Clementine Rees Brown gives new dental film a five star rating.
As an avid cinema-goer, I found myself in merry anticipation of viewing a unique documentary described as an “in-depth, personal story of one man’s journey to confidence and his dream smile”, at one of the most renowned cinema venues in London Everyman Kings Cross. The plush venue hosted numerous well-known members of the dental industry, including star of the show implantologist Martin Wanendeya, with a non-stop supply of canapes and a champagne reception before the premier commenced.
The film was a decidedly enjoyable and intimate look at one man’s long-anticipated orthodontic journey, from the start of the process to his finished smile being revealed (a few eyes admittedly gleamed in the audience) and every step of SureSmile clear aligner treatment, extraction, implanting and whitening along the way. In the insightful interviews and narrations given, the lucky patient Luke detailed just how long he had desired to get orthodontic treatment in order to improve his teeth. He detailed just how much his smile had hampered his confidence over the years, but that lingering anxiety over what he felt may be invasive treatment, such as getting an implant, had prevented him from pursuing his dream.
The film also gave ample time to the expert team working on achieving Luke’s smile, with Martin Wanendeya and Nina Shaffie explaining their decision-making and all the options as they presented themselves. Whilst there was of course a great deal of technical and product detail included, the film's spirit was resolutely one of teamwork, patience, and communication. It was equally emphasised by all professionals involved that whilst it is easy to get swept up in the scientific and innovative aspects, it must always be the patient at the very heart of any project.
The fact that this incredible transformation was achieved in only seven months also did not go unnoticed, serving to emphasise how much difference strong collaboration between the clinicians and the lab can achieve. At the film's conclusion, there was a panel discussion with Martin, Tif Qureshi, a dentist with expertise in SureSmile clear aligners and Hugo Souza, a key technician from Nexus Dental Lab in which all technical aspects of the treatments were reflected upon.
The joy on Luke’s face at the film's conclusion only served to enhance his now-transformed smile, unable to conceal how truly delighted he was at the achieved results by the entire orthodontic team. Audience members alike left feeling a new gust of motivation, not only to attempt new professional goals but to bring that same joy to countless more, all with the same wish that one day, they too might have their ‘A Smile is Born’ moment. My rating for the film and the launch was unquestionably - ***** ‘5 stars!’