Dr Aisha Ahmed's wedding day

A practice note rather than a dental one. Dr Aisha Ahmed, our principal dentist, who founded Sale Dental Spa in 2005, got married, and most of the practice was there.

She planned a fusion wedding, built to include the traditions of family and friends who travelled from several different countries to be there. The team was invited to the celebrations before the wedding as well as the day itself.

Getting ready

In the run up, Dr Aisha bought the team matching saris in nude tones, and a trip into Manchester followed to have tops tailored to go with them. Jewellery was found locally. Dr Wajiha, also a dentist here, hosted the pre wedding celebration at her home in Sale, cooked for everyone, and led the singing and dancing, which by all accounts she did not need much persuading to do.

Several of the team stayed over the night before the wedding and spent the morning helping each other with hair, make up and sari draping, which took considerably longer than anyone had allowed for.

It was a good day. Working somewhere for years and then being asked to be part of something like that says a fair amount about the place, and it is the sort of thing that is easier to show than to write a paragraph about.

While we are on the subject of weddings

Weddings are one of the more common reasons people come to see us, and the single most useful thing we can tell you is to come early.

Not because anything is difficult, but because the sensible options narrow as the date gets closer. Aligner treatment is measured in months rather than weeks. Whitening needs to be finished with time to spare, and it is worth knowing that it does not change the colour of existing crowns, veneers or white fillings, so those sometimes need replacing afterwards to match. Bonding can be done more quickly, but it is better planned than rushed.

Six to twelve months before the date gives you every option. Six weeks gives you very few, and we would rather tell you that early than take a booking we cannot do properly.

A Smile Design consultation is free and is the place to start. You can read about Invisalign, teeth whitening and composite bonding, see everything we charge on the fees page, or book at sale-dental-care.portal.dental. You can also call 0161 969 7464.