This is probably the most personal thing I've ever put on camera.
I've been insecure about my teeth my entire life. When I tried to find a "before" photo for this post, I realised I couldn't find many photos of me actually smiling with teeth showing. That's how much I avoided it.
After 8 weeks in Dubai, I finally did something about it. Here's the full story.
Why I Wanted My Teeth Done
Growing up, I knew I wasn't completely happy with my teeth but just got on with it. As I got older, I became more conscious of it – especially now that I'm on camera more for the vlog.
The problem area: my front four teeth. Cross bite on one side, gap on the other, and one tooth that just didn't sit right.
My Failed UK Attempt
Before Dubai, I tried Smile Direct Club in the UK – their version of Invisalign.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | £1,600 |
| Monthly payment | ~£150 |
| Duration | 8-9 months |
| Result | Disappointing |
After 8-9 months, I wasn't seeing the results I expected. Probably partly my fault – you're meant to wear them 20 hours a day, and I wasn't perfect with that.
When I went back for a rescan, the company went into administration. Not ideal.
(One benefit though: Invisalign stops you snacking because it's such a faff taking them in and out.)
Before relocating, I explored options with a local UK dentist. Their suggestion: 18 months of Invisalign, then potentially veneers. Given we were moving, I didn't pursue it.
Finding Dr Michael's Clinic
After 8 weeks in Dubai, feeling more settled, I started researching options. Just fact-finding initially – what are the costs, what's the process?
I found Dr Michael's Clinic through Google. Two things stood out:
- Website was super informative
- Google reviews were brilliant
The Speed of Response
This is where Dubai really impressed me:
- Tuesday night: Clicked WhatsApp button, dropped them a message
- Wednesday 9am: They replied asking what I was interested in
- Wednesday 2pm: I was in for a consultation
Try getting that turnaround in the UK.
My Options
Dr Lisa presented three paths:
Option 1: Invisalign
- ~18 months treatment
- Still might need veneers after
- Gradual results
Option 2: Veneers
- More invasive (teeth ground down)
- Permanent
- More expensive
- Immediate dramatic results
Option 3: Composite Bonding (What I Chose)
- Quick procedure (1-2 hours)
- Non-invasive and reversible
- Lasts 4-8 years
- Can do veneers later if wanted
- Natural appearance
I went with composite bonding. My thinking: try it, see how it looks and feels, then potentially explore veneers when the bonding needs redoing.
Step 1: Consultation, Scan & Scale and Polish
First appointment covered:
- Full consultation with Dr Lisa
- Dental scan
- Scale and polish
Cost: 1,600 AED (~£325)
Step 2: Teeth Whitening
Here's the thing about composite bonding: the shade is matched to your current teeth colour. If you want a brighter result, you need to whiten first.
The next available whitening appointment was a couple of days out. But the receptionist asked if I was working nearby – if anything opened up, she'd WhatsApp me.
I was working at a coffee shop (Amongst Few) 6 minutes away. Within an hour, I got a message: "We can get you in."
So I had consultation AND whitening done the same day.
The Whitening Process
Three 15-minute sessions:
- They put a thing in your mouth (like the game Speak Out – uncomfortable but bearable)
- Apply gel to teeth
- Sit for 15 minutes
- Repeat 3 times
They put Friends on the TV. In and out within an hour.
Cost: 1,300 AED (~£265)
The Results
I've had teeth whitening before and never seen great results. This was brilliant – really noticeable. Sara and friends visiting from the UK noticed immediately.
Warning: You can't eat colourful foods for a few hours after (probably push it to a day). Sara was at Yo Sushi when I met her after. Miserable.
Step 3: Composite Bonding
You need to leave a few days between whitening and bonding. Mine was done on the Sunday – so from first WhatsApp message on Tuesday to finished smile on Sunday. 5 days total.
What Actually Happens
The session was booked for 2 hours. I was out in 90 minutes.
Best way I can explain it (and this sounds graphic): imagine a glue gun or sealant gun. Dr Lisa takes this gun with composite inside and draws it onto your teeth. At that point it's like putty – she shapes it.
That took about 45-60 minutes for all four teeth.
Then her assistant comes over with a blue strobe light. That "cures" the composite – makes it bond and go rock solid.
After that, Dr Lisa spent another 30 minutes filing, polishing, and shaping. She'd hold up a mirror, ask my thoughts, and if she wasn't happy: "Not quite right" – lie back down, more work.
"It's nice to work with people that care about what they do. She really cared about the finished product."
They put Netflix on (wasn't working so I watched the All-In podcast on YouTube – couldn't hear anything with all the drilling but it was distracting).
Cost: 2,100 AED per tooth × 4 teeth = 8,400 AED (~£1,700)
The Reveal
When Dr Lisa handed me the mirror for the first time...
"That was quite an emotional moment for me. Something I've been really mindful my entire life, and within two hours having it in a position where I could look at a mirror, smile with full teeth – probably for the first time ever in my life – and be like... cool."
Sara's Reaction
"Looks so different. Doesn't even look like you."
She couldn't take her eyes off my teeth. Which is a good thing... I think.
"It feels like I'm in bed with someone else."
She's been giving me grief about my "winning smile" ever since.
My Mates' Reaction
Three of my best mates were visiting from the UK. I was talking like this 😬 the whole time because I was paranoid.
Their WhatsApp group while I was getting it done:
- "He's not replying so it must have gone wrong"
- "He looks like Rylan"
When I finally showed them, they were... underwhelmed. In a good way.
"They still look like your teeth. That's good. The problem with veneers is they look completely new – yours still look natural."
I was happy they were underwhelmed. For me it felt dramatic. For everyone else, it just looked like better teeth – not fake Hollywood teeth.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Service | AED | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation, scan, scale & polish | 1,600 | £325 | $436 |
| Teeth whitening | 1,300 | £265 | $354 |
| Composite bonding (4 teeth) | 8,400 | £1,700 | $2,287 |
| Total | 11,300 | £2,300 | $3,077 |
My Timeline
| Day | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Tuesday night | WhatsApp inquiry |
| Wednesday morning | Reply received |
| Wednesday afternoon | Consultation, scan, scale & polish |
| Wednesday evening | Teeth whitening |
| Sunday | Composite bonding (90 minutes) |
From first message to finished smile: 5 days.
Comparing Options
| Option | Timeline | Cost Range | Invasive? | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Bonding | 1-2 hours | ~2,000 AED/tooth | No | 5-10 years |
| Invisalign | 6-24 months | 11,000-29,000 AED | No | Permanent (with retainer) |
| Veneers | 2-3 weeks | 3,000-9,000 AED/tooth | Yes (irreversible) | 10-15 years |
The Adjustment Period
Weird thing: I feel like I've got more teeth in my mouth. There's just... more stuff going on in there.
But the confidence boost is real. I'm actually smiling with my teeth now. First time in my life.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely zero regrets.
The service at Dr Michael's Clinic was fantastic. Everyone was brilliant. Dr Lisa clearly cares about her craft – she spent ages getting it right.
If you're an expat in Dubai thinking about dental work, the speed and quality here is impressive. From "I wonder what my options are" to finished smile in less than a week.
Tips If You're Considering This
- Do the whitening first if you want a brighter result – composite is matched to your current shade
- Leave a few days between whitening and bonding
- Plan food carefully after whitening – no colourful foods
- Be prepared for adjustment – feels weird having "more teeth" initially
- Composite isn't permanent – factor in replacement costs every 5-10 years
Final Thoughts
If you've been insecure about something your whole life, and you can do something about it – do it.
£2,300 is a lot of money. But looking in the mirror and actually wanting to smile? Priceless.
Winning smile, this guy. 😁
Questions?
If you're thinking about getting dental work done in Dubai and have questions about my experience, drop them in the comments. Happy to help.
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