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Smile Design

Material Matters: Why We Choose Premium Porcelain

7 min read January 2026By Dr. Drew King, DMD, FICOI

When we design a smile makeover, the materials we choose are just as critical as the artistry behind the treatment. At Atlanta Dental Spa, we exclusively use the highest grades of dental porcelain to craft our veneers, ensuring every patient receives a result that is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting. As a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, I have an in-depth understanding of dental materials and their impact on oral health and aesthetics. This is why we have selected three premier porcelain systems for our smile makeovers: Empress, Emax, and Feldspathic porcelain.

Empress porcelain has long been a gold standard in cosmetic dentistry for its stunning, lifelike translucency. This leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic material excels at mimicking the natural layers of a tooth, allowing light to pass through it in a way that creates a truly vibrant and vital appearance. We often recommend Empress for patients who are looking for the most natural and aesthetic result, particularly for front teeth that are in good condition but have cosmetic imperfections. The way Empress porcelain interacts with light is simply unparalleled, making it an ideal choice for achieving a radiant, yet believable, smile.

For those patients who require a bit more strength and durability from their veneers, we often turn to Emax. Emax is a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic that is known for its exceptional toughness and resistance to fracture. This material is significantly stronger than Empress, allowing us to create thinner veneers without compromising their structural integrity. This means we can be more conservative in our tooth preparation, preserving more of your natural tooth structure. Emax is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of cases, from single veneers to full-mouth reconstructions, and it provides a beautiful, natural-looking result.

Feldspathic porcelain is the original material used for porcelain veneers, and it remains a top choice for discerning cosmetic dentists who are committed to the highest level of artistry. This type of porcelain is hand-layered by a master ceramist, allowing for an incredible amount of customization and control over the final shade, translucency, and character of the veneers. While not as strong as Emax, Feldspathic porcelain offers a unique and subtle beauty that is difficult to replicate with other materials. We reserve this option for patients who desire a truly bespoke smile and are committed to the meticulous process required to achieve it.

The choice between Empress, Emax, and Feldspathic porcelain is a collaborative one, made between you, me, and our team at Atlanta Dental Spa. During your consultation, we will carefully evaluate your clinical needs, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences to determine which material is the best fit for you. We will also take into account factors such as the condition of your natural teeth, your bite, and your lifestyle to ensure that your new smile is not only beautiful but also functional and healthy. Our goal is to provide you with a smile that you will love for a lifetime, and that starts with selecting the right material.

As Atlanta's top cosmetic and sedation dentist, I am proud to offer my patients the very best that modern dentistry has to offer. Our commitment to using premium materials like Empress, Emax, and Feldspathic porcelain is just one of the many ways we ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care. Whether you are a local Atlantan or traveling from out of state, we invite you to experience the Atlanta Dental Spa difference. We are confident that our combination of clinical expertise, artistic vision, and personalized care will exceed your expectations and give you the luxury smile makeover you have always dreamed of.

Dr. Drew King, DMD, FICOI — author and cosmetic dentist at Atlanta Dental Spa

Dr. Drew King, DMD, FICOI

CEO of Atlanta Dental Spa. Premier cosmetic and sedation dentist. Speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for the luxury patient experience.

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