” he said. “You should go at least twice a year. Neglect is the most common cause of discomfort and a simple check-up and professional clean can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
“The technology and skill-sets have advanced so much in the last 10 years. A root canal shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes for example. What is different with our clinic is if there is a real serious problem or people want a dramatic change then they trust us to take everything back to ground zero and build up from there. We maintain the teeth and you really can have the perfect smile.”
If a trip to the dentist is not on the cards just yet Dr. Apa’s advice is to invest in an electric toothbrush.
“Most people don’t know how to correctly brush their teeth. An electric toothbrush can help significantly and one should brush for two minutes and then floss.”
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