Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in Buckhead?

If you’re searching for a Buckhead dentist who will give you a radiant smile, look no further than Atlanta Dental Spa, a full-service practice that specializes in cosmetic dentistry.

And now, top cosmetic dentists Drs. Estep and Boulden have expanded to a second Atlanta location, right in the heart of Buckhead.

 

 

Atlanta Dental Spa offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions for creating your perfect smile:

• Veneers, including no-prep and minimal-prep veneers
• Teeth whitening
• Invisalign^® braces
• Laser gum lift
• Tooth bonding
• Snap-on smiles
• Full-mouth rehabilitation

Quality Cosmetic Dentistry in Buckhead

With more than a decade serving Atlanta’s cosmetic dentistry needs, Drs. Estep and Boulden are bringing their high-quality cosmetic dentistry to Buckhead.

• Both Dr. Boulden and Dr. Estep are honored to be Fellows of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), an elite group with only three Fellows in the state of Georgia.

• Dr. Boulden serves on the ACE Advisory Board and is a founding board member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health.

• For five consecutive years, Dr. Estep was voted one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dentists.

• Drs. Estep and Boulden have been voted among Atlanta Magazine’s Top Dentists every year since the competition began.

Specializing in the latest procedures

As you’re searching for a cosmetic dentist, no doubt you want a specialist who is current with the latest developments in dentistry.

• Drs. Boulden and Estep stay at the top of their field through continued research and education in an effort to provide the most cost-effective and long-lasting solutions to their patients’ needs.

• They embrace the latest in dental technology and have been involved in the development of many of the best practices used today in cosmetic dentistry, such as no-prep veneers.

The Focus Is You

Drs. Estep and Boulden believe dentistry should be as painless as possible, and that your needs and wants come first.

In addition to creating this website to answer your questions about family and cosmetic dentistry, our dentists truly know how to communicate with patients by speaking in everyday language – not dental jargon.

That’s just one part of the difference you’ll experience in our Buckhead dental practice, where patients are welcomed by the sound of waterfalls and enjoy Bose^® noise-cancelling headphones and Tempurpedic^® chairs during their procedures.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Buckhead, don’t trust your smile to anyone else. Call Atlanta Dental Spa today for your complimentary consultation.

 

Veneers Financing Atlanta: How to Pay for Your Perfect Smile

If your smile isn’t what you want it to be, then high quality porcelain veneers or Lumineers could be the perfect option for you. However, many people do not consider these options, because they assume financing is not available for porcelain veneers. If you have always wanted veneers to create that brilliant, priceless smile (but didn’t think you could afford them) we have the solution for you!

At Atlanta Dental Spa, we want to make sure that each person who wants the best veneers in Atlanta has the chance to make their wish come true! We offer a variety of veneers financing solutions, and with our flexible payment options we will help you get the beautiful smile you have always wanted.

Porcelain veneers financing from Atlanta Dental Spa

• We offer many payment solutions to fit your needs. Two payment options that are quite popular with many of our patients are Springstone Financial and CareCredit.

• These are two of the leading companies in health care credit, and they offer credit cards to individuals looking to pay for their healthcare needs. Using one of these financial institutions can make affording your dental care from Atlanta Dental Spa a reality.

• In addition to the options above, we also accept all major credit cards. Whether you want to use American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard, we have got you covered. This essentially gives you the option of paying for your veneers procedure over a period of time that is right for you.

• We will also work with your insurance company to receive maximum insurance benefits, if applicable. While we are not listed as providers on any insurance providers lists, it may be possible to get reimbursement from your insurance provider for certain cosmetic dentistry procedures.

• Of course if you prefer, we do accept cash payments, as well as personal checks.

Fee-for-service system

• Here at Atlanta Dental Spa, we institutionalize a fee-for-service system on all veneer work. This means that patients must pay for veneers on the same day as you begin the process. As you know, all insurance policies are different and many have stipulations on dental coverage.

• Therefore, we must make an educated guess as to how much your insurance may cover. While we cannot predict this, we make close approximations based on past patient experiences.

• However, we can assure you that your veneers procedure will not start without your full understanding of the costs involved.

• The cost of high quality porcelain veneers can scare some people; however, it is important to note that with our porcelain veneers financing options, we take away the scary part of the process!

If you would like to finance your veneers, take advantage of our wide array of financing options by calling our top Atlanta dentists today at 770-998-3838 to schedule your consultation!

Are you Searching for Invisalign Specialists in Atlanta?

If you are searching for Invisalign specialists in Atlanta, you have come to the right place!

Dr. Boulden and Dr. Estep completed training with the Aligntech Institute so they can offer patients the Invisalign clear braces. They learned specific clinical competencies to enhance the effects of the Invisalign procedure. In addition, they are skillfully trained to not only identify the most ideal patients who will prosper from Invisalign, but to create your dream smile!

Invisalign: The perfect solution

• Simply put, Invisalign braces are the perfect solution to obtain straight teeth. The way Invisalign® clear braces work is fairly simple to understand.

• Our dentists will use high-tech 3-D computer imaging technology to create your treatment plan. Then the lab creates a series of customized aligners for you, which are constructed using a medical-grade polymer (plastic).

• We will also show you pictures of your future smile with straight teeth before the procedure begins!

• The clear braces treatment has been proven countless times to straighten our patient’s teeth. The aligners must be worn for 1-2 years, changing them on a bi-weekly basis. During this time you will observe your teeth getting straighter and straighter as time flies by!

Advantages of Invisalign

• Instead of traditional braces, Invisalign has many advantages for you. The clear braces can be removed to tend to your normal activities—eating, flossing, brushing your teeth.

• In addition, no more sacrificing certain types of foods (peanuts, popcorn, and more), and no more negative consequences (pain, mouth blisters), as you would experience with traditional braces!

• Throughout your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Boulden and Dr. Estep recommend scheduling in-office appointments with us approximately every six weeks to track your progress.

If you have uneven and crooked teeth, come see us to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Our Atlanta Invisalign specialists will help you create the flawless smile you desire!

Highest Rated Dentists in Atlanta: Dr. Estep and Dr. Boulden

Going to the dentist shouldn’t be a stressful experience. Two of Atlanta’s highest-rated dentists, Dr. Susan Estep and Dr.  Peter Boulden believe in taking the fear out of dentistry. Both doctors have been recognized by their patients and their peers for their expertise, as well as for their patient-focused approach to dentistry.

Top rated dentists

• As Fellows of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), both Dr. Boulden and Dr. Estep are honored to be among an elite group of the most renowned cosmetic dentists in the world. (Only three ACE Fellows call the state of Georgia home.)

• Dr. Boulden also serves on the ACE Advisory Board and is a founding board member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health.

• Drs. Boulden and Estep stay at the top of their field through continuing education and research, so that their patients can rest assured they are receiving only the best care possible

• The Atlanta Dental Spa doctors also understand the link between bleeding gums and systemic illness and are leading the way to bridge the gap between physicians and dentists on this matter.

Award-Winning

Drs. Estep and Boulden have been voted among Atlanta Magazine’s Top Dentists every year since the competition began.

Other honors include:

• For five consecutive years, Dr. Estep was voted as one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dentists.

• Dr. Boulden received “Best of Show” and “1^st Place for Smile Makeovers” in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics 2010 International Smile Gallery Competition

• Dr. Estep has been recognized in Who’s Who of America’s Leading Female Professionals for nearly a decade.

• Dr. Boulden is a six-time award winner for excellence in smile designs and cosmetic dentistry from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Giving Back

Drs. Boulden and Estep believe that being among Atlanta’s top dentists carries a responsibility to give back to the community. That’s why the doctors participate in the Give Back a Smile Program for domestically abused victims who are in the need of dental care.

Find out for yourself why the doctors of Atlanta Dental Spa are among Atlanta’s highest-rated dentists. Call or stop by today for a free consultation about your cosmetic dentistry questions or overall oral health.

 

Searching for a Family Dentist in Atlanta? Look no further

At Atlanta Dental Spa, we’re more than cosmetic dentists. We’re also respected family dentists in Atlanta, performing routine cleanings, crowns, fillings and implants, in addition to veneers, Lumineers and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Our doctors enjoy the long-lasting relationships they build with patients and their families. We want to treat all your dental needs, from a 2-year-old’s first checkup to regular cleanings, fillings and oral cancer screenings.

Regular cleanings

• We know that protecting your family’s health and wellness is what is most important to you, and regular visits to the dentist are a key part of that health regimen.
• For many patients, we recommend three cleanings per year. This recommendation is based on the fact that it takes only about three months for bacteria to establish a colony in your mouth. By the fourth month, they are producing the toxins that attack your enamel and gums.
• By doing three cleanings a year, we are able to interrupt this cycle and detect or even reverse decay.
• Because we know that you will likely need to pay for the third cleaning out of pocket (as well as any cosmetic procedures needed), we offer convenient dental financing options.

Oral cancer screenings

• During every cleaning, our doctors and hygienists are doing a visual oral cancer screening. Because the risk factors for oral cancer now include tobacco, alcohol, and/or exposure to the HPV virus, nearly every adult in the US is at risk for developing oral cancer.
• Atlanta Dental Spa also recommends an additional oral cancer screening (ViziLite or VELscope) once per year. These screenings have the ability to detect early stages of oral cancer before a lesion is visible.

Like a day at the spa

Family life can be hectic. Isn’t it nice to be pampered now and then? Most people don’t expect a visit to their family dentist to be the highlight of their day, but for our patients, it actually is. From the soothing waterfalls in our lobby to the ergonomic patient chairs and Bose noise-canceling headphones, we are changing how people feel about going to the dentist.

Trust your family’s dental care to the experienced, gentle dentists and courteous staff at Atlanta Dental Spa. We want to be your Atlanta family dentists!

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are, without a doubt, modern dentistry’s best way to replicate nature. That is always the goal of cosmetic dentistry- to replicate nature, not try to improve upon it.

Porcelain veneers are NOT the only option for changing one’s smile but are commonly used when a patient wants to gain a lot of control of their smile (change color, size, shape, etc).

The advantages (pros) to porcelain veneers are:

• Aesthetics: Porcelain is our most ‘natural’ looking enamel replacement material because it replicates a lot of the same properties as enamel. For example, enamel has a property called translucency (where light can enter and be reflected back out). Porcelain has that same characteristic and can be varied by the master ceramist to blend with the surrounding teeth.

• Strength: Besides using metal in your mouth, porcelain systems today are the strongest materials we have. Most ceramics used today are actually a lithium disilicate glass (again, very strong).

• Durability: Porcelain veneers are bonded to the underlying tooth structure. Because of this fact, their is a chemical adhesion to the tooth and the veneer on a microscopic level. Done correctly and precisely, this bonded procedure can last upwards of 2o years.

• Lack of staining: Unlike bonding or natural teeth, porcelain veneers do not really stain because of the material it is composed of (essentially a glass ceramic). Additionally, porcelain veneers are glazed in an oven as the final process in their fabrication so this prevents (or minimizes) staining.

Nothing in dentistry is PERFECT though. There are some cons associated with porcelain veneers:

• Cost: Porcelain veneers are expensive. Veneers range in quality across the board, just like most products we buy. For example, just like in automobiles, you may want to buy a sub-compact car or a high-end luxury sedan.

• Porcelain veneers are typically no different in that you get what you pay for. The price they can range from is $700 – $2000 per tooth. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get quality at $700 nor does it guarantee a $2000 veneer is going to be perfect. This is why it is VITAL to look at the “before and after” results of the dentist your are electing to perform the procedure to make sure they’re qualified to meet your expectations.

• Invasive: Porcelain veneers are typically more invasive to the enamel than, for example, tooth bonding would be. Even at a minimal thickness of 0.3mm, without a little tooth reduction, the tooth could appear bulky (which in our opinion is a DEAD GIVEAWAY that they’re ‘fake’). There are situations, though, that the tooth does not require any reduction (i.e. drilling).

• These are called No-prep veneers like Ultraveneers, Lumineers, and Durathins. At Atlanta Dental Spa, we pride ourselves on being very conservative cosmetic dentists. This means that we take great strides to do minimal tooth reduction to achieve MAXIMAL aesthetic results.

• Not stronger than enamel: It’s a myth that porcelain is good for people who have chipped or broken their teeth through grinding (or chewing ice, etc). Porcelain is NOT stronger than enamel. So basically anything that could chip or break a natural tooth, will surely do the same to porcelain. In many instances, we mandate a nightguard in our cases to ensure protection on your investment.

Porcelain veneers can be a great investment, if they are the right option for you. Visit our cosmetic dentistry practice in Atlanta to schedule your free consultation, and find out if porcelain veneers are right for you!

Are You Searching for a Saturday Dentist in Atlanta?

Is your schedule so busy throughout the week that you don’t have time for a dentist appointment? Have you been searching for an dentist with Saturday office hours? We know it can be an arduous task to find a Saturday dentist in Atlanta.

As cosmetic dentists, we know how busy you are, especially during workdays on Monday through Friday. That is why we cater to your needs! Our dentists, Dr. Boulden and Dr. Estep, offer Saturday hours to accommodate your schedule.

Flexible Saturday Scheduling

• Our flexible Saturday scheduling is one way that we provide superb, professional service to give you the dental hospitality you and your family deserve. We are dedicated to giving every patient timely service, respect, and expert care.

• We know that, for most people, Monday through Friday is jam-packed with work, family obligations, and the like. We also know that your dental health sometimes needs attention on weekends, too.

• Our Saturday hours meet those needs. We are proud to offer dental treatments 6 out of 7 days to our patients.

• We are there when you need us the most, and when it is convenient for you. Now that’s what I call service!

Your Saturday Spa Retreat

• If you have had a stressful week, you can even consider our Saturday hours as a spa-like retreat—and receive our superior dental care at the same time! Our office has several relaxing amenities that create a tranquil atmosphere—from our Internet café to our serene waterfalls.

• Maybe you find yourself having a few extra hours on the weekend that would be perfect for a dentist appointment. Top Atlanta dentists Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Susan Estep will happily accommodate you and your family!

If you are in need of a Saturday Dentist in Atlanta, call us at 770-998-3838 to schedule your appointment.

Bad Breath (Halitosis) Treatment Atlanta

Atlanta Bad Breath Treatment: What Causes Halitosis?

Bad breath is one of people’s biggest fears in life. Almost NOTHING is as embarrassing in social situations than bad breath! In fact, it’s the 3rd most common thing that brings people to the dentist (1st is decay, 2nd is periodontal disease). The good news is that our Atlanta dentists can help you control bad breath FOR GOOD!

Do you commonly find yourself asking, “I wonder if my breath is bad?” or “Why does my mouth taste so bad in the morning?” This is very common, and the answer is pretty simple– In almost ALL cases, bacteria is the cause.

90% of most cases of bad breath originate from the mouth, but there are other syndromes and illnesses that can contribute to bad breath like those involving the digestive tract.

The primary reason we have bad breath is because of the bacteria that exist in the mouth. Of course, bad breath can be caused from something you ate like garlic or onions, but this is usually just temporary bad breath due to your last meal. In terms of halitosis, we are discussing more of a “chronic bad breath” situation, where it seems like no matter what you do, you still have bad breath.

Bacteria is a big culprit of bad breath

As bacteria are allowed to proliferate and replicate in your mouth, they release by-products of malodorous acids and fatty acids. In our mouth, the tongue has a large surface area that can house most of the bacteria that cause bad breath (about 75% actually). The tongue produces keratin to help coat and protect. When that keratin layer builds up it allows an environment for bacteria to accumulate and dead cells to lay.

SOLUTION: A tongue scraper can help manage the amount of keratin allowed to accumulate on the tongue. In addition, brush your tongue daily.

Periodontal Disease as cause for Bad Breath

In the presence of gum disease, it can almost be guaranteed you’ll have some degree of bad breath. The aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that proliferate under the gum line (that cause gum disease) secrete what is called Volatile Sulfer Compounds (VSC). Everyone has some level at which their mouth produces VSC’s because no ones mouth is bacteria free. Yet, in order to be “bad breath free” the levels have to be undetectable to the human nose.

Have you ever noticed that when you floss you can get a foul taste in your mouth afterwards? This is because you’ve dislodged some of that bacteria and by-products (VSC’s).

SOLUTION: Get rid of the presence of gum disease in your mouth. We can help diagnose this problem for you at Atlanta Dental Spa.

In Summary:

• Bacteria are the cause of almost ALL causes of bad breath
• Under the gums & the tongue are areas where bacteria accumulate
• The cure is pretty simple: manage the amount of bacteria in your mouth

If bad breath has been bothering you, please let us help you. Often times, people don’t even want to seek help for help because it’s so embarrassing to some. There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, if you have bacteria that cause bad breath in your mouth, your health may be at risk as well (see the Body Mouth Connection page).

Please call us today at 770-998-3838 in order to talk with top Atlanta dentists Dr. Peter Boulden or Dr. Susan Estep today!

Osteoporosis and Why Your Dentist Should Know

Ever wonder why your Atlanta dentist has to know what drugs you are taking? After all, what effect could this possibly have on your mouth? Many people do not feel comfortable sharing this type of personal information, and it can be especially difficult for women who are taking medications (or had ‘female’ procedures done) to divulge that information to a male dentist.

Osteoporosis

• During her later years, menopause becomes part of a woman’s life. Many women worry about osteoporosis or osteopenia and turn to their OB-GYNs for direction on what they can do to prevent that from occurring.

• There have been many forms of medication in the past that were prescribed for these bone conditions. For the last decade or so, the major drug of choice has been some form of what is called a bisphosphonate drug. Examples include Floramax, Boniva, Actonel, Didronel, and Reclast.

• Some of these drugs are also used to treat other bone diseases like Paget’s Disease as well as some forms of cancer. These drugs do wonders for maintaining the bone levels of women in their postmenopausal years.

• However, there are always side effects with any drug we take, and it is important to know those serious side effects, especially on medication that is taken on a daily basis for long periods of time.

Bisphosphonates

• These bisphosphonate drugs are no different. The drugs work by affecting the bone cells, called osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which means they slow or stop the natural process that dissolves bone tissue, resulting in maintained or increased bone density. So why is all this important for your mouth and jaws?

• Patients who are taking the medication for osteoporosis take it by mouth as a pill. Many forms of cancer use these drugs in an I.V. form. For those who take the I.V. form, there is a high risk of what is called osteonecrosis of the jaw.

• Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a condition in which the bone is dying. For patients who take the pill form, it is important to understand that, based on the information currently available, the risk for developing bone osteonecrosis is low.

Preventing osteonecrosis of the bone

• Some of the dental treatments that have this risk tied to them include oral surgery, tooth extractions, gum and bone disease, dental implants, and root canals. The best form of treatment is preventative treatment.

• If you think you will be on a bisphosphonate drug in the near future, or if you already are on one, give us a call so we can do a thorough dental examination and treat any conditions you may have early, to avoid any need to worry about osteonecrosis of the bone.

• Again, you are likely at low risk, but it is important for us to know you are on these medications so we can make sure you maintain a good clean bill of dental health. So, when your dentist asks if you are on any new medications, let us know. Stay up to date with your visits to the OB-GYN and let them know you still see your dentist on a regular basis.

9 Tips for Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

How do you choose a cosmetic dentist? It’s a very difficult and confusing process. Choosing a cosmetic dentist can be a great first step to creating that wonderful smile you’ve always wanted and dreamed of. In fact, 96% of Americans feel an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to a member of the opposite sex, according to a study done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

With every dentist out there claiming he or she performs cosmetic dentistry, it’s difficult to determine who will deliver exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some things to think about when choosing your “cosmetic” dentist.

Is it his or her focus?

Look for a dentist who has tried to make cosmetic dentistry a focus in his or her practice. Obviously, the more cases a dentist has done, the more likely he or she can deliver consistent results.

Before and after photos

This one is big. Make sure the dentist you are selecting has copious photography of his/her work. Before and after pictures are essential for evaluating the level of performance you can expect from that dentist’s work. If a dentist cannot provide you with high quality before and after pictures, run the other way!

Level of post-graduate dental education

Minimal amounts of cosmetic dentistry are taught by dental schools. Make sure to view dentists’ post-graduate credentials when choosing your cosmetic dentist. Do they have credentials from post-graduate institutions? What membership affiliations do they have? What is the focus of their continuing education?

Other patients’ experiences

Testimonials on a website are great, but it’s even better for the dentist to have patients whom you could call to discuss their experiences. Other patients sometimes give you a better idea of what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

The dentist should be proud to give you a list of  “raving fans” to call who have gone through the particular procedure you’re seeking.

Technology and office standards

Have a look around the office. This is your opportunity to see the equipment, ask questions about available technology and procedures, and check out the sterilization areas. For instance, if the sterilization area doesn’t look up-to-date, do you think you’ll be happy with the results from that particular dentist?

Are you comfortable with the dentist?

It is important that you get a sense of honesty and have a high level of communication with the cosmetic dentist you choose. You will be spending some time with the dentist you pick, so if you get a bad feeling, it might be best to move on.

Inquire about their ceramist

The level of ceramics (or porcelain) will likely be a direct reflection of the quality of fit and aesthetic of your dental appliance. If you are seeking the best cosmetic dentistry possible, ask your dentist if he or she uses a “master ceramist.”

The level of training the ceramist has is EVERY BIT as important as the cosmetic dentist’s level of training. Together, they will work to create the smile you have always dreamed of.

Different treatment options

You should expect options when consulting with a cosmetic dentist. During that consultation, a dentist may explain to you an “ideal” treatment, as well as a variety of other options. Options are important because ultimately you are responsible for your own decisions.

Have they won any awards?

Advances in cosmetic dentistry, like most technology, move very fast. Make sure that the cosmetic dentists you are looking into are not ‘resting on their laurels’ from back in the ’90s. One way is to see if they’ve actually won awards for their cosmetic dentistry in competition with dentists nationally and internationally (these competitions are held by dental organizations typically).

These are a few crucial tips that you can use to find the cosmetic dentistry professional that is right for you! If you would like to schedule a consultation with Atlanta Dental Spa, simply call us at 770-998-3838 today!