Dr. Ionuț Zaharii

For me, the beauty of a smile is not just about colour or alignment, but about harmony. From a prosthodontist’s perspective, a spectacular smile is one in which functionality and aesthetics complement each other perfectly. 

When teeth are treated correctly, they contribute to a healthy bite, prevent abrasion and gum recession, and the correct proportions give that natural look that turns heads.

I liked the fact that it has a strong aesthetic aspect and focuses on the most visible part of the treatment. The patient sees the result with their own eyes, and that is probably where the greatest sense of fulfilment lies – when they see the change in themselves. This has fascinated me since I was a child, because I used to look at the results published by doctors and the most visible change is always the transformed smile. 

That’s how I decided that I, too, wanted to make this contribution to the patient – to change their life. It’s a well-known fact – patients want to have a beautiful smile, and if you’ve helped to achieve that, it’s a real sense of fulfilment.

I approach every case with patience and a sense of responsibility. I never rush into a project until I feel I have a complete grasp of all the details. I prefer a steady and sure-footed approach, because I want every treatment to reflect my excellence and attention to detail. 

I have been greatly influenced by my recent experience on the Big Prep course, led by Maxim Belograd, where I learnt how important it is to be minimally invasive and how much value is added by the details observed under magnification – whether through a microscope or with magnifying glasses. It is those fine adjustments that make the difference between a good result and an exceptional one.

It’s quite common for patients to come in saying they want a ‘prettier, whiter’ smile, but I’ve found that most want to go for a natural look. Fortunately, they don’t ask me for that perfect, artificial white. Even when it comes to teeth whitening, many want a brighter shade, but one that suits their face and personality.

The ideal patient is one who expresses their wishes honestly, but also trusts our recommendations. In prosthetics, we often have to make a small compromise — perhaps undergoing orthodontic treatment first, or waiting a few months — but this minimises the need for grinding during the prosthetic stage, and if the patient understands the process and is patient, the end result is well worth the wait.

A huge one. Technology allows us to achieve highly precise and aesthetically pleasing results. I use 3D scanning, the Modjaw system, visualisation software, photographs and diagnostic videos. In the video, you can see subtle movements of the jaw, facial expressions and details that aren’t always apparent during a standard consultation. In complex cases, all this information helps us tailor the work in the laboratory so that the patient ends up with a smile that not only looks good but also feels natural.

The laser offers a real improvement in comfort. Many patients are afraid of the traditional drill and its loud noise, whereas the laser makes a different sound, does not touch the tooth and produces neither vibrations nor heat. In practice, the patient feels almost nothing. It is a more complex technology, which requires attention and adherence to protocols, but once you’ve mastered it, the advantages are clear. 

I learnt a great deal from Dr Codruța Ciurescu during a course in Brașov, and I’ve continued to refine my technique alongside my colleagues. I enjoy passing on what I know, even to younger colleagues.

Yes, Dr Michael Apa inspired me with his attention to detail and his vision — from photography right through to the analysis of the midline and proportions. It was also from him that I learnt just how important it is to view the smile as a complete aesthetic whole. Dr Dana Georgescu also helped me to notice details that I might not have spotted at first — her clinical experience has provided me with many valuable insights.

I enjoy being around people. My profession has made me curious, taught me to listen and to hear people’s stories, and this has become a way of life. In my spare time, I like to socialise, be surrounded by friends and have people round at home. When you meet so many people, it becomes second nature; that’s how you’ve got used to it at work, so that’s how you want to be in your spare time too.
I enjoy team sports – football, tennis and bowling. As I spend a lot of time sitting at my desk, I try to balance this out with sporting activities.