For this exclusive interview, we sat down with Dr. Andrés Alias, a highly respected cosmetic dentist and prosthodontist in Colombia, to learn more about his dental practice and how he helps patients achieve life-changing results for their smiles.
Dr. Alias also delves into technology, different types of crowns and fillings, and what the process looks like for the end patient. He also talks about how he navigates tough patient interactions, such as anxiety, patient dissatisfaction, and complaints, while running his practice every day.
About Dr. Andrés Alias
Dr. Andrés Alias’s journey began at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, where he graduated with honors in 2014. From 2014 to 2018, he provided comprehensive dental care to patients while completing his specialization in prosthodontics.
Upon finishing his specialization, Dr. Alias took a huge step in his professional journey: establishing his own private practice in Neiva, Colombia. This allowed him to deliver personalized aesthetic and prosthodontic services while building strong patient relationships. Thanks to his first practice's growth and success, he opened a second branch in Medellín, Colombia, in 2023.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Alias leads an active lifestyle. He finds both physical and mental challenges in Crossfit and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which help him maintain a healthy and disciplined routine. He further satisfies his fondness for strategic thinking and mental agility by playing chess, which he sees as the best mental workout.
Dr. Alias eagerly welcomes patients from all around the world to his practice, promising personalized attention, superior dental treatments, and a warm and friendly environment. With Dr. Alias, patients achieve their oral health goals and transform their smiles into ones they can confidently show off.
What motivated you to become a dentist? Was there a particular experience or influence that inspired your career choice?
My mom's dentistry career has been a significant influence and inspiration for me. Witnessing her dedication to helping people regain confidence and their smiles has always been a source of great satisfaction.
How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in the field of dentistry? Can you share any recent courses, conferences, or publications that have influenced your practice?
I stay updated through active participation in union events, being a member of the Asociación Colombiana de Prostodoncia, networking with fellow dentists, and utilizing online resources for the latest research and publications. Continuous learning is essential to my practice.
In your opinion, what are some of the most significant technological advancements that have revolutionized dentistry in recent years? How have these advancements impacted your approach to patient care?
Digital dentistry, including scanners and milling machines, has revolutionized the field. It allows for precise treatment planning and faster delivery of treatments, greatly impacting patient care.
Dental anxiety is a common concern among patients. What strategies do you employ to help patients feel more comfortable and at ease during their dental visits?
At our practice, we understand that dental anxiety is a common concern among patients. To address this, we created a unique experience to help patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits.
From the moment they arrive, we strive to create a non-dental office atmosphere, with a pleasant ambiance and relaxing environment. We minimize anxiety-inducing factors by using a noiseless drill, offering the option to watch a favorite movie during treatment, and even providing amenities like scotch or champagne. We aim to make each visit more enjoyable and alleviate our patients' apprehension.
With the rise of tele-dentistry and virtual consultations, what are your thoughts on the future of remote dental care? How do you see this technology influencing the dental industry in the coming years?
I believe tele-dentistry and virtual consultations have a promising future in the dental industry. They provide valuable opportunities for patients to connect with dentists, ask questions, discuss treatment options, and share their goals. However, it is important to recognize the boundaries of remote dental care.
While it can benefit initial assessments and consultations, certain treatments still require in-person visits. Finding the right balance between remote care and in-person treatment will be crucial as this technology continues to influence the dental industry in the coming years.
Dental implants have become a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. Could you explain the implantation process and discuss any advancements or innovations in this field?
Dental implants have become a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. With advancements in digital dentistry, the implantation process has become more precise and efficient.
It begins with a consultation and CT scan to assess the patient's condition. The implant size and optimal position are then planned using software, allowing for precise placement.
A surgical guide is fabricated to ensure accurate surgery. After the surgery, there is a healing period of 2 to 6 months for the implant to integrate with the bone.
Finally, the permanent restoration is attached to the implant. Dental implants, which are titanium screws, provide a stable foundation for the final restoration.
Can you discuss the dental restoration process and the materials you use for different types of restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or bridges?
Certainly! Dental restoration involves different processes and materials based on the patient's specific needs. Factors like tooth location, the extent of the condition, and desired aesthetics influence the treatment approach.
Fillings are often done with tooth-colored composite resin. Crowns can be made from materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or metal alloys. Bridges are used to replace missing teeth and can be constructed using similar materials as crowns. Porcelain veneers, used for aesthetic improvements, often utilize materials like lithium disilicate.
Your dentist will assess your situation and recommend the appropriate treatment process and materials for your specific needs.
How do you handle patient dissatisfaction or complaints? Can you share an example of a challenging patient situation and how you resolved it?
When it comes to patient dissatisfaction or complaints, I prioritize the humanitarian aspect of dentistry. Trust and honesty are key elements in addressing such situations. Listening to the patient's concerns with empathy is crucial, understanding their perspective.
By providing clear explanations of their conditions and treatment options based on scientific evidence, I help them make informed decisions. Resolving challenging patient situations often involves open communication, revisiting treatment plans if necessary, and working together to find a satisfactory solution.
Offering guarantees treatment guarantees further demonstrates our commitment to patient satisfaction and reinforces trust in our practice.
What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry, and what do you find most rewarding about your work?
I was inspired to pursue a dentistry career because of its incredible impact on people's lives. The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the transformation and joy on patients' faces when they see the positive changes in their smiles.
It's not just about changing smiles, but also improving lives. This indescribable sensation motivates me to strive for excellence in my profession constantly.
I believe in the importance of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements to provide the best possible care for my patients.
What are some of the latest trends in cosmetic dentistry, and how can people decide if it is right for them?
One of the latest trends in cosmetic dentistry is the increasing popularity of veneers for achieving a white and aesthetically pleasing smile. However, it's important to note that veneers may not suit everyone.
Individuals should ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy to determine if cosmetic dentistry is right for them. Having a good occlusion, or bite alignment, is also crucial for successful veneer placement.
It's worth mentioning that the concept of white teeth should be understood correctly. Natural teeth have unique characteristics such as anatomy, texture, and translucency, and they are not meant to look like perfectly uniform white rectangles.
Consulting with a dental professional can help individuals assess their eligibility for cosmetic treatments and understand the realistic outcomes they can achieve.
What’s one story where you saw a change in someone’s life because they decided to enhance their smile?
We have countless stories of life-changing smile transformations, but our recent patient Joseph stands out to me the most.
He traveled all the way from London to seek treatment to improve his smile. We started by providing him with a hybrid fixed prosthesis for his upper jaw, significantly enhancing his appearance.He was initially shy about smiling but experienced a significant boost in confidence after seeing the remarkable result. Inspired by the positive change in his upper jaw, he decided to further enhance his smile by getting porcelain veneers for his lower teeth.
This transformation not only allowed him to smile confidently but also improved his ability to eat comfortably. Joseph's story is a testament to the impact that enhancing one's smile can have on their overall quality of life.
Dr. Andrés Alias endorses NatruSmile's products as a safe and effective solution for simple aesthetic touch-ups and dentist-level teeth whitening results. For customers worldwide seeking professional advice on more significant aesthetic procedures, such as veneers and dental implants, Dr. Alias is available for consultation via his website.
We encourage the NatruSmile community to find out more about Dr. Alias's work and life-changing treatments for a confident smile. Connect with him on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest advancements in dental aesthetics and personalized care.
