Dr. Cristi Cheek knew she wanted to be a dentist as early as second grade, inspired by her own positive experiences at her local dentist in Clarkesville, Georgia, where she grew up. During college, she worked as a dental assistant—an experience that confirmed her calling and fueled her passion for learning. She was accepted into the Medical College of Georgia and graduated first in her class in 2000, having eagerly soaked up every opportunity to expand her knowledge (always from the front row).
Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Cheek has completed extensive advanced training through The Dawson Academy, Spear Education, and the Academy of Oral & Facial Esthetics. She has refined her expertise in cosmetic veneers and bonding, implant restorations, TMJ/TMD therapy, occlusion, CAD/CAM dentistry, and Botox.
Her passion for airway-focused dentistry is deeply personal. After experiencing sleep apnea herself and undergoing corrective orthognathic surgery, Dr. Cheek developed a special interest in recognizing and treating sleep-disordered breathing. Today, she is dedicated to whole-body care—helping children avoid growth patterns that may lead to sleep apnea in adulthood and guiding adults toward treatments that improve both health and quality of life.
As Cheek Dental continued to grow, Dr. Cheek recognized in 2016 the need for a like-minded partner who would complement the practice’s philosophy with her own strengths. She found that in Dr. Kristy Chandler. Together, they cultivate an environment rooted in warmth, trust, and clinical excellence.
Above all, Dr. Cheek values the relationships she has built with her patients and considers it a privilege to be part of their lives and health journeys.
In her personal time, Dr. Cheek treasures time with her husband, Ron, and their three children, Davis, Walker, and Grayson. Whether snow skiing in the mountains or enjoying water sports at the lake, she values creating meaningful family memories. She is deeply involved at North Point Community Church, where she participates in an adult Small Group and leads a group of high school girls. Dr. Cheek also loves traveling the world with her painting group, embracing creativity and culture wherever she goes.
“My passion is helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime while also supporting their overall health. My own journey with sleep apnea has heightened my awareness of the early signs and symptoms in both children and adults, which allows me to evaluate patients with a broader perspective on how oral health and whole-body health are interconnected.
Because the mouth is a window into the body, I approach dentistry with the understanding that proper function, airway health, and balance all play a role in long-term wellness. A healthy foundation leads not only to improved overall health but also to smiles that are naturally beautiful. When teeth are positioned and restored where they function best, aesthetics follow. Conversely, if aesthetics are addressed without attention to function, the result may be short-lived, with teeth breaking down or restorations failing prematurely.
During a comprehensive examination, I carefully evaluate the health of the soft tissues, the periodontium (the structures that support the teeth), the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and the bite (occlusion). I also screen for signs of sleep-disordered breathing, as each of these elements can affect whole-body health as well as the long-term success of your smile.”
