Questions and Answers with the Renowned and Award-Winning Dentist, Ilan Price
By: Dr. Ilan Price
Dr. Ilan Price is a dentist, twice winner of the UK’s National Smile Award, and an international lecturer on digital and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Price practices in clinics in both the UK and Israel. As a patient of Dr. Price, I can attest to his thoroughness and attention to detail. He always takes ample time to explain in depth the procedure he is about to perform. His passion and enthusiasm for dentistry, along with his genuine care for his patients, make him a truly exceptional dentist and person.
What made you decide to become a dentist?
My father was a dentist. I saw him at work and noticed the joy his work brought him, so I always had a special interest in the field. My brother and sister also chose to study dentistry, so it is a family interest. Additionally, I was looking for a career that would allow me to be artistic and also manage a business in the healthcare sector, so dentistry seemed to fit and met all the criteria.
Have you always been a cosmetic dentist?
No. After completing my dental studies, I spent a year specializing in general dentistry. I quickly realized that the more exciting side of dentistry for me was the artistic side, which requires much more continuing education after completing the doctoral degree. I embarked on a learning journey with some of the best cosmetic dentists in the world. I traveled to Brazil, across America, and Europe. I learned the fundamentals of cosmetic dentistry and discovered a true passion and love for both the science and art behind the field.
What are the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures?
Teeth whitening – people always want a brighter, whiter smile. Additionally, adult orthodontics, such as braces and elements for aligning teeth for patients over 21.
Tell us about the Bow Lane Dental Group in England. How long have you been working at this clinic in England, and what types of treatments do you offer there? Where is the clinic located in London?
I have been a partner at Bow Lane Dental Clinic for 15 years. The clinic is located on the street of the same name, right in the heart of the “City” of London, where all the banks are located. We have 6 treatment rooms and employ leading specialists in orthodontics, periodontics, root canal treatments, dental implants, and more. We focus on general and cosmetic dentistry, applying minimal intervention. We use the least amount of work needed to achieve the best results for the patient’s teeth. In the long run, this means we preserve as much of the tooth as possible, resulting in minimal damage but with maximal outcomes.
Additionally, we have introduced new technology that allows us to offer a no-impression service. This means no more sticky and uncomfortable molds in the mouth. We use digital imaging to create every type of dental crown and even carve and produce the crown within the clinic itself. Everything can be completed within an hour instead of waiting two weeks. Thousands of satisfied patients have been treated at Bow Lane.
Tell us about Yodental. What treatments do you offer at this clinic that set you apart from other dental clinics in Israel? How did you come up with the clinic’s name?
Five years ago, I opened my clinic in Israel. I wanted to provide not only high-quality techniques and treatments but also exceptional service alongside professional care. The name Dr. Ilan Price was chosen because, essentially, it’s all about you – about the patient! This means I treat my patients as if I were treating my own mouth or a family member’s mouth. I always ensure that the patient is aware of all treatment options and costs. My team and I treat all patients with care and respect, with their interests always as our top priority. Dr. Ilan Price’s clinic is the only authorized dental practice in Israel using Durathin veneers.
Can you tell us a bit about Durathin veneers?
Durathin veneers are an exceptionally thin type of porcelain veneer (0.2 mm thick). They are manufactured using a technique developed by Dennis Wells, a dentist in Nashville, Tennessee, in the USA, where I studied. Durathin veneers are a procedure that is very sensitive to the technique of the dentist and is highly technical. However, when used correctly and skillfully, they preserve the tooth remarkably – meaning there is very little drilling and grinding of the tooth, or in some cases, no drilling and grinding at all. This is a significant advantage for the patient.
What is the difference between composite veneers and Durathin veneers?
The answer to this question is essentially the same as asking about the difference between composite veneers and porcelain veneers. The main difference is that composite veneers are usually designed and made in the patient’s mouth while the dentist is present, whereas porcelain veneers are created by making a mold of the patient’s teeth, sending it to a lab technician, and then to a lab specialist who shapes and builds the new smile. In terms of materials, porcelain generally provides a more glossy and shiny appearance and is easier to create an aesthetic smile. However, the main advantage of using porcelain veneers is their longer lifespan. Composite veneer materials are more porous than porcelain, so they stain more easily over time. However, in the last 2-3 years, significant developments have been made in composite veneers, making these disadvantages less relevant.
How long should Durathin veneers last?
I have studied occlusal closure for many years. Occlusal closure is the art of defining how your teeth close when you bite. I make sure to choose very specific placements for these Durathin veneers to ensure a long lifespan and to avoid breaking these beautiful works of art. Many dentists today can offer ultra-thin veneers, but the key to success is choosing a dentist who has proven results and can guarantee 10-15 years of use without breakage.
Cosmetic dentistry is truly an art form and is very personalized. Similar to plastic surgery, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What factors do you consider when deciding which types of veneers will look best on the patient’s teeth, bone structure, etc.? Do you take “before and after” photos – what do you do to evaluate the treatment?
When we begin the journey of smile restoration with veneers, we always take a series of photos, display everything on a screen, and ask the patient about their expectations, to understand what each one is looking for and to share what we can offer. We ensure that what the patients want to achieve is realistic and possible and that the result will fit their individual smile. We consider factors such as gender, skin tone, face shape, lip size, and nose size to help us design the most aesthetic veneers for that specific patient. When deciding on the color, shape, and length of the veneers, all these factors are taken into account. We take photos, then create a model of the teeth, and perform X-rays. We plan and design the smile physically in the lab. We present the final result similarly to how an architect would present a building model. In the clinic, we can also create a digital design of the smile. Using advanced computer software, we present a 3D design showing how the patient’s new teeth will look. We take this model and fit it into the patient’s mouth, taking photos and showing them how the result will look in their mouth with their new smile.
We always ask our patients for their feedback throughout the process. Once the patient starts the veneer process, there is usually a temporary stage of 1-2 weeks to get used to them. During this time, they provide us with feedback if they wish, which we relay to the technicians to ensure that the veneers fit perfectly and that the aesthetics match exactly what the patient wants. It is always a joint effort of the team.
Dr. Ilan Price practices in clinics in the UK and Israel
For adults with crooked teeth who understandably do not want to get a conventional braces, what options do you offer for teeth straightening and creating a correct and aesthetic bite?
The two main methods for the most cosmetic and discreet teeth straightening are using Invisalign treatment or installing a fixed and internal “incognito” braces. The Invisalign technique is a tooth straightening system developed in the USA and has been used by over 4 million patients to date. The technique involves a series of clear and flexible aligners placed over the teeth, creating precise pressure and replaced every few weeks. These aligners are customized and gradually straighten the teeth. Invisalign is excellent because the aligners can be removed, making it much easier to brush teeth and maintain a more convenient routine. The aligners are also removed during eating and drinking, so there are no issues with chewing with a regular brace. However, the patient needs to be motivated and willing to keep the system in their mouth for the rest of the time for the treatment to work.
Another cosmetic and discreet option for teeth straightening is a fixed internal brace like Incognito. This option includes low-profile, gold-colored “brackets” attached to the back and inner side of the teeth, so the visibility of the treatment method is minimized and hard to see. The downside is that this technique can slightly interfere with speech at first, and cleaning the teeth is a bit more challenging. The main drawback is that this treatment is usually twice or even three times as expensive as a regular front brace.
There is also an additional alternative treatment involving a removable brace that is minimally visible but works very quickly. This method is called Inman Aligner, developed in the USA by a dental technician named Don Inman. This method works on 4-6 of the front teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and within a total of 6-14 weeks, the patient can complete the alignment treatment.
In summary, you can choose clear and removable aligners using Invisalign, an internal hidden brace like Incognito, or the Inman aligner method, which is less aesthetic and discreet but works with remarkable speed compared to other options.
Do you find that people become more social and self-confident as a result of smile restoration and correction? This must be a major reason why you do what you do.
When we perform smile restoration, it is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of being a dentist. Seeing the change in self-confidence in your patients is amazing. Many patients come into my clinic shy, covering their mouths, avoiding smiling. By the end of the treatment process – for example, full teeth whitening, teeth straightening, or veneers – they leave and just want to show off their new smile. It is well known that people who are happy and smiling exude a much more positive and confident attitude than those who do not smile or hide their smile out of embarrassment. All the letters, gifts, words of thanks, and praise we receive as a result of the change we help our patients achieve are the reason we do our job. The pleasure we get from seeing the boost in a patient’s self-confidence only gives us more motivation to continue developing in the field. The most common thing patients say when completing the smile restoration process is that they regret not having done it earlier.
The art and emerging beauty of a smile begins with us through responsibility, quality, and innovation. Smile design, smile restoration, and smile aesthetics are part of the services Dr. Ilan Price offers as part of the highest level of cosmetic dental treatments. Contact us for consultation and appointment scheduling!
