Best Cosmetic Dentists in Atlanta

Dr. Marilyn Gaylor

Cosmetic Dentists

Advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry requires hundreds of hours of post-graduate training. It may surprise you to learn that the vast majority of dental schools do not teach any courses in cosmetic or advanced restorative dentistry, and of those that do, the classes are usually limited to a few introductory courses.

Gifted with an artistic eye, a rigorous program of post-graduate training and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Dr. Marilyn Gaylor has become one of the highest trained and most credentialed dentists in the world today.

“Our success is measured by the smile on your face. Changing people’s lives is my greatest reward.” – Dr. Marilyn Gaylor

Dr. Robert Schmidt

Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Schmidt is one of the first five dentists in the expanded Atlanta area (and one of the first twenty dentists in the entire South Eastern U.S.) to achieve the highest certification level in the Invisalign® Technique. He is also an inductee of the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, an honor bestowed upon only one graduating dentist per year.

He is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Schmidt has completed advanced hands-on training with Implant Seminars, a live surgery master series program for the study and application of dental implant placement. He has also attained a Fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association.

He was one of the first dentists in the country to complete the Implant Innovations Synergy training program for state-of-the-art restorations of dental implants. Furthermore, he is the dental consultant for the Hemophilia of Georgia Organization, and he trains dentists to properly administer dental care for their hemophiliac patients.

Dr. Robert Schmidt is a graduate of Emory University. Dr. Schmidt earned his dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating in 1987. He has now been practicing dentistry in the Atlanta area since 1987

Dr. Bahar Nia

Cosmetic Dentists

As the Founder and Clinical Director of Buckhead Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Nia is not new to the field. In fact, as a second-generation cosmetic dentist in Atlanta, she grew up watching her father work at his own dental practice. After graduating from her prestigious Ivy League education at The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, she decided to further her education by attending a postdoctoral residency in Houston. This gave Dr. Nia the opportunity to collaborate with the MD Anderson Cancer Center where she became more well-rounded in the diagnosis of oral, head, and neck oncology. Her philosophy of patient care is a wholesome approach to both diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Nia provides aesthetically beautiful smile makeovers with a sense of perfectionism and great attention to detail.

Dr. Nia sits on the board of directors for the “American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry”, Georgia Chapter. She is passionate about lifelong education and continuous personal growth. Dr. Nia also believes in the core meaning of giving back. She contributes to many local community programs and charitable foundations including “Susan G. Komen of Greater Atlanta”, “Atlanta Aids Fund” through “Jeffery Fashion Cares”, “National Black Art”, “Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential”, “Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocate”, “Eric Beverly Family Foundation” and “Simple Needs Georgia”. As a patron, Dr. Nia continuously gives back and even provides charitable anonymous smile makeovers.

Dr. Debra Gray King

Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Debra Gray King passed the accreditation examinations of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) in 1995, and went on to earn her fellowship in that Academy in 1999. AACD Fellowship is recognized as the highest level of competence in cosmetic dentistry, and there are only 88 dentists in the world who have earned this distinction.

In addition to her training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. King has pursued post-graduate training in complex restorative dentistry, graduating from the Pankey Institute in Florida and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. She has also trained at the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (PAC-Live) at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, and The Hornbrook Group in San Diego. Dr. King is presently a clinical instructor of full-mouth reconstruction with the Aesthetic Masters program and has lectured extensively at educational seminars throughout the country.

Dr. King has been featured as an expert on dental trends extensively in the media including CBS, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Fox News, InStyle, Vogue, Glamour, USA Today, UK’s The Guardian, and she was featured in the before and after gallery on Consumer Guide to Dentistry. This consumer resource provides comprehensive information about numerous dental topics, including braces, veneers, TMJ, teeth whitening, and dentures. She was also selected as a featured cosmetic dentist on ABC’s show “Extreme Makeover”, has been awarded “Best Cosmetic Dentist” by Best Self Atlanta for three consecutive years, and she is also a 2020 Dental Hall of Fame inductee. Dr. King loves traveling and spending time with her three children and daughter-in-law. An avid reader and dog lover, she can be found many evenings on her front porch with a good book and a puppy curled up at her feet.

Dr. Stephanie Jaipaul

Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Stephanie Jaipaul grew up in New York prior to attending the University of Georgia & the Dental College of Georgia in Augusta, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Following dental school, Dr. Jaipaul completed a General Practice Residency in Kansas City, Missouri, with a strong focus in cosmetic dentistry, surgical procedures, root canals & placing & restoring dental implants.

Dr. Jaipaul is an active member of the Georgia Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists & American Academy of Implant Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

 She is empowered by her desires to both alleviate the discomfort of others as well as help patients gain confidence through having a smile that they love. 

As a lifelong learner, she keeps up-to-date with the latest advances in general & esthetic dentistry and is dedicated to providing the best possible treatment to her patients. She also enjoys being able to provide Botox & dermal fillers to patients interested in enhancing the esthetics of their smiles or alleviating their TMJ associated discomfort.

Dr. Jaipaul enjoys residing in the Buckhead and in her free time, you can find her at pilates, spending time with Indie, her Mini Australian Shepherd, or cheering on the Dawgs & the Chiefs!

Dr. Stephanie Jaipaul

Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Peter Boulden has an extensive and celebrated list of scholastic achievements in his field, beginning with the very prestigious distinction of Fellow to the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (now part of Smile Source network) where he also serves as a member on the Advisory Board. The Academy (made up of the most renowned cosmetic dentists in the world) created an extensive, rigorous process to evaluate professionals who are committed to advanced learning, attention to detail, and clinical excellence.

One of only 3 Fellows in the State of Georgia, Dr. Boulden is a master at the relationship between the smile and how it relates to facial symmetry and recently received his Fellowship in the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics (so much so that he created an iTunes App). In the summer of 2011, Dr. Boulden also received his Fellowship to the Academy of General Dentistry. This is his fourth fellowship, making Dr. Boulden one of the most credentialed cosmetic and general dentists in the world.

A native of Atlanta (Marietta, GA), Dr. Peter Boulden received his degree from the University of Virginia and his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Performing literally thousands of smile makeovers (porcelain veneers) and cosmetic dental procedures that one can peruse on our website’s smile gallery.

With celebrity clientele and a reputation for jaw-dropping smile transformations, Dr. Boulden is recognized around Atlanta as the “go to” dentist for high-end cosmetic dentistry. A highly lauded dentist across the country, Dr. Boulden lectures locally and nationally. He characterizes himself as a perfectionist who aims to display his exceptional skills in every patient he sees.

Dr. Maheshvar Patel

Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Patel is a Georgia native who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Mercer University in Macon, GA. He then went on to receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry.

After graduating from NYU, Dr. Patel moved back to his home state of Georgia to start his dental career. Dr. Patel stays involved with the local community by participating in community fairs and giving back to charity organizations. In his spare time, he volunteers at the Good Samaritan Clinic of Cobb in Marietta.

Dr. Patel is happily married to Shivani Patel. When he’s not working, Dr. Patel likes to play golf, bowl, paint, cheer on Atlanta sports teams (Falcons, Braves, Hawks), barbecue, and spend time with family and friends. Dr. Patel enjoys being a part of private practice and having the opportunity to build relationships with the local community. At Smile Forever Atlanta patients are more than a number. We want to get to know you and your family. We take extra time to educate our patients about their dental health and thoroughly explain all of their treatment options. Confidence starts with a healthy and happy smile, and that’s why Smile Forever Atlanta is here to serve our community.

Stephan (Steve) Drescher

Cosmetic Dentists

I love performing all aspects of dentistry. I get a great deal of satisfaction helping my patients with their basic dental needs and I get very excited when my staff and I provide our patients with the great smiles they always wanted either through aesthetic dentistry, orthodontics or implant dentistry. Another aspect of my work that provides me with great satisfaction is when we convert scared dental patients to patients who feel good about seeing the dentist.

I am extremely proud of our very talented and experienced staff. We have several staff members whom have been with us for over 10 years and a few for over 20 years! Their top priority is to take great care of our patients by being sure that they are comfortable and that their needs are being met. We treat all of our patients the way that we would like to be treated.

    • 1981 – Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of Florida 1985 – Doctor of Dental Surgery, Emory University School of Dentistry Member, American Orthodontic Society, Board of Directors 2003-2007 Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Member, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)

Dr. Susan Estep

Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Susan Estep presents a distinguished list of scholastic achievements in her field, beginning with the very prestigious honor of Fellow to the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE) The Academy has an extensive, rigorous process to evaluate dentists who are committed to advanced learning, attention to detail and clinical excellence. To earn the accreditation of Fellow, Dr. Estep had to pass an extremely thorough exam and present her own cases in cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry to a panel of strict examiners.

  • In 2011, Dr. Susan Estep achieved the award of Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). To earn a Fellowship award, a dentist must complete at least 500 continuing dental education hours, pass a rigorous and comprehensive exam, and maintain AGD membership for three continuous years.

    In 2010, Dr. Estep helped found the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), a group of healthcare providers dedicated to expanding awareness of the relationship between oral health and whole-body health. AAOSH members come from all healthcare disciplines and include the nation’s healthcare leaders. Dr. Susan Estep sits on the Executive Board for AAOSH and chaired its inaugural scientific session in 2010. Since 2010, Dr. Estep has remained an active board member, passionate about educating dentists and teams in oral-systemic health.

Dr. Ronak Patel

Cosmetic Dentists

As a Georgia native, Dr. Patel loves serving the people of Atlanta. After graduating from Duluth High School, he achieved his undergraduate degree in Microbiology at the University of Georgia. From there he went on to complete his advanced dental training at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. During the early years of his career, he had the privilege of serving the people of Nashville alongside one of his mentors.

To ensure his patients are always getting the best and latest treatment, Dr. Patel is passionate about continuing education. He works hard to master the newest techniques on the leading edge of modern dental care. To that end, he is well on his way to achieving one of the highest distinctions in dentistry – becoming a Fellow in the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry.

  • Dr. Patel and his wife make their home in Atlanta with their 2 children, Mila (3 years old) and Liam (6 months old). In his spare time, he enjoys working out with his wife, strolling the city with his family, cooking and eating diverse cuisines with family and friends, and attending college football games. Whenever he gets the opportunity, you might also find Dr. Patel swinging a club on a course or practicing shots on a driving range to improve his golf game.

What is an ENT Specialist? Understanding ENT and Cosmetic Dentistry

In the realm of medical and dental specialties, two fields that often intersect with oral health are Otolaryngology (ENT) and Cosmetic Dentistry. While both deal with areas around the mouth and face, they serve different purposes and require distinct expertise. This article will explore what an ENT specialist does and how their work differs from and complements that of a cosmetic dentist.

ENT Specialist: Otolaryngologist

An ENT specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The term “ENT” is an acronym for “Ear, Nose, and Throat.”

Education and Training: ENT specialists undergo extensive education and training:

  1. Four years of college
  2. Four years of medical school
  3. At least five years of specialty residency training
  4. Often followed by a fellowship for subspecialty training

Areas of Expertise: ENT specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including:

  1. Ear: Hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, tinnitus, and ear pain
  2. Nose: Allergies, sinusitis, smell disorders, and nasal obstruction
  3. Throat: Voice and swallowing problems, sleep apnea, and throat cancers
  4. Head and Neck: Infectious diseases, tumors, facial trauma, and deformities

Common Procedures: ENT specialists perform various procedures, such as:

  • Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
  • Ear tube insertion
  • Sinus surgery
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery

ENT and Oral Health: While ENT specialists don’t focus primarily on teeth, they often deal with issues that affect oral health:

  • Treating chronic sinusitis, which can cause tooth pain
  • Addressing sleep apnea, which may involve oral appliances
  • Managing salivary gland disorders
  • Treating oral and throat cancers

Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth, and smile. While all dentists can perform cosmetic procedures, some choose to specialize in this area.

Education and Training: Cosmetic dentists complete:

  1. Four years of undergraduate education
  2. Four years of dental school
  3. Optional post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry
  4. Continuing education to stay current with the latest techniques and technologies

Areas of Expertise: Cosmetic dentists specialize in procedures that enhance the appearance of teeth and gums, including:

  1. Teeth Whitening: Professional bleaching to remove stains and discoloration
  2. Dental Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of teeth
  3. Dental Bonding: Using tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, or gaps
  4. Dental Implants: Artificial tooth roots to support replacement teeth
  5. Orthodontics: Including traditional braces and clear aligners
  6. Gum Contouring: Reshaping the gum line to create a more balanced smile

Common Procedures: Some of the most frequent cosmetic dental procedures include:

  • In-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments
  • Porcelain veneer placement
  • Composite bonding for minor repairs
  • Full smile makeovers combining multiple procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry and Oral Health: While the primary focus is on aesthetics, many cosmetic dental procedures also improve oral health:

  • Straightening teeth can improve bite alignment and reduce the risk of decay
  • Replacing missing teeth with implants can prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure
  • Repairing chips and cracks can prevent further damage to teeth

The Intersection of ENT and Cosmetic Dentistry

While ENT specialists and cosmetic dentists have distinct areas of focus, there are several areas where their work overlaps or complements each other:

  1. Sleep Apnea Treatment: ENT specialists often diagnose sleep apnea, but treatment may involve both specialties. While an ENT might recommend surgery in severe cases, a cosmetic dentist might create a custom oral appliance to help keep the airway open during sleep.
  2. TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain in the jaw, face, and ears. Both ENT specialists and cosmetic dentists may be involved in diagnosing and treating these conditions. An ENT might focus on pain management, while a cosmetic dentist might address bite alignment issues.
  3. Facial Aesthetics: Both specialties can contribute to overall facial aesthetics. An ENT specialist might perform facial plastic surgery, while a cosmetic dentist focuses on enhancing the smile, which is a crucial component of facial appearance.
  4. Oral Cancer Screening: Both ENT specialists and dentists play a role in oral cancer detection. Dentists often perform routine screenings during check-ups, while ENT specialists may be called upon for diagnosis and treatment of detected abnormalities.
  5. Sinus Issues and Tooth Pain: Sinus problems can sometimes manifest as tooth pain, leading patients to consult a dentist. In such cases, collaboration between the dentist and an ENT specialist may be necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Choosing the Right Specialist

When facing health issues related to the mouth, face, or neck, it’s important to consult the appropriate specialist:

  • For problems primarily related to the ears, nose, throat, or structures of the head and neck, an ENT specialist is the appropriate choice.
  • For issues specifically related to the appearance of teeth and gums, a cosmetic dentist is the go-to professional.
  • In cases where symptoms overlap or the cause is unclear, it may be beneficial to consult both specialists.

Conclusion

ENT specialists and cosmetic dentists both play crucial roles in maintaining and improving oral and facial health. While their areas of expertise differ, there are many instances where their work intersects and complements each other. ENT specialists focus on the medical aspects of ear, nose, throat, and related head and neck structures, while cosmetic dentists concentrate on enhancing the appearance of teeth and smiles.

Understanding the distinctions and connections between these specialties can help patients make informed decisions about their health care. Whether you’re dealing with chronic sinus issues, considering a smile makeover, or facing a complex condition that involves both areas, knowing when to consult an ENT specialist, a cosmetic dentist, or both can lead to more effective treatment and better overall outcomes.

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