Behind the pearly white smiles of some of Sydney’s most beautiful Eastern Suburbs residents is Alissa Brandtman, founder and Managing Director of The Whitening Clinic. Writes Hannah Gay.
When entering The Whitening Clinic on Sydney’s Bronte Road, it’s hard to feel anything but clean. The premium dental space is an interior dreamscape, encompassing white lines and semi-sheer curtains for client privacy.
The look-and-feel of this Waverley clinic is certainly not that of a stark dentist’s office, but rather a Mediterranean-inspired pad made for relaxing and recharging, all while having your teeth whitened.
As heavenly as The Whitening Clinic is to visit, it’s Alissa’s knowledge that will keep you coming back. The nutritionist-turned-business founder has an exceptional understanding of the ways in which gut health plays a key part in the health of the teeth.
Carefully selected devices grace the clinic for use on clients looking to brighten their smiles. Such are combined with a detailed consultation used to assess teeth and gums for issues.
While whitening services are traditionally offered by qualified dentists only, the administration of hydrogen peroxide gel at a maximum 6 percent ensures clients still receive ample benefit with less pain compared to other treatments.
Following a successful first-time teeth whitening experience with Alissa, Hannah Gay sought to learn more on the unique business model. Her Q&A with Alissa below:
When did you open?
“We opened in March 2021. Sadly like many businesses, we went into lockdown shortly after due to COVID restrictions. After reopening we have been successfully growing and increasing our service offering into oral care products.”
Why did you open?
“I’ve had a number of careers and businesses over the years, as I am passionate about changing careers and developing businesses as my life changes through the years. Previous to opening The Whitening Clinic, I had a luxury travel and concierge business and wanted to bring that same luxury offering into the cosmetic teeth whitening space. I initially started with just teeth whitening, however combining my experience in nutrition helped to expand the offering into oral health care and advice. I’m passionate about bringing oral care into people’s overall beauty routine.”
Did you employ a designer to work on the layout of the space?
“I created the space myself using design inspiration from Pinterest and my passion for Mediterranean spaces. I wanted to bring a luxurious high-end feel to the environment, far from the feeling of being in a dentist chair. With the help of a wonderful Italian tiler who laid our creative flooring and a masterful design team who built each piece of furniture, the space became the sanctuary it is today.”
Why do you believe there has been such a boom in cosmetic dentistry in the last few years?
“Social media has certainly played a role in creating awareness of the available cosmetic dentistry procedures. Cosmetic whitening is accessible and affordable to most people who have an interest in improving their overall appearance. Having white, healthy teeth not only improves your overall appearance, but it also takes years off of your looks.”
“Cosmetic whitening is accessible and affordable to most people who have an interest in improving their overall appearance.”
What are your qualifications in this field, and those of your staff?
“At The Whitening Clinic, we are passionate about providing our clients with overall oral care advice to help strengthen and improve teeth from the inside-out. I studied Nutrition for three years and trained in Teeth Whitening. Through a franchise business, I purchased into my passion for understanding how the teeth work [with The Whitening Clinic].”
How would you suggest people go about training in this field?
“Oral health is a growing industry. Whitening is one component of this. Studying nutrition and having an interest in the dental field is desired.”
I understand a minimum of two treatments is recommended for new-comers. How regularly would you expect to see the client after this, and how do you go about prompting return visits?
“Understanding how whitening of the enamel works is the key to knowing how often clients should have their teeth professionally whitened. The process we use is safe, painless for the majority of clients, and effective in oxidising the stains within the enamel of the teeth.
We are also passionate about providing clients with guidance on strengthening and whitening their teeth from the inside, and using the best oral care products to ensure they stay clean and healthy all year long. Our most popular service offers four in-chair whitening sessions, plus four oral care packs, including our recommended toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.”
Does The Whitening Clinic have any plans for expansion?
“Absolutely! We have some amazing plans in the pipeline, not only for more clinics but to also expand our service offering which will be a true game changer in the industry.”
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