EMA Dental Blog

If you are considering Invisalign or traditional braces, you likely have a lot of questions. Which works better? Which method is less expensive? How long will each take for the best results possible? It’s certainly understandable… navigating these options can be confusing. But never fear! We’re here to help! That’s why we’ve assembled this handy guide to answer your questions.

What’s the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces?
We’re so glad you asked! Braces are the metal brackets you are used to seeing. The bands are glued to your teeth, and little wires link the bands together. New versions of the brackets come in colors to match your teeth, or your personality!

On the other hand, by design, Invisalign is intended to be unseen. The trays are made of clear plastic. These trays slip over your teeth and gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The treatment may involve x-rays and impressions to ensure the trays are configured accordingly.

Can I play sports with braces?
Braces may not be ideal for some serious contact sports. Brackets and wires can cut your gums and mouth tissue. Invisalign is a smooth plastic surface, so cuts and abrasions are less likely to happen.

How long does each method take to straighten my teeth?
Each situation is different, and each treatment plan is individualized based on your unique needs, so it’s difficult to say how long each might take. In some cases, Invisalign can work in as little as 6-18 months, depending on the unique needs of each patient. Braces could take a bit longer.

Which will work best for me?
There are pros and cons to each treatment plan. Adults may prefer the less obvious look of Invisalign for personal or professional reasons. The ability to remove the trays to enable easier brushing and flossing is also a benefit of Invisalign.

Clearly, the decision requires more that we can outline here. The only way to know if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation with our office. We’re happy to evaluate your unique needs and make the best recommendation possible.

In the musical Bye, Bye Birdie, Albert Peterson sings: “Gray skies are gonna clear up! Put on a happy face.” But what if he had been singing about gray teeth instead of gray skies? How are you supposed to put on a happy face when your smile is marred by dark and discolored teeth?

One of the permanent solutions to your gloomy-looking smile is a set of Veneers. Whether your sad face is caused by gaps, crooked teeth, discoloration, other damage, or some combination, veneers act as a natural-looking mask for your teeth. Think of it like a false front for a building. The functionality of the inside of the building (or your mouth, in this case) is completely the same, but thanks to a fancy front, it looks drastically better.

So how can you obtain a set of fine veneers to turn that frown upside down? Here’s what you need to know.

The Process
After you have met with your dentist for a diagnosis, you will need to return two more times. During the first of these two visits, your dentist will shave off a tiny bit of enamel from your tooth. This makes room for the veneers. Once the enamel is removed, the dentist will make a model of your mouth so that the veneers will fit your teeth perfectly.

The second appointment will follow in a week or two. This is when the veneers are applied to your teeth. This is done with a special dental bonding cement. Your dentist will carefully set, trim, and adjust the look and fit of the veneers so as to affect only your look and not more important things like your bite.

Choose Carefully
While veneers are right for many people, you need to remember that this is a permanent decision. It cannot be reversed, and when your current veneers wear out in about 5 to 10 years, you will need a new set. In addition, veneers can be expensive. Usually costing hundreds or even a thousand dollars for one tooth, veneers are also generally not covered by insurance, as it is a cosmetic procedure.

We have all heard people say, “Her smile made my day.” Let’s be honest—everybody wants to have that kind of smile that makes others forget their worries for at least one, tiny moment. But you may find it hard to keep that glowing smile. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and even certain foods and drinks can all contribute to bad teeth—even if you are trying to floss and brush regularly.

Why Should You Turn To Preventive Dental Care?

The best way to keep your teeth looking new is actually to use preventive dental. As obvious from the name itself, preventive dental entails taking care of your teeth through simple measures like brushing your teeth regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, etc. These two simple steps should be a part of everybody’s daily routine in order to have healthy teeth and gums. The basic purpose of both these steps is to get rid of the accumulation of bacteria and plaque, therefore preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

These basic preventions are aided by specific treatments available from a dentist, such as sealants to protect molars with deep grooves from cavities. Some people have grooves that are too deep for a toothbrush to clean properly. Sealant and other measures sure as mouthwash will help.

Another key to great teeth and gums is eating healthy. Shy away from foods with high sugar content and lots of carbohydrates. These are fuel for bacteria and will cause more plaque and mouth diseases. In addition, the rest of your body will be healthier too! What’s not to like?

Lastly, don’t forget the “radical” step of visiting your dentist at least once a year, but preferably every six months. There are some problems only your dentist will be able to spot, such as gum diseases or conditions. These problems are all easier to treat early on, so it is important that you visit your dentist to catch these problems and nip any potential problems in the bud.

Everybody can be benefited by following these steps of preventive dentistry. Contact us to get more preventive services and make your smile brighter.

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, but teeth whitening and braces won’t solve your dental issues? You may be a great candidate for porcelain veneers!

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that adhere to the surface of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining than resin composite veneers. Both types effectively improve how your teeth look, an ultimately, how you feel about your smile.

There are a number of different issues that porcelain veneers can resolve. If you want to improve any of the following conditions, veneers may be an option for you:

Discolored teeth – This can be the result of root canal treatment, composite filling discoloration, or a reaction to certain medication.

Broken teeth – Saving the natural tooth, even if it’s chipped, is preferable to replacing the tooth altogether.

Worn teeth – Being tough on your teeth can lead to natural wear.

Uneven teeth – Sometimes teeth become bumpy or craterous rather than maintaining their smooth surface.

Teeth gaps – While you may be born with spaced teeth, you don’t have to live with them forever.

Should you decide to pursue porcelain veneers, you’ll enjoy quite a few benefits. And even if you’re still on the fence, maybe these great advantages will help you decide. Porcelain veneers…

… look like your natural teeth. Most people won’t even know that you have them.

… are gentle on your gums. They fit snuggly around your existing teeth and atop your gum tissue.

… are stain resistant. They are less likely to become discolored than your natural teeth.

… can be whiter than the natural teeth beneath them. Especially if you opt for a full set, your teeth will appear brighter.

… are subtle. They’re an easy way to conservatively change the shape or color of your teeth.

Be sure to keep in mind that porcelain veneers are permanent. You’ll no longer be able to show your natural teeth. But also understand that veneers will give you the teeth that you’ve always wanted. They’ll be whiter, brighter, and even more beautiful.

Give us a call to discuss your options!

When it comes to your smile, it is one of your most important features. Despite your best efforts to care for your teeth, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to have work done. Ceramic crowns can repair teeth and maintain a beautiful smile.

We Offer Ceramic Crowns
At EMA Dental, we offer only the latest dental technology. Our treatments have been tried, tested, and loved by our patients. The best way to get a natural looking crown is to choose ceramic. There are several benefits to having all-ceramic crowns.
Ceramic crowns can:

• Fix deformed or damaged teeth
• Make it possible to chew normally
• Replace the absence of teeth
• Improve oral health, oral convenience, and self-esteem
• Give your smile a natural and attractive look

A lot of dental clinics have started using and offering all-ceramic crowns because they have a much more natural look and last longer than the alternatives.

Why Choose Ceramic Crowns
Here is a closer look at what you can expect with ceramic crowns:

• You will still eat and chew normally
• You will still brush and floss normally
• Your mouth will look and feel normal

At EMA Dental, we put a lot of time and effort into making sure your all-ceramic crowns give you back the perfect smile you lost.

How it Works
Our office will send the mold of your tooth out to a professional lab in order to have the crown made. This is the easiest way to make sure it functions like a natural tooth. We will make sure the crown matches the color and shade your current teeth.

The crown is the perfect fix for damaged teeth and will improve your overall appearance. The light reflects naturally off these crowns, and no metal will ever show through. These are perfect for a natural smile and no one has to know they are there.

The procedure is a simple one that takes very little time. There is a little pain associated with having the crown installed, and your gums may be sore for a while. In total, you will need two trips to see us in order to get your crowns installed properly.

You cannot go wrong with this new generation of dental crowns, just give us a call today.

We have several wonderful dentists who work in our clinic, but today we want to talk about Dr. Emirzian and esthetic dentistry.

Who is Dr. Emirzian?
Dr. Emirzian practices in Springfield, MA, and is the perfect dentist to make your smile dreams a reality. In addition to being a fantastic dentist, she also has a great bedside manner and has gathered a long list of glowing recommendations. Many patients say she is their favorite dentist.

Her Education
Dr. Emirzian received her undergraduate degree from Springfield College and her DMD from Tufts School of Medicine. She has joined forces with her father to learn from his four decades of experience.

After working with her father, she now assists patients in East Longmeadow. Along with her partners, she has created a wonderful practice with an amazing reputation.

American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and Other Memberships
As an active member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, Dr. Emirzian knows the latest in dental technology and can use innovative treatments to perfect her patient’s smiles. She is also a member of the following associations:

• The American Dental Association
• The American Association of Women Dentists
• The Massachusetts Dental Society
• The Valley District Dental Society

She even teaches and lectures students on cosmetic dentistry at Tufts University.

Why Choose Dr. Emirzian
Dr. Emirzian and EMA Dental want to give you the confidence a perfect smile can bring. Dr. Emirzian can help you with your smile and confidence using many different types of procedures including veneers and composites. Crowns, extractions, realignments, and teeth whitening are other techniques used at our clinic to give you the smile makeover you have been dreaming about.

We want to help people gain that confidence and feel great about themselves. This is why we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services to all of our patients. Just give us a call to see how we can help you.

Many adults in Massachusetts are considering whitening their teeth. At home kits make it look so easy, but do they really deliver? At EMA Dental, we provide you with teeth whitening procedures that are more effective and safer than whitening at home.

The Benefits of a Professional Whitening
Whitening kits seem easy, but they contain harsh chemicals that do not always work the first time. They are not nearly as effective as a professional whitening by a dentist.

Who Should Have Their Teeth Whitened?
You might be wondering whether or not you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. This is not an ideal procedure for everyone. Some patients who are not ideal for teeth whitening include patients who have

• Implants or crowns
• Fillings
• Poor oral hygiene
• Sensitive teeth

Even when having your teeth whitened by a professional, you need to proceed with caution. If your teeth are sensitive or they have had restoration work done, you need to talk to your dentist to determine if teeth whitening is right for you.

Our Refreshing Whitening Spa
At EMA Dental, we have taken teeth whitening to a new level with our refreshing teeth whitening spa. Our goal is for our patients to feel comfortable and relaxed while they undergo the procedure.

The whole point of a spa is for you to walk out feeling refreshed, happy, healthy, and beautiful. We thought to ourselves – why can’t you do that at your dental office? Our whitening spa requires no drilling, no fillings, and just a relaxed whitening experience.

We want you to smile from the moment you walk into our clinic until the moment you walk out.

Are you unhappy with your stained and discolored teeth? We want to help. Give us a call and we would be happy to set up a consultation to see whether our teeth whitening spa is right for you.

All you need to do is pick up the phone. Just remember, those teeth whitening kits you are using at home are nothing compared to the whitening technology we have inside our clinic. Set up an appointment to get your pearly white teeth back today.

We all want our families to be happy and healthy. A major aspect of overall health is proper dental care. Great dental care requires the caring hand of a reliable and experienced dentist. You need a dentist with a respected reputation for quality dental services.

At EMA Dental, we have a long history of quality service and experience. For over 30 years, we have provided our patients with individualized attention and care. Our highly qualified dentists use advanced technology in all procedures. We can give you the best quality dental services in the area.

Get a Super Smile Today

A great smile begins with healthy teeth. A regular trip to your dentist can help make sure your teeth are in top shape. We offer various procedures that will ensure you have a great smile with a perfect set of teeth.

We offer full service dental work, including.

• Bridge work
• Fillings
• Teeth whitening
• Smile makeovers

If you are experience pain or need dental work done, let EMA Dental help you out!

Why Choose EMA Dental

At EMA Dental, we provide you with quality dental services that will leave your teeth looking and feeling their best. Our highly qualified dentists and staff work hard to provide you quality, comfortable care.

We offer a wide variety of procedures and are able to handle al your dental needs. Whether you seek treatment, correctional procedures or cosmetic dentistry, we are here to help!

With over 30 years of experience and a dedicated staff, you can’t go wrong. Give EMA Dental a call today to schedule your first appointment!

At our dental clinic, we often hear patients express concern about dental implants. Luckily, traditional dental implants are not the only option.

Miniature Dental Implants – An Affordable Alternative
While they are not ideal for every patient, miniature dental implants are an affordable alternative to traditional implants. At EMA Dental, we have offered them to our patients for over 10 years.

Mini dental implants range between 1.8mm and 3mm. This can be compared to traditional implants which are typically 3.75mm in size. Mini implants can be installed in just one day.

There are many different benefits to choosing miniature dental implants over traditional implants:

• They provide security for removable dentures
• They take far less time to install
• They take less time to heal
• They are way more affordable (about half the price of traditional implants)

Types of Mini Implants
There are several different types of dental implants, including:

• Partial mini implants
• Full mini implants
• Supportive mini implants

Partial mini implants are ideal for replacing a small number of missing teeth. You will only need to visit our clinic one time to receive partial mini implants.

Full mini implants are ideal for an individual who needs an entire set of new teeth. Unfortunately, full mini implants will require more than one trip to our clinic.

Supportive mini implants are used with crowns, bridges, or dentures. They are intended to be a support for you tooth replacement procedure to make sure it is a success.

What Can You Expect From Us
Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at EMA Dental so we can discuss your individual needs. This will give us a chance to make sure miniature implants are a good fit for you.

Smoking, heavy drinking and poor dental hygiene could mean you are a poor candidate for dental implants. Implants are a replacement for your natural teeth, and need to be treated as such. Bad habits are just going to ruin them like they ruin teeth.

When you come in for a consultation, we can go over whether or not these implants are a good fit for you.