Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan on cover FACES UAE #15-2026 digital Blognal #BLOGGMAGAZINE

The most beautiful smile is not necessarily the whitest or most perfect one. It is the smile that looks natural, healthy and right for the individual.

With more than 20 years of experience in dentistry and a strong focus on aesthetic dentistry, veneers and clear aligner treatments, Dr. Anahit believes that modern dentistry is not simply about creating a beautiful smile. It is about finding the right balance between aesthetics, function, health and individuality.

Based in Dubai, she has witnessed significant changes in both dental technology and patient expectations. We spoke with her about the latest aesthetic trends, minimally invasive dentistry, digital technology, clear aligners and the future of modern dentistry.

Aesthetic Trends

FACES UAE: As Dubai is a global hub for luxury and beauty, what current trends in aesthetic dentistry are dominating the market?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: Dubai has always been a city where people appreciate beauty, innovation and high standards, and dentistry is no exception.

Today, I see a clear shift toward natural-looking, personalised smiles. Patients are increasingly moving away from extremely uniform or artificial-looking results and asking for smiles that complement their face and personality.

Ultra-thin veneers, E.max veneers, clear aligners, digital smile planning and minimally invasive techniques are particularly popular. For me, however, the most important trend is not simply “whiter and straighter teeth.” It is creating a healthy, balanced and natural smile.

Clear Aligners & Innovation

FACES UAE: How do you approach complex cases using clear aligners, and what limitations should patients realistically expect?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: Clear aligners have changed orthodontic treatment considerably. However, I always emphasise that successful treatment starts with proper diagnosis, not simply with a beautiful digital simulation.

Every case is different. Some movements are more predictable than others, and treatment success depends on the complexity of the case, biological limitations and, importantly, patient cooperation.

I explain to my patients that the digital simulation is a plan, not a promise. Clear aligners can achieve excellent results in many cases, but they must be carefully selected, planned and monitored.

Modern Whitening

FACES UAE: How does integrating specialised protocols for modern whitening change your approach to patient care, and is whiteness paramount?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: Whitening should be part of a comprehensive approach to smile aesthetics and oral health.

Before whitening, I assess the condition of the teeth, gums, existing restorations and the patient’s sensitivity and expectations.

I don’t believe that the whitest possible smile is necessarily the most beautiful smile. Health, harmony and natural appearance are more important than maximum whiteness.

The ideal shade should suit the patient’s facial features and overall appearance.

Minimal Intervention

FACES UAE: Why is preserving natural tooth structure so important in modern aesthetic dentistry?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: Preserving healthy natural tooth structure is one of the principles I value most. Modern materials and digital technology allow us to achieve beautiful aesthetic results with much less intervention than was possible in the past. But minimally invasive dentistry requires more planning and precision, not less. Before recommending veneers or any irreversible treatment, I always consider whether the patient’s aesthetic goals can be achieved while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

The Art of Natural-Looking Veneers

FACES UAE: What makes a veneer result look natural rather than artificial?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: For me, a beautiful veneer should not immediately look like a veneer.

Natural aesthetics depend on many small details: proportions, translucency, colour, texture, surface anatomy, light reflection and the relationship between the teeth, lips and face.

The goal is not to create identical teeth. Natural teeth have subtle variations, and those details contribute to beauty.

A successful veneer case is therefore not simply about the material. It requires careful diagnosis, smile design, precise preparation, excellent laboratory communication and attention to detail.

The Future of Dentistry in the UAE

FACES UAE: What do you think is currently missing from modern dentistry?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: Dubai has access to some of the most advanced dental technologies in the world. I don’t think the problem is a lack of technology.

What we need more of is better integration of technology with clinical knowledge.

Scanners, AI, CBCT, CAD/CAM and 3D printing are incredibly valuable, but technology should support the dentist rather than replace clinical judgement.

The future should be about using technology intelligently to make treatment more predictable, precise and patient-centred.

Digital & 3D Dentistry

FACES UAE: How deeply have digital smile design, AI and 3D printing penetrated everyday practice in Dubai, and do they truly improve outcomes?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: Digital dentistry is becoming an increasingly important part of modern practice.

Digital smile design can improve communication with patients, intraoral scanning can provide highly detailed information, and 3D printing can make certain workflows faster and more predictable.

But technology is only a tool. The final result still depends on diagnosis, experience and understanding of biology, function and aesthetics.

Technology is valuable when it improves patient outcomes — not simply when it looks impressive on social media.

Patient Education

FACES UAE: What is the most common misconception about cosmetic dentistry?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: One of the biggest misconceptions is that cosmetic dentistry is simply about making teeth look perfect.

A beautiful smile must also be healthy and functional.

I often explain to patients that veneers, whitening or orthodontic treatment should never be considered independently from the condition of the teeth, gums and bite.

Another misconception is that more treatment automatically means a better result. In reality, the best treatment is often the most conservative treatment that can safely achieve the patient’s goals.

The Next 3–5 Years

FACES UAE: What are your personal and professional goals for the next 3–5 years?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: My goal is to continue learning while remaining passionate about clinical dentistry.

I want to further develop my expertise in aesthetic dentistry, veneers and clear aligner treatment, attend international courses and conferences, and continue learning from leading clinicians internationally.

I also want to use social media more as an educational platform. Patients today have access to enormous amounts of information, but not all of it is accurate.

I believe experienced dentists have an important role in helping patients distinguish between evidence-based dentistry and social media trends.

Changing Patients in Dubai

FACES UAE: How have patients’ awareness, expectations and psychological approach changed in recent years?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: Patients in Dubai are more informed than ever. They research treatments online, follow international dentists and celebrities, and often arrive at consultations with very specific expectations.

This is positive because patients are more engaged in their treatment. However, social media can also create unrealistic expectations.

My consultation therefore starts with listening. I want to understand what the patient wants to change and, just as importantly, why.

My responsibility is not simply to give patients exactly what they request. It is to explain what is possible, what is appropriate and what will remain healthy in the long term.

For me, the ideal result is beautiful, functional, natural and individual.

FACES UAE: Your wishes for #BLOGGMAGAZINE?

Dr. Anahit Mkhitaryan: I wish #BLOGGMAGAZINE continued success in bringing together inspiring professionals, ideas and stories from Dubai and around the world.

I hope it continues to be a platform that doesn’t only showcase trends, but also promotes knowledge, professionalism and responsible innovation.

In dentistry, I would especially like to see more education that helps patients understand that a beautiful smile should never come at the expense of oral health.

The future of dentistry, in my opinion, lies in the balance between technology, aesthetics, health and ethics.