Zurich has a good laugh. Simple Smile, a new dental longevity boutique, is opening in the city. We put owner Sahar Haroon through her paces.
Rinsing your mouth with champagne at the dentist’s surgery? Even at Simple Smile by Sahar Haroon, that was only possible at the grand opening. From now on, the Dental Longevity Boutique in Zurich’s Seefeld district will be practicing innovative methods for maintaining dental health and aesthetics. Owner and dentist Sahar Haroon shows us around the premises, which combine the charm of a luxury spa with state-of-the-art techniques. If the mere thought of a visit to the dentist used to make your stomach ache, you will be greeted with a relaxing oasis vibe here.
But the practice is not only setting a new standard with its interior. In this interview, Sahar Haroon explains the modern treatment methods that Simple Smile uses to achieve not only a radiant smile, but also long-term dental health.
FACES: Last week, we at FACES realized in a conversation among colleagues that we all had the same dream recently: Namely, to lose all our teeth. Have you ever dreamed about it too?
Sahar Haroon: Yes, this dream is surprisingly common and often symbolizes deep-rooted fears of losing control. Losing teeth reflects how strongly healthy teeth are linked to our self-worth and inner well-being. They not only stand for health, but also for stability and security in our lives.
F: Why is it that healthy teeth in particular have such a big impact on our psyche?
SH: Healthy teeth are more than just a sign of physical health. They embody attractiveness and social status and give our smile charisma, which plays a central role in non-verbal communication. Unhealthy teeth can affect overall mental well-being and significantly reduce self-confidence.
F: What led you to your profession? Was it a wish you had as a child?
SH: As a child, I was afraid of the dentist myself – so much so that I once even prevented my brother, Dr. Omar Haroon – now a renowned plastic surgeon in Zurich – from getting an injection. Inspired by my mother, I wanted to take away the fear that I myself felt as a child and help people to have a beautiful smile and more self-confidence. The motivation from my own experience and the desire to make a positive difference ultimately led me to dentistry.
F: After many exciting stops along the way, you have now founded your own dental boutique, Simple Smile. How did this come about?
SH: My husband, Fabian Zurfluh, gave me the courage to found Simple Smile. The realization of my passion was to create an atmosphere that stands for an exclusive and unique experience. A place where individual care and a focus on prevention are paramount. Highest quality and the well-being of my patients are always at the center of my attention.
F: What did you place particular emphasis on when setting up and how does your dental boutique stand out from similar offerings?
SH: Our concept – The Journey of the Smile – embodies my vision of first-class dentistry. Our philosophy is simple – hence the name Simple Smile. We think in three phases: Care, Correct, Keep and put prevention first. Because only through preventive measures can we guarantee longevity and lasting health. A unique selling point of our Dental Boutique is our innovative, preventive range of treatments, which includes PRP and hyaluronic acid applications for the gums. Healthy gums form the basis for long-lasting dental health. These treatments promote the regeneration and strengthening of the gums, which is particularly important for the stability and health of the teeth. Our motto is “No drill, no fill”.
F: Botox, PRP and hyaluronic acid treatments are more commonly used for facial skin. Since when have they also been used in dentistry and what are the respective advantages?
SH: The first scientific studies on the use of Botox, PRP and hyaluronic acid in dentistry were published in the 2000s. Dentists recognized the benefits of Botox above all in its muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effect, especially for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and teeth grinding (bruxism). Since 2010, Botox has also been used in the aesthetic field, e.g. to treat the so-called “gummy smile”, where a lot of gum tissue is visible. The use of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) in dentistry, particularly for the regeneration and rejuvenation of the gums, also began in the 2000s. The specific application for rejuvenation of the gums (gingival rejuvenation) became more popular over time. Since then, PRP has been used to improve tissue volume, strengthen soft tissue and promote healing. Hyaluronic acid is mainly used in periodontal therapy to promote gum regeneration. It has an anti-ageing effect based on its ability to bind moisture, support cell regeneration and reduce inflammation. It is particularly suitable for the prevention and treatment of age-related gum recession and for aesthetic optimization. Because just as our skin ages, so do our gums and lose collagen over time – which leads to a weaker structure of the gums and makes them more susceptible to receding and inflammation.
F: Is there a certain age at which one should consider such treatments?
SH: The use of such treatments depends less on age and more on the individual needs of the patient. In the case of Botox, it is generally recommended that its use should only be considered in adulthood, as the face and jaw are still developing in adolescence. PRP is well tolerated as it is obtained from the patient’s own blood and can therefore be used at any age. Hyaluronic acid is mostly used in adults, especially for the treatment of age-related gum recession.
F: Young people in particular inform and inspire themselves about dental care and beauty via social media. They also come across misinformation and questionable trends. How do you feel about social media as someone who is also professionally active on it?
SH: For me, social media is a responsible tool to inform, educate and educate people about the importance of long-term dental health and a healthy lifestyle. Social media allows me to communicate information in an accessible and engaging way. With my posts, I want to counteract misinformation, build trust and offer a modern, contemporary perspective on dentistry. After all, oral health is the cornerstone of a healthy and long life.
Q: What’s the most nonsensical piece of advice or “fact“ about dentistry you’ve come across on social media or anywhere else?
SH: You take a thin hair elastic with a diameter of about one centimeter and wrap it around the two front teeth 11 and 21. After two days, the frontal tooth gap (medial diastema) is then closed. However, it opens again about an hour after the hair tie has been removed.
F: What is one factor in dental care that is often forgotten, but is quite easy to implement in everyday life?
SH: Interdental care and the use of a tongue cleaner are two important but often neglected components of daily oral hygiene. They complement tooth brushing and help to effectively prevent gingivitis, tooth decay and bad breath.
F: Do you also observe a desire for too much perfection when, for example, young people want to file down healthy teeth and place veneers?
SH: The desire for a “perfect” smile is strongly influenced by social media and Hollywood role models. It is important to me to point out that a healthy, natural smile is often the most beautiful and that dentistry should primarily promote dental health rather than just following aesthetic ideals.
F: When was the last time you went to the dentist? Is it always very quick because everything is perfect?
SH: My last visit to the dentist was about six months ago. Despite careful dental care, I take advantage of every check-up to make sure everything is optimal. There are always small opportunities for improvement and regular check-ups are essential to avoid potential problems at an early stage. Prevention is very important to me as it is the key to long-term dental and general health.
Simple Smile by Sahar Haroon
Bellerivestrasse 28
8008 Zurich
Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 20:00
Website of Simple Smile by Sahar Haroon.
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Photos: Martina Barisic © Simple Smile by Sahar Haroon
