Extrinsic discoloration—meaning the kind that affects the outer surface or the enamel—of teeth can be attracted to factors such as genetics, aging, poor oral hygiene, and lifestyle choices (consumption of dark-colored drinks and smoking). As an avid coffee drinker, I’ve had my teeth whitened once or twice prior to discovering Smile Lounge Sydney. I didn’t think much of it back then, but seeing a brighter smile in the mirror for the first time gave me the serotonin boost I never thought I needed.

Smile Lounge Sydney is a teeth whitening business based in Australia, with the Manila studio being its first international branch. “We brought it here so that Filipinos can experience our advanced whitening treatment for a fraction of the cost you might pay your dentist,” shares owner Arsenio “Butts” Solinap. “Our primary goal is to give our clients that extra boost of confidence one smile at a time.”

The studio is just as bright as the service it promises to deliver, with large floor-to-ceiling windows flooding its stark white interiors with natural light. The teeth whitening stations line one side of the space, with plush massage chairs and provisions for an iPad—you can stream an episode of your favorite show while waiting for your brand new smile—inviting clients to get comfy as they sit through their session. The process starts with a consultation, including a shade match to determine where you are initially and where you’ll end up post-treatment. During my first visit, I started at S20, which, according to Butts, is a pretty decent jump-off point. I then sat down for my premium session, Smile Lounge Sydney’s best-selling 60-minute treatment that ensures you get the best possible results within the maximum recommended amount of time.

I was asked to clean my teeth with a finger puppet-like wipe before putting on my mouth guard and protective glasses. My smile technician proceeded to coat my teeth with the studio’s special whitening gel—this is reapplied four times in between 15-minute intervals—which is formulated to be enamel-safe, non-toxic, and, of course, effective. “The gel, enhanced by our blue Infinity™ Pro SL whitening light, removes stains from your teeth without diminishing your natural enamel,” says Butts. “Our gels are formulated with a lower level of peroxide (5%), making the treatment painless with instant results.”

And the results don’t lie. I went from S20 to S8 during my first session, and finished at S2 when I came back to top up. Butts offers the following tips to maintain your Smile Lounge Sydney pearly whites:

1. When possible, drink through a straw, so that the liquid doesn’t pass through your teeth.
2. Rinse teeth with water after eating or drinking so that no color residue sits on or in between your teeth.
3. Top up every six months from your first premium treatment to keep your smile at its whitest and brightest.

Interested in a Smile Lounge Sydney whitening treatment? A 60-minute premium session will cost you P9990, and a 30-minute express session P6990. Initial consultations are free of charge. “Smiling can be infectious, and having whiter teeth can be an instant serotonin boost,” says Butts. “Your mood shifts when you have the whitest, brightest smile in the room.”

Smile Lounge Sydney is located in Unit 7 (2F), COMUNA Bldg., 238 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Extension, Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City, Metro Manila. Reach out via +63 977 284 8189 or check them out online at smileloungesydney.ph

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