Dr. Ioana Barbu
Specialist Dentist – DENTAL PROSTHETICS
About
Since 2018, Dr. Ioana Barbu has been a specialist in Dental Prosthetics at the KrondentT-DENT ESTET clinic. She embodies positivity and good cheer. The dedication she observed in her family dentist inspired her to follow the same path and excel in this field. She likens dental prosthetics to puzzle games, which she has loved since childhood. She chose to specialize in this branch of dentistry because she enjoys creating a complete, aesthetically pleasing, and perfectly functional result. The joy and energy she derives from her patients' happiness upon seeing the success of their treatment plan motivate her daily. In her free time, Dr. Ioana Barbu practices CrossFit, kickboxing, and tennis, which help her maintain an active lifestyle. Passionate about beauty and very creative, she also collects makeup products and practices new techniques on her friends.
"Our mission as dentists is to maintain the health of dental tissues. By tissues, I mean not just teeth but also gums, bones, and the temporomandibular joint, which is very important in the equation of oral health. First and foremost, as dental professionals, we must have the necessary knowledge to do this and then apply it, conveying our thoughts and putting them into practice."
Questions
The definition of a perfect smile is...
A perfect smile is a healthy, natural, and confident smile that harmonizes perfectly with each patient's facial features, speaking for itself.
How did you choose dental prosthetics?
Having been passionate about puzzles since childhood, I chose the specialty that pieces things together, resulting in a beautiful and, most importantly, functional whole. I knew from the start that prosthetics was the only specialty I wanted to pursue within dentistry. I was particularly interested in dental occlusion, a small but crucial part of prosthetics. All roads in dentistry intersect at dental occlusion (the bite), and any respectable dentist knows that without correct contacts, no treatment can have longevity.
What aspect is truly unique in how you perform treatments?
It is a rule for me not to start any treatment until I can visualize the final result and the steps needed to achieve it. I could compare smile simulation during rehabilitation to a test drive - just as you need to drive a car first to be convinced it meets all desired characteristics, both aesthetic and functional, the same applies to obtaining a smile that lasts and pleases.
What is the first thing you look for in a prosthetic treatment?
The temporomandibular joint, muscles, and teeth - the defining triad for a successful rehabilitation that ensures a complete treatment. We must ensure from the start that we begin the rehabilitation journey with healthy tissues in an extremely stable condition. Therefore, if we notice anything, no matter how small, wrong in one or more of these aspects, the first step must address diagnosing and treating that aspect.
Can you share a memorable patient reaction?
It was the reaction of a patient who is also a doctor. She told me at the end of her complex and complete oral rehabilitation journey that she had to relearn how to smile, thanks to me.
What is one thing you couldn't do without?
It's not a thing but much more than that - I couldn't practice prosthetics without the team that helps me successfully complete the most complex treatments.
What is special about the team you are part of?
The compatibility and shared desire to offer our patients the best treatments - we concluded that only through interdisciplinarity can we provide a complete diagnosis for the most accurate treatment. This means using everything at our disposal to achieve safety and predictability in our treatments. Additionally, communication is essential in collaboration to offer the best and most comprehensive treatment plan. When each team member brings their entire vision and experience, we enjoy working with much less stress. However, let's not forget that the profession we practice daily is one of the most stressful.
Is there an innovation that excites you the most?
Anything related to digital technology that makes the invisible more visible and closer to an accurate diagnosis is completely embraced by me.
What do you want every patient to know?
I always try to put myself in their shoes when they ask for my help and always propose treatment options that I would choose for myself or my closest loved one.
How do you spend your free time?
I keep my energy up through physical activities (Interval Functional Training or tennis) and am passionate about beauty, collecting makeup products, and practicing new techniques, both on myself and on my close friends.