Cosmetic Dentistry Q&A: Interview with Dr. Rob Eisen

Dr. Rob Eisen is an esteemed dentist renowned for his expertise in cosmetic dentistry. With a passion for enhancing smiles and transforming lives, Dr. Eisen has been at the forefront of dental innovation in Barrie, blending artistry and science to create stunning results. With his extensive knowledge and years of hands-on experience, his commitment to providing personalized care and achieving exceptional outcomes for his patients has helped him earn his name in the field and among his patients and colleagues.

In this interview, we delved into Dr. Eisen's journey, his approach to cosmetic dentistry, and his unwavering dedication to helping people achieve their dream smiles.

Q1: Dr. Eisen, thank you for sitting down with us. To start us off, could you take us through your experience in the industry?

Absolutely! I graduated from Western University in 1985, followed by a post-graduate program during the 90s that provided me with specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, allowing me to discover my passion and refine my skills. I've also obtained a diploma in surgical implant placement and a certification in reconstructive dentistry, which has empowered me to handle complex cases involving dental implants and reconstructive procedures.

Throughout my career, I've made sure to invest significant time and effort into learning digital techniques for complex implant procedures. By incorporating state-of-the-art digital technology, like 3D scans, into my practice, I can better plan patient treatments, perform surgeries, and even create new teeth for my patients.

Q2: Amazing! With all this experience in preventative dentistry, what makes your approach to treating your patients different?

Good question - I would say that what sets my approach to treating patients apart the most is my passion for learning the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry, and my commitment to rebuilding both mouths and smiles. I believe that dentistry is not just about fixing problems; it's about achieving optimal oral health and creating beautiful, functional smiles.

One aspect of dental care I make sure to emphasize in my practice is the importance of the early alignment of your teeth. As we age, our teeth naturally wear down, and if your bite isn't properly aligned, it can lead to different kinds of health issues. By addressing tooth alignment early on, I can work to help my patients prevent potential problems down the line and ensure their long-term dental health.

I would also mention that I'm very focused on the preservation of teeth in my practice and approach to patient care. It's common for our teeth to wear out by the time we reach our 50s, but with the use of tools such as nightguards, for example, we can protect our teeth against wear, loss of teeth, muscle problems, headaches, and even degeneration of the jaw joint, known as TMJ.

Q3: Of course – and new technology must be a big help in this area, right?

Definitely; new technology has made a major impact on our ability to provide advanced dental care and improve patient outcomes. Scanning technology, for example, allows us to detect cavities earlier than traditional x-rays, and can also provide us with valuable insights into the articulation of the jaw, helping us better understand and address any alignment issues you might have from the get-go. Digital technology also helps a lot when it comes to my ability to plan personalized treatments for my patients by helping me visualize and simulate solutions ahead of time.

Q4: Nowadays, there are so many different options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry treatments. Could you highlight some of the most popular treatments you've seen throughout your practice?

Throughout my practice, I've seen a few different types of treatments rise in popularity. Dental bonding, for example, is something that a lot of my patients come to me asking about. Bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material over your teeth to address any aesthetic concerns you might have, like chipped or discoloured teeth, uneven spacing, or minor misalignments.

A lot of patients also ask me what I think about the potential of dental veneers, which uses thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin to fit over the front surface of your teeth and camouflage imperfections. Also, dental implants are another treatment type I've noticed has become quite a popular request among my patients over the past few years.

Q5: And is there anything you wanted to touch on in terms of the long-term health impacts of cosmetic dentistry?

While cosmetic dentistry can address even relatively small issues with your appearance that might be making you self-conscious, it can also offer you solutions to build back volume in your teeth and restore the natural shape and structure of your smile in the long run.

I also want to point out that the benefits of cosmetic dentistry go beyond just aesthetics - by addressing dental issues head-on and properly aligning your teeth early into your treatment, cosmetic dentistry can help you support your long-term oral health proactively to save you any trouble down the line.

Q6: How would you advise choosing the right type of cosmetic dental treatment for your patients, based on all these different types of treatment options available out there?

First and foremost, I would say that for anyone looking into cosmetic dentistry, considering your personal needs and the outcomes you're looking for are the most important factors you should be keeping in mind when choosing your treatment.

Bonding is one of the most popular treatment options I offer as a cosmetic dentist, and it's certainly an excellent option for fixing chips in your teeth, closing small spaces, and performing minor reshaping and lengthening of your teeth. Bonding is also a great treatment option because it can detect the early signs of cavities and effectively remove any stains your teeth might have, and patients can also choose their own range of colours, shapes, and sizes to suit the exact appearance of their teeth.

Meanwhile, a less expensive option is teeth whitening, which primarily addresses tooth discolouration using safe oxidizing agents to bleach or whiten your teeth. It's probably the most predictable and long-lasting option for a lot of my clients, and can even be done at home with a small tray and a few drops over the course of a few days.

Beyond those options, porcelain veneers are a treatment a lot of my newer patients have been interested in, which usually involves taking 3D digital scans to visualize the proportions of your mouth and plan out the changes you want ahead of time. This is a longer kind of treatment, though, and usually needs multiple appointments. I should point out that porcelain veneers can also be combined with other types of treatments, like trimming the gums to make your teeth appear longer.

Q7: And building off that, what would be your recommendation for someone looking for a cosmetic dental clinic that's right for them?

My first piece of advice would be to look for before and after pictures of your dentist's work to assess their skills, along with scheduling a thorough evaluation of your starting oral health to see if they're the type of clinician you'll be able to establish a comfortable relationship with. It's also important to read some reviews from other patients to get a sense of the clinic's reputation.

I also believe it's tremendously important to find a dentist who is genuinely interested in understanding your specific goals, rather than only focused on promoting their own services. Make sure you also look for a clinic that uses advanced tools and technology for more accurate diagnoses, treatment planning, and ultimately, better outcomes.

Keep in mind that a reputable cosmetic dentist will typically schedule a thorough consultation to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, including your bite, smile line, and the shape and position of your teeth. They should also be checking for any signs of gum disease during your consultation to see if that's something you'll need to plan out treatment for.

Interestingly, some clinics are now also offering virtual consultations, which can save you time and give you a quick overview of what's possible. This way, your dentist can then develop a treatment plan based on a few scans, x-rays, and 3D images during a later consultation, and provide you with an emailed outcome in just a few days.

Q8: On a final note, All On Four is something that's become quite popular over the last few years. For our readers who might be wondering about this procedure, how do you know if you're a good candidate?

All On Four is ideal for people who are looking for more natural function and aesthetics in their tooth replacement. It's usually the best option for patients currently wearing dentures and looking for a better, more permanent solution.

With All On Four and the possibilities of 3D scanning technology, a treatment that would have once taken over a year can now be completed in as little as one day and one surgery, with more precise measurements, calibration, and virtual construction of your implants. All On Four also tends to be more cost-effective compared to traditional implant procedures.