Smile Design Specialist
Richard Ekstein, DMD:
Practice Profile Page

★★★★★

DENTAL TREATMENTS OFFERED

Dental cleaning

White fillings

Crowns

Inlays & onlays

Bridges

Clear aligners

Porcelain veneers

Teeth whitening

Dentures & partials

Root canal treatment

Tooth extraction

TMJ treatment

Dental implants

CLEAR ALIGNER SERVICES

OFFICE HOURS

Monday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Thursday: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTO GALLERY

PATIENT REVIEWS

I highly recommend The Smile Design Specialist.  Dr E. gave me a beautiful new smile about 10 years ago. He and his entire staff are very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Melinda, my hygienist is amazing.  She’s such sweetheart!  I wouldn’t ever think about going anywhere else! I’m extremely satisfied with Dr. Ekstein and my bridge work. He and his staff are very professional and super friendly. I use to be terrified to go to the dentist when I was a child, but not anymore! I highly recommend him. Thank you Dr. Ekstein for my beautiful smile!

I am very thankful for the courteous and professional service I receive. Placing your health into a strangers hands is not an easy decision. But I am thankful for Dr. E taking the time to ask me what my desire for care was. After deciding what the best course of action was, I was present with a treatment plan that was acceptable. Thank you team for your service.

I’ve always been deathly afraid of going to the dentist until I started seeing Dr. Ekstein.  Dr. E. and his staff are very professional, friendly, caring and the treatments are painless.  I travel for miles to get to their office passing many other Dentist offices along the way but my wonderful experience and at home feeling will keep me there.  Thanks Dr E, Liz and staff

Dr.E and staff are the best ! Dr. E is the most patient, caring and understanding dentist i have ever been to in my life. He is very professional, courteous and makes patients feel at ease. He makes you feel like family. I will definately refer my family and friends to him. His staff is great, very friendly and professional. Liz, Keisha , Lisa and Melissa have been great to me ! I love it here ! Do not hesitate to make an appt with them. You won’t be disappointed ! Thank you dr.E and staff ! Keep up the great work.

Hola, First off let me start out by saying that I’m the biggest Dental chicken on planet earth so going for a root canal almost brought me to tears! After meeting Dr. Ekstein and the office staff some of my anxiety did go away! Now that I’m about half way done with my teeth problems my anxiety is less and less every time I go. From the moment you walk in you are treated like a friend or family not like a “number” The DOC is gentle and doesn’t have that “holier than thou” attitude. He seems like he really cares! The front office is awesome and the back office is just as cool! If you’re a dental chicken go here and they’ll take really good care of you!

Jessie is a great hygienist. My teeth feel great after she cleans them. Dr E is a great dentist. Always pleasant. Never hurts me during any procedures. The staff is on point and super friendly. Dr E is awesome. I had my 8 year old daughter there today for her first cavity filled. She was super scared but he was extremely patient and nice and did his best to make her comfortable to get the work done. All the staff there are great.

My son and I have been coming to Dr. Ekstein for 6-7 years and it’s been a great experience. The staff is really friendly and knowledgeable. Liz is my favorite because my son has learned how to take care of his dental hygiene mostly from her persistence and patience. They are tech savvy and the office has nice aesthetics. You will feel comfortable. Even in terms of billing, the staff is friendly and courteous. They are attentive to their patients. I highly recommend

Went in yesterday for a cleaning and full exam. The front desk was very professional, the office was very clean and nice. Liz did my cleaning and was great at making me feel welcome and comfortable. She did an excellent job and explained everything to me as she went along. Then Dr Ekstein came in and he was just as great. After I was done, the front desk explained what I needed done, how much it would cost and how much my insurance would cover. Plus my husband got a gift card for referring me and $100 credit for his next appointment. I highly recommend this place!

Dr. E and his entire team are true professionals and made me feel like family. When I came to them I had a tall order of dental work that needed to be done before my wedding. They put together a plan and executed it flawlessly. Most people are scared of the dentist but not here. They treat you like family, greet you with a smile, and every room they have is warm and welcoming. They educated me on how to care for my teeth properly, did about 3 years of dental work for me in about 8 weeks, and for the first time in my life I can smile with confidence knowing the work that was done has transformed my smile into something I am so proud of. I haven’t been able to smile with teeth in years as I was ashamed of my teeth and the damage I have done over the years. Every aspect of my experience with them was above and beyond what I had expected. They even gave me a little wedding present when I returned from my honeymoon. If you need a real dentist then look no further. I couldn’t thank Dr. E and his team enough. You guys are truly magical. THANKS AGAIN!!!!

The entire staff was great from booking the appointment, checking my insurance, and being seen right away. Dr. Eckstein is so friendly and put my nerves to ease. I will be coming back for my routine visits from now on.

Not only is Dr. E the best in the industry but his staff is awesome! I’m not a fan of the dentist industry or it’s employees but The Smile Design Specialist are god sent and they caterer to weirdos like myself and I love them for it! They also put up with my entire family including the male weirdos. Best dentist and staff in the tristate area……THANK YOU!

I began seeing Dr. E many years ago initially because his practice was close to work and convenient. My experience with Dr. E and his staff was so positive and pleasant it was nothing like what a typical trip to the dentist had been in the past. I was always made to feel comfortable and at ease with anything I had done from a hygiene appointment to a root canal. Today now with a wife and 2 children and a 40 mile commute to his office, I WILL NOT take my family anywhere else! I give Smile Design Specialists my highest recommendation.

I arrived in this area about twelve years ago and I have been a patient of Dr E for about that long. This practice as a whole is the best dental practice I’ve ever been too. I have probably seen ten dentists in my life time and Dr E stands out as the best so far. My family and I have had extensive dental care at this practice and it has always been done with great care ,successfully and above expectation. I highly recommend this Dentist and his adept,kind and professional staff.

Had my cleaning and check up here for the first time. Absolutely loved the experience! The hygienist is so gentle and provides a very thorough care. Now I am getting my invisalign treatment at this office. They have all the latest technology and many different options. For me the most important thing is when I go to a dentist, pain free experience with good quality care and that is what I got. I can trust Dr. Ekstein completely with all my dental work and the staff here!

Gentle, caring and professional, Dr. Ekstein & his very knowledgeable staff do everything possible to make me feel comfortable when in for treatments. Believe me that’s not easy! I’m “petrified” of any and all dental work!! I highly recommend Dr. Ekstein if looking for more than just a dentist. Smile Design Specialists go above and beyond. D. Ortiz.

Gentle, caring and professional, Dr. Ekstein & his very knowledgeable staff do everything possible to make me feel comfortable when in for treatments. Believe me that’s not easy! I’m “petrified” of any and all dental work!! I highly recommend Dr. Ekstein if looking for more than just a dentist. Smile Design Specialists go above and beyond. D. Ortiz.

I’ve been going to Dr. E for a long time and got quite a bit of work done – implants, crowns, InvisAlign, etc. Dr. E and his staff are highly competent, reliable, friendly and a pleasure to work with. I cannot recommend them highly enough – going to the dentist should not be a negative experience and won’t be one at Smile Design Specialist.

No one can say they are a fan of going to the dentist, but I can honestly say he makes it bearable. Dr. Ekstein is a consummate professional and takes his time with his patients. When the digital x-rays of your teeth are on the screen, he explains the procedure that he needs to do step-by-step. I highly recommend Dr. Ekstein and his team.

I recently went to Smile Design Specialists because I was interested in “improving” my smile. I was looking in particular for a prosthodontist, a dentist who specializes in “smile makeovers” as well as maintaining healthy teeth. I must add at this point although I have never had a “bad” dental experience, I am nonetheless a very “nervous” patient. I emphasize, a very “nervous” patient. My teeth are very sensitive. From the moment I walked in the door of the office I was put at ease. I felt welcomed. I then meant with Dr. Ekstein who was wonderful. He did a thorough exam, and provided me with several options to reach my goal of a “new smile”, as well as making sure my teeth and gums were healthy. I decided to proceed with Invisalign. Dr. Ekstein was actually able to show me a 3-D representation “in slow motion” of how my teeth would look before and after treatment. Then came the hard part. I had to have a procedure done prior to inserting the Invisalign to get optimal movement of the teeth. Dr. Ekstein and his Assistant, “Keisha” were AWESOME. They took their time, they explained everything. They understood my nervousness and didn’t make me feel “guilty” about it. And the BEST Part. He does incredible work. I now am in my 2nd month of Invisalign and couldn’t be happier. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist, someone who listens to you, is concerned about your feelings, and does thorough, wonderful work go to this office. You will be well taken care of in every way and come away with “healthy” teeth and gums as well as a beautiful smile.

Jessie is one of the hygenists at SDS. She is very professional and personable. She explains each step of the procedures and makes sure you are comfortable. She does a super cleaning. Also she has keep me informed of all the latest techniques that may benefit me. I have been a patient of Dr. E for a very long time. He is highly skilled and caring. He  take the time to listen to your concerns and put you at ease. He is just a fantastic dentist. I would highly recommend SDS.

I have been going to Dr. E’s., office ever since he took over for Dr. Edwards. I really appreciate how I am taken care of from the minute I walk into the office to when I sit in the examine chair till I leave. My hygienist (yes she is mine) Liz, helps me keep my oral hygiene pristine even though I over brush, floss and rinse. Dr. E., is an gentle giant and is very focused on his expertise. The office is maintained by amazing ladies that sit in the front, I can honestly say that I have never seen it look shabby, I have never been given a bill that I wasn’t aware about. There is always someone there to give you the run down before you walk out along with fun flavored chap-stick (you can never have too many)

Let me start off by saying the moment i walked into the office, the sweetest woman named Fran greeted me and knew who i was immediately (initial visit as well). Shows that are on top of their appointments and aware of the patients walking into their office. The office is so comfortable, clean, and the atmosphere feels cozy. When i was brought into the consult room, Keisha asked me all the appropriate questions that were vital to my visit. She was super nice and once again made me feel comfortable. Dr. Ekstein is literally the nicest doctor I have ever encountered in my life. I am terrified of the dentist but he was so friendly and funny! When I explained my fears and everything, he literally said “I get it, you were traumatized.” When he did a quick evaluation he explained every single thing in detail what had to be done and how. Once we were complete, I went back to the front desk where I was scheduled another appointment to follow up with more details and insurance information which was already started by the other nice woman (I do not know her name, sorry). If you are looking for a new dentist, I highly recommend Dr. Ekstein!!!! I am truly happy with my initial visit.

I love Smile Design Specialists in North Arlington. Upon arrival at the office, I always have a wonderful experience. Jessie the hygienist is great and Dr. E. is wonderful. Both are honest about things I do well and areas where I need attention, and they do so lovingly. The only reason I’ve given 4 out of 5 stars is the office’s use of text, email and phone reminders. They are annoying and give me high blood pressure. Perhaps some people need multiple reminders, but I’d like to be put into a category that allows one reminder (text or call, not both) the day before. I DON’T need reminders weeks before or the morning of. I’ve also unsubscribed from email communication because the volume of messaging was insane

Excellent Dentist and Staff. Just had a cleaning and it was the best I’ve ever had. The staff is professional and very knowledgeable. Dr. Ekstein explains everything thoroughly and does great work. It’s a bit on the pricey at this office, but the service and equipment are top notch. I just recommended a friend to visit the Smile Design Specialist.

5 stars all around! Everyone at this office is super friendly and really helps keep you at ease. There is never a wait no matter your appointment time. I’ve never had any issues with billing and they almost always answer the phone right away.. which is not usually the case with most dr offices.

They make it super comfortable for you as a patient and they’re very clear as to what you need done right away and what can be put off until a later time. Liz has been cleaning my teeth every since I was about 7 years old and I’m 22 now so let that be a testament as to how much I love getting my mouth taken care of here

With every Dr. you go to you will find that the staff is miserable.. not here, everyone here is absolutely wonderful I will never see another dentist again. My insurance is not in network and id rather pay out of pocket then go anywhere else. Anita is a god sent she is the most efficient caring person i have ever met in my life. They’re all really great people working here couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

I was looking for a new dentist and after reading the online reviews of Dr. Ekstein, I decided to give him a try. While waiting in the lobby of his office, I was struck by a picture that hung on the wall as it stated the mission of their dental practice. It said “Its not what we do, but how we do it.” I’ll go one step further in saying its not what they do, its also what they don’t do. Let me explain. After being examined by Dr. Ekstein, he determined that I needed a crown for one of my teeth. He fitted me with a temporary crown and indicated the possibility that I may also need a root canal. But instead of immediately adding another procedure, Dr. Ekstein took a wait and see approach to see if the root canal was needed. It speaks volumes about Dr. Ekstein’s knowledge and experience, professionalism, integrity and his commitment to patient care. Like most people, I do not enjoy going to the dentist, much less for a major procedure. But he was incredibly gentle with me and eased all of my concerns and made this procedure very easy to endure. The crown was done quickly, and more importantly, it matches the size and color of my other teeth and you cannot tell that it is not my real tooth. His incredible attention to detail and making the patient feel comfortable also trickles down to his staff of really great dental hygienists as well as the front office staff. I’ll reiterate this dental practice’s mission statement–It’s not what we do, but how we do it. Dr. Ekstein and staff offer truly great dental care. Thank you for making my treatment so easy and painless. Steve G. (Patient for life)

My son and I have been going to Dr. Richard Ekstein for 8 years. Their hygienist are amazing and they do great work. Everyone in the office is super friendly. This office really cares for your teeth and does great preventative care. I keep going to this dentist because it feels like family. Everyone remembers who you are and will always welcome you with a smile. Their pens and chapsticks are the best too haha :). I recently had the opportunity to change my health insurance to a lesser costing plan but I saw that my doctor wasn’t in network so I did not change, that’s how much I like it there. Also shout out to Jesse for taking care of my son and I!

I went to the office for a consultation for a teeth whitening evaluation . I found the office aesthetically pleasing to the eye!!! The staff at the front desk were pleasant and helpful. The dental exam rooms were clean and equipment state of the art. I was able to catch up on my daytime show for a couple of minutes before the dentist came in. I found Dr Ekstein pleasant, and easy to talk to. What a nice guy, not pretentious, and was willing to address any questions I had. I have to say the dental assistants were also very accommodating. I think I will strongly consider changing to this dental office for future dental check-ups. RHP

Dr. E and his entire team are true professionals and made me feel like family. When I came to them I had a tall order of dental work that needed to be done before my wedding. They put together a plan and executed it flawlessly. Most people are scared of the dentist but not here. They treat you like family, greet you with a smile, and every room they have is warm and welcoming. They educated me on how to care for my teeth properly, did about 3 years of dental work for me in about 8 weeks, and for the first time in my life I can smile with confidence knowing the work that was done has transformed my smile into something I am so proud of. I haven’t been able to smile with teeth in years as I was ashamed of my teeth and the damage I have done over the years. Every aspect of my experience with them was above and beyond what I had expected. They even gave me a little wedding present when I returned from my honeymoon. If you need a real dentist then look no further. I couldn’t thank Dr. E and his team enough. You guys are truly magical. THANKS AGAIN!!!!!! <3

Very friendly staff and Dr. Ekstein is very knowledgeable. He doesn’t force you to do unnecessary procedures and does only essential work on your teeth. My teeth cleaner was Melinda. And for all the time I’ve been here she has thoroughly done her job in cleaning and x-rays. Overall she ensures you have a comfortable and great experience. I am so glad I came across this place and definitely recommend it.

I have never had such a great experience going to the dentist before, like I did today. Dr. Ekstein and his staff members are so attentive, friendly, and very helpful. Melinda was the staff member who preformed my cleaning and X-rays. She was professional, knowledgeable, and overall amazing.This was my first time coming here and I’m happy to say I believe I have found my new dentists.

I was looking for a new dentist and after reading the online reviews of Dr. Ekstein, I decided to give him a try. While waiting in the lobby of his office, I was struck by a picture that hung on the wall as it stated the mission of their dental practice. It said “Its not what we do, but how we do it.” I’ll go one step further in saying its not what they do, its also what they don’t do. Let me explain. After being examined by Dr. Ekstein, he determined that I needed a crown for one of my teeth. He fitted me with a temporary crown and indicated the possibility that I may also need a root canal. But instead of immediately adding another procedure, Dr. Ekstein took a wait and see approach to see if the root canal was needed. It speaks volumes about Dr. Ekstein’s knowledge and experience, professionalism, integrity and his commitment to patient care. Like most people, I do not enjoy going to the dentist, much less for a major procedure. But he was incredibly gentle with me and eased all of my concerns and made this procedure very easy to endure. The crown was done quickly, and more importantly, it matches the size and color of my other teeth and you cannot tell that it is not my real tooth. His incredible attention to detail and making the patient feel comfortable also trickles down to his staff of really great dental hygienists as well as the front office staff. I’ll reiterate his mission statement–It’s not what we do, but how we do it.

Relaxed and comfortable in a dentists chair? Yes, that’s how I feel when Dr. Ekstein, my Smile Design Specialist, works on my teeth. Smiling is not a problem anymore. Dr. Ekstein covered a gap in my teeth with a partial that fits great and looks like my original teeth. Dr.”E” did a root canal on me. When he had finished it, I was surprised how painless it was. A crown is my next cosmetic fix and I am looking forward to seeing how good that will look. Dr. Ekstein is by far the best dentist that I have ever been to. I have seen five other dentists in my life. Not one can compare to Dr. Ekstein. I no longer put off dental appointments. Now I sit in Dr.”E’s” chair relaxed and comfortable ( I don’t grab the armrests and brace for pain anymore) knowing my teeth are in his good hands. Dr. Ekstein also has an outstanding and professional staff. They are very knowledgeable, friendly and a pleasure to deal with and talk to.

A WORD FROM YOUR DOCTOR