EMA Dental Blog

Implant or Removable Prosthesis?

September 20, 2014

Northampton, MA – Sometimes in dentistry, even a tooth cannot be restored. In that case, there are a couple of options –dental implants or removable prostheses, such as dentures. But is one better than the other?

First, let’s discuss dental implants, which are placed by a prosthodontist or trained dentist.

When a tooth cannot be restored, it needs to be replaced once it has been removed for both functional and esthetic reasons. A dental implant acts as a tooth root for the restoration. It provides stability for the fixed or removable replacement tooth. That means that the dentures or bridges that are affixed to the implant won’t slide around in your mouth.

There are different types of implants available, and only a thorough examination with your Northampton dentist, will reveal the health of the surrounding tissues, teeth and gums and evaluate your bone density. This will tell your dentist if there is enough bone left to place the implant and where it should be placed.

Implants fuse directly to your jawbone, so there is no need to worry about the replacement teeth shifting in your mouth, leaving you embarrassed when you’re speaking or eating. The dentures or bridges will also feel more comfortable in your mouth. Standard bridges and dentures aren’t possible for everyone because some people might have sore spots or poor ridges in their mouth. Bridges need healthy surrounding teeth to attach to, which may not be the case for some patients. With implants, no surrounding teeth need to be prepared.

On the other hand, there are removable partial and full dentures that patients can consider.

With removable partial dentures, the remaining teeth act to stabilize the denture, typically with metal clasps. Precision partial dentures that are claspless are also available.

Removable full dentures are constructed to replace the missing teeth on one or both of the arches of the mouth. The oral cavity tissue will offer support.

Non-removable restorations, such as those with implants, offer patients the security of feeling as if they have a permanent replacement. However, they can be harder to clean, and for patients who already have experienced dental disease, they can be prone to recurrences. Patients who choose this option must be dedicated to maintaining their oral hygiene.

Removable restorations are easier to clean and service, but they are not as stable and can require longer periods to adjust to. They typically cost less, as well.

Removable partial dentures can be constructed much more quickly and are less expensive than their implant counterparts. However, they are more likely to damage the surrounding teeth that are used for support.

Full removable dentures are the least stable option and can cause further bone loss.

When it’s time to consider tooth restoration, schedule a consultation with your dentist or prosthodontist to determine the best solution for you.

© 2014 Millionairium and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that EMA Dental group and Millionairium are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Cosmetic Dentistry is About More Than Just Looks

Northampton, MA – Visiting an esthetic dentist to restore your smile can give you the confidence you need to smile proudly. But it also has an additional benefit – improving the form and function of your teeth.

“We always strive to provide our patients with the most beautiful smile possible,” says Dr. Lisa B. Emirzian, one of the Springfield, MA dentists at EMA Dental. “But we wouldn’t be doing our jobs properly if we didn’t also help our patients get healthier teeth and gums.”

Cosmetic dentistry services, such as tooth bonding, can help patients improve their dental health by helping their teeth work properly. When teeth don’t fit together properly due to issues such as overcrowding, it not only makes for an unsightly smile, but it’s also harder to properly clean the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease that can worsen overtime.

“When we help a patient achieve a straighter smile, we’re giving them an opportunity to more easily brush and floss,” says Dr. Emirzian. “If you have a less than perfect smile, you may be putting off having work done because you think it’s purely cosmetic. But you may be doing damage to your teeth that could be corrected with a visit to EMA Dental.”

What types of procedures can provide a more beautiful, and more importantly, functional, smile?

Dental bonding is a very common esthetic dentistry procedure. It is used to correct chipped or cracked teeth, discolored teeth, change the shape of teeth or to close spaces between teeth. A tooth-colored resin will be applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light. The material will be bonded to the tooth to restore a patient’s smile.

Porcelain veneers are another popular esthetic dentistry option. Veneers are basically shells that are made of a high-quality ceramic, which are bonded to the top and front part of a tooth. They can easily correct the appearance of crooked, misshapen, misaligned, chipped or discolored teeth. Patients love them because they are an easy to achieve solution, and with regular maintenance visits and proper hygiene, the results will last for years.

“For many years, metal crowns were standard in the dentistry world,” says Dr. Emirzian. “But as technology has improved, so have the options available to better your smile. Ceramic crowns are now industry standard, giving patients a more natural looking grin.”

Crowns are used with a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling, and is a cap that fits over the tooth above the gumline. Crowns are used to correct damaged or deformed teeth, and allow for normal chewing that may have been prevented when the teeth were damaged. Crowns can also be used to replace missing teeth to provide better oral health and a natural and attractive smile.

For some adults, braces may be the best option to provide a properly functioning smile. But EMA Dental knows that busy adults don’t want to traditional wire and brackets. That’s why they proudly offer Invisalign as a comfortable and invisible way to straighten teeth. The clear, removable aligners elicit gentle force to guide the teeth to their proper locations, giving patients the beautiful and healthy smile they’ve always wanted.

For patients with more severe problems, a smile makeover may be the right choice. The dentists at EMA Dental know that no two smiles are alike, so using advanced technology and an artistic approach, they can provide each patient with the smile of their dreams.

If you have a less than perfect smile, but have been putting off visiting a cosmetic dentist, what are you waiting for? An esthetic dentist can not only give you the smile of your dreams, but can improve tooth function. If you suffer from frequent headaches, have issues when speaking or eating, a poorly functioning mouth could be the source of your problems. Ensuring your teeth fit together properly, missing spaces are filled in, and chipped or broken teeth are repaired can give you the confidence you need to smile bigger, as well as peace of mind that your oral health isn’t suffering. Correct your smile before permanent damage is done.

EMA Dental Celebrates National Prosthodontist Week

Northampton, MA – National Prosthodontics Awareness Week will be celebrated April 6-12 this year. Join EMA Dental in celebrating the important role these specialists play on the dental team. NPAW focuses on raising public awareness about the critical importance of a healthy mouth.

So what exactly is a prosthodontist?

“Prosthodontists are dentists who specialize in the restoration and replacement of teeth,” says Dr. Vincent J. Mariano. “Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized but the American Dental Association, and requires two to three years of additional training after dental school to achieve. We focus on restoring both appearance and function to our patient’s smiles.”

After graduating from dental school, prosthodontists must earn their additional training through a hospital or university based program that is accredited by the ADA. During this training, they will treat patients, work in a lab to fabricate restorations, as well as review literature and attend lectures. During these years of training, the prosthodontist is molded into an architect who will rebuild the mouth to ensure the best function, as well as appearance.

Some people may think of a prosthodontist as simply a cosmetic dentist, but it goes much beyond that, explains Dr. Mariano, who is a Northampton, MA dentist.

“We are well-trained in esthetics to provide the best look to our patients’ smiles,” says Dr. Mariano. “But our training goes well beyond that to ensure that every patient we see not only leaves with a prettier smile, but a better functioning one, as well. While we provide implants, crowns, inlays, bridges, veneers and dentures, we also help patients who suffer from TMJ disorders, congenital mouth and teeth issues and sleep disorders. We can provide assistance after a patient has suffered a traumatic mouth injury and provide reconstruction after oral cancer. We specialize in complete oral rehabilitation and are dedicated to the highest standards of care.”

Prosthodontists know that increasing awareness about oral health is becoming increasingly important, as close to 178 million people in the United States are currently missing at least one tooth. And sometimes maintaining regular maintenance check-ups with your general dentist just isn’t enough. The purpose of NPAW is to focus on facts that can help patients achieve the best in oral care, so during this week, prosthodontists throughout the country will focus on education, such as proper denture care and the importance of oral cancer screenings.

“There are many reasons tooth loss occurs,” says Dr. Mariano. “From decay and gum disease to injury and cancer, it’s my job to determine the best solution for those missing teeth. Working together with other dental care professionals, we can create a comprehensive treatment plan that will address all of a patient’s needs, giving them the most beautiful smile that will function as naturally as possible.”

If you are missing one or more teeth, now is the time to visit a prosthodontist. With extensive training and experience, your prosthodontist has the specialized knowledge to understand the dynamics and preservation techniques needed to create and maintain a healthy mouth. Call today for a consultation and regain the beauty and proper function you’ve lost.

What is a Prosthodontist?

Northampton, MA – Have you heard the term prosthodontist, but weren’t sure what it meant or if you should be seeing one? A Northampton MA prosthodontistexplains the discipline and why you should consider seeking the expertise of one.

“A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of natural teeth,” says Dr. Vincent J. Mariano, who specializes in crowns, implants, dentures and restoration dental care. “After we graduate from dental school, we spend additional years training in the specialty of prosthodontics – typically for three or more years. This training is needed to ensure we can give our patients the most beautiful and properly functioning smiles possible.”

Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontists regularly work as a team with general dentists and other health professionals to create solutions for their patient’s dental needs. The prosthodontist’s care may include dentures, fixed bridges, crowns, implants, veneers and even treating facial deformities.

Prosthodontists offer many solutions for patients who have lost their natural teeth, whether due to an accident or simple aging. Full or partial dentures, crowns and bridges are options that can help patients smile confidently again. Another more permanent solution is dental implants, which prosthodontists have pioneered over the last decade to be better than ever before.

“Whether you come to my office needing one tooth or many repaired or even a full mouth restoration, I’ll work with you to create the perfect treatment plan that will give you back your ideal smile,” says Dr. Mariano. “But that’s not all. I’m also trained to manage more complex restorations, such as those a patient might need after experiencing a traumatic injury.”

Not only does a healthy smile function better, it can also have an impact on a patient’s self-esteem. Because of their advanced training, prosthodontists can repair broken, discolored or misshapen teeth. Prosthodontists have committed years to learning these procedures, meaning they have the experience and knowledge to provide the best quality care possible. Their rigorous training provides them with a special understanding of the dynamics of a person’s smile, along with how to properly preserve a healthy mouth and replace lost teeth.

Before making the decision to restore your smile to its best, be sure you are visiting the best. Consider seeing a prosthodontist. Their specialty training provides both knowledge and skills enabling them to treat even the most complex dental conditions.

Brighten Your Dull Smile

Northampton, MA – As we age, we may find our smiles lacking the bright white shine they once had. There are several factors that can lead to this, but not to worry – there are also many solutions to give you back a sparkling smile.

“Teeth stains occur for a variety of reasons,” says Northampton dentist Dr. Lisa B. Emirzian. “One reason is simply your age. Over time, the outer layer of our enamel slowly gets worn, resulting in the yellow color of the underlying dentin showing through.”

While you can’t control yellowing due to aging, there are several factors you can control, such as what you eat and drink. Drinks such as coffee, tea, sodas and wine can result in discoloration of your teeth.

Many people assume only red wine affects the teeth, but white wine can also affect the color of your teeth, especially if you are also a tea drinker. The New York University School of Dentistry performed a study that showed that tea drinkers had their teeth stained more severely if the teeth had previously been exposed to white wine. Many esthetic dentistry experts believe tea may actually be more of a stain culprit than coffee. If you are a tea drinker, opt for herbal, green and white teas rather than black tea.

Sodas are very acidic and can cause significant staining over time, even if they are light colored. Sports drinks are also high in acid that can soften tooth enamel, thereby setting the stage for later staining.

Berries and other intensely colored fruit, and the foods and beverages made from them, are also stain heavy. Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, cherries, grapes and pomegranates may all send you running to your cosmetic dentist for whitening treatment.

Additionally many sweets, such as hard candies, popsicles and chewing gums, can affect your smile. A good rule of thumb is that if it changes the color of your tongue, it may be having the same effect on your teeth.

Everyone knows smoking is bad for our health, but it also wreaks havoc on your teeth as well. Any tobacco use, whether cigarettes or chewing tobacco, can stain teeth.

Failure to properly care for your teeth through inadequate brushing and flossing will also result in tooth stains because the plaque and stain producing agents will remain on the teeth.

There are also other factors that are simply out of our control, such as genetics. Some people are simply born with more enamel to protect their teeth than others. There are also several diseases that affect the enamel of the teeth, as well as treatment for conditions such as cancer. Head and neck radiation treatments and chemotherapy can result in tooth discoloration. And some medications may also alter the color of your teeth. The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline may result in discoloration when given to children whose teeth are still developing. Antihistamines, antipsychotics and even blood pressure medicine may also cause discoloration.

But there is good news. Even if your smile is currently less than white, there are several great options for teeth whitening.

“At EMA Dental and our new Refresh Whitening Spa, we offer a number of in-office whitening procedures including ZOOM!,” says Dr. Emirzian. “Our whitening options are affordable, convenient and because they are among the most advanced tooth whitening options available, they provide excellent results.”

Tooth whitening is the least invasive cosmetic procedure you can have performed and you can achieve whiter teeth in as little as a half hour.

If you’d rather whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home, EMA Dental also offers a whitening program that is just as effective as inoffice whitening but takes a bit more time to see the final results. Using an easy-to-use, but lower concentration peroxide gel, the patient coats the teeth for one to two hours a day for up to three weeks to achieve their optimum whitening. The gel is held in place with the help of a custom made tray.

No matter which option you choose, now is the perfect time to get that smile back to its brightest. And it may also be time to alter some of your habits that might be contributing to discoloration of your teeth. If you are interested in how whitening can change your smile, call EMA Dental for a consultation.

It’s a New Year, Treat Yourself to a New Smile

Northampton, MA – Have you spent your adulthood trying to hide your teeth, embarrassed to smile broadly because it isn’t as pretty as you’d like? Then make your New Year’s resolution to be to smile proudly in your next family photo by treating yourself to a smile makeover. Cosmetic dentistry offers something for everyone, and a new smile can be just a phone call away.

“We offer everything from minimally invasive procedures to total smile makeovers,” says Dr. Lisa B. Emirzian. “From bonding and crowns to porcelain veneers and tooth whitening, we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.”

Creating the perfect smile for each patient is an art, and the Northampton MA dentists at EMA Dental have perfected it. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive way to better your smile, dental bonding could be your answer. Bonding can improve gaps, chips and even discolored teeth. By etching the surface of the tooth and then gently applying a bonding liquid to the tooth, the dentist prepares the tooth to apply the composite resin. The resin will be sculpted and then trimmed, smoothed and polished to create the most natural appearance possible.

Bonding is a great option because it can be completed in one visit and without anesthesia. It results in an immediate improvement and will last many years for most patients.

Porcelain veneers can also correct stained, misshapen or crooked teeth, and without undergoing a major procedure. Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are adhered to the visible surfaces of your teeth with a special dental adhesive. They are both versatile and simple, and many patients love them.

“Our patients love veneers because they give such an incredibly natural look,” says Dr. Emirzian. “They are super thin and are even highly resistant to staining, so they’ll maintain their beauty for a long time to come. They are very strong, but to be sure they last their entire lifetime, your dentist will give you special instructions on how to care for them.”

Dental crowns are another popular esthetic option that work to restore broken teeth or to protect weak teeth. They are also excellent for supporting teeth that may have had large fillings, or can cover teeth that are misshapen or severely discolored.

One option that EMA Dental offers is all-ceramic crowns, which provide a more natural appearance than traditional metal ceramic crowns. The best option for the type of crown you need will be determined by your dentist based on the location where it is needed and your specific goals.

If crooked teeth are keeping you from smiling, Dr. Emirzian and EMA Dental also offer Invisalign as an option.

“Patients love Invisalign because it is an invisible and comfortable way to straighten your smile,” says Dr. Emirzian. “Through a series of clear, removable aligners, your teeth gently move to their more esthetically pleasing locations, resulting in the smile you’ve always wanted. Proper alignment of teeth also improves overall dental health by making all areas more accessible for brushing and flossing properly”

Tooth whitening offers an easy and effective way to brighten your teeth so you can smile broadly. Over time, our teeth become discolored, because of the foods and drinks we partake in, as well as other habits. Additionally, as we age, our enamel gets worn down, which then shows the yellow core beneath it.

But there is good news for you and your smile. EMA Dental offers many whitening options including ZOOM! Advanced in office whitening treatment and customized at-home whitening program. In-office whitening is the fastest way to get the brightest smile because it utilizes a cutting edge technology that can whiten teeth eight shades in just an hour.

The at-home whitening treatment is just as effective as In-office whitening, but the results are achieved over a couple of weeks instead of hours. Gel is applied using custom-made bleach trays. And in just a few weeks, your smile will be brighter than ever.

A total smile makeover can involve more than one of these procedures and will provide the most esthetically pleasing smile possible. To determine which procedures might be right for you, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will best meet your goals..

Now is the time to stop hiding your smile! Schedule your consultation today.

© 2014 Millionairium and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that EMA Dental group and Millionairium are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

EMA Dental to Launch a Teeth Whitening “Spa”

Teeth Whitening “Spa” EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. — With a new year around the corner, it’s never been a better time to brighten your smile! EMA Dental’s East Longmeadow tooth whitening “spa”that will launch in January can help you do just that.

“Using a whitening agent, whether an in-office treatment or at-home custom trays, can have dramatic results, including improving the color and brightness of teeth,” said Dr. Lisa Emirzian, who is an esthetic dentist in Longmeadow. “What many patients do not know, though, is that to make those changes last, they need to whiten their teeth on a regular basis.”

Like keeping a tan or maintaining younger-looking skin, tooth whitening requires maintenance. Practicing a good oral health regimen, like brushing with whitening toothpaste, flossing, and avoiding tobacco and dark-colored beverages, can help teeth sustain their luster, but following a regular whitening maintenance program is key. An effective way to remember to whiten your teeth on a regular basis and make sure they are always pearly white is to have them whitened after each routine hygiene visit. Thanks to EMA Dental’s whitening “spa,” a variety of whitening services, including the following treatments, will be available at both the East Longmeadow and Northampton offices following your routine visits and any other time you are in need of a touchup.

Refresh 30 and Refresh 60: cost-effective options which are great for maintaining and touching up your bright smile.
ZOOM! Whitening: It is an in-office whitening treatment that brightens your teeth dramatically in just one visit. ZOOM! Whitening uses a combination of highly concentrated peroxide gel and the latest in light-activated whitening technology.
At-home whitening: Even though at-home whitening can produce the same results as ZOOM! Whitening, it takes longer to achieve them. The lower concentration peroxide is applied using custom-made bleach trays and used for two to three weeks, for one to two hours each day. Some patients prefer this option for the convenience; whiten at your own pace and whenever you have the time.

The Amherst dentistry practice’s whitening treatments begin at only $129 and there are several package options available.

“Our goal was to provide an affordable yet effective way for patients to achieve the brilliant smile they have always dreamed of,” said Dr. Emirzian. “With the whitening spa, maintaining pearly teeth will be budget-friendly, but also convenient. You will feel pampered in our newly renovated comfortable, modern spa”

No matter the current shade of your teeth or how bright you want them to be, EMA Dental can help. Experienced cosmetic dentists like Dr. Emirzian have the expertise and knowledge necessary to protect your oral health while giving you a sparkling smile. You do not have to wait until the New Year to get the smile you have always wanted, though. Call EMA Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the practice’s cosmetic treatments.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that EMA Dental group and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Prosthodontist Dr. Noah Orenstein Joins EMA Dental

NORTHAMPTON, EAST LONGMEADOW AND SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS— EMA Dental proudly welcomes Dr. Noah Orenstein as one of the practice’s East Longmeadow and Northampton, MA prosthodontists. He will work alongside Dr. Vincent Mariano and Dr. Thomas Vergo.

Dr. Orenstein graduated in 2008 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He then began his postdoctoral training in Philadelphia, PA at the Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he underwent a general practice hospital-based residency program. Dr. Orenstein began implant dentistry and prosthodontics specialty training in 2010 at the University of Connecticut, where he studied for three years and completed a master’s degree. He is now a part-time faculty member in University of Connecticut’s Postgraduate Prosthodontics Department. Dr. Orenstein earned board certification from the American Board of Prosthodontics in 2013.

He is currently a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Prosthodontics, the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics. Dr. Orenstein also lectures to study clubs in the Northampton and East Longmeadow area, and writes articles for nationally recognized prosthodontic journals.

Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on replacing and restoring teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored and misaligned using treatments like crowns, dental implants, bridges and dentures. Prosthodontists must complete three additional years of training at an American Dental Association accredited program following dental school. According to a 2010 report from the American Dental Association, there were only 3,372 practicing prosthodontists in the United States (http://www.gotoapro.org/news/facts–figures/).

EMA Dental, an East Longmeadow general dentistry practice that also offers esthetic dentistry treatments, is now home to three of those prosthodontists. It provides a variety of treatment options, from hygiene maintenance to bridges, dentures, implant-retained dentures and dental implants, so no matter what your dental needs are, you can rely on the expertise of the doctors at EMA Dental.

If you are in search of a professional, experienced dentist or prosthodontist, call EMA Dental today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Orenstein and the rest of the doctors and staff are ready to help you get on the right track toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that EMA Dental group and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Smile Makeovers: What They Are and What Your Options Are

NORTHAMPTON, EAST LONGMEADOW AND SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS —
Do you dread others seeing your teeth? Are you embarrassed by your smile? You do not have to continue living in fear of exposing your smile’s appearance. It is time for a change.

“Whether people have oral health problems or simply do not like the look of their teeth, undesirable smiles can cause a number of insecurities,” said Dr. Lisa Emirzian, a Northampton, MA esthetic dentist at EMA Dental. “Smile makeovers can help eliminate tooth-related anxiety and even improve overall oral health.”

Smile makeovers use scientific and artistic techniques to improve the appearance of smiles as well as their structure and oral health. When the structure of your smile is enhanced or restored, your facial structure will also improve. Restoration will also lead to a reduced chance of suffering from additional oral health problems in the future.

Typically, smile makeovers involve a combination of two or more procedures, including the following:

Crowns – “caps” that are placed over teeth, and are used to protect or repair weak teeth and change the look of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Porcelain veneers – custom-made porcelain “shells” that are utilized to change the color and/or shape of teeth. They are natural-looking and stain-resistant.
Implant-retained dentures – partial or full dentures that are stabilized with the help of two to four dental implants.
Invisalign – invisible braces that use a series of removable clear trays to align teeth.
Bonding – tooth-colored resin that is applied to the surface of teeth to whiten and lengthen teeth, as well as eliminate gaps between teeth without the use of braces, repair decayed teeth and fill small cavities.
Teeth whitening – ZOOM! whitening, custom trays, or 30-minute or 60-minute in-office treatment options that help rid teeth of stains from wine, tobacco, coffee and more.

Experienced esthetic specialists like Amherst cosmetic dentist Dr. Emirzian can help you determine the smile makeover option that is best for you. Not only are they concerned about providing you with the smile you have always wanted, but also improving and maintaining your oral health. If you are ready to change your smile, do not wait another day. Contact EMA Dental today to learn what the first step is toward your dream smile.

Five Reasons Why You May Want to Consider Veneers over Invisalign

NORTHAMPTON, EAST LONGMEADOW AND SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS —
When it comes to your options for a straighter smile, traditional braces and invisible braces probably come to mind. What you may not know, though, is that the alignment of your teeth can also be improved with the help of porcelain veneers.

“Depending on the results they desire and the current state of their smile, many patients who desire straighter teeth are not limited to traditional treatment options like clear braces,” said Dr. Lisa Emirzian, a cosmetic specialist and dentist at EMA Dental in Springfield, MA. “There are a number of advantages for both and dentists can help to determine what the best treatment is depending on individual goals.”

Veneers are facings that are composed of either composite or porcelain tooth-colored materials. Porcelain veneers are used more often than composite veneers at cosmetic dental practices like EMA Dental because they last longer. They are bonded to the front of teeth, and used to change their size, shape and color. Porcelain veneers can also be utilized to bridge gaps and correct misalignment.

Invisalign, on the other hand, changes the actual alignment of teeth. It can be used for minor to severe cases. The following are five reasons why some patients in Amherst choose porcelain veneers over Invisalign:

Porcelain veneers can improve the color, shape and size of your teeth in addition to aligning them.
Your desired results can be achieved quicker with porcelain veneers. Invisalign treatments usually span six to 12 months.
Porcelain veneers can strengthen your teeth that are weak due to fillings and other oral issues.
Veneers are virtually painless.
You will have to wear a retainer after your Invisalign treatment is complete, whereas porcelain veneers require no follow-up and can last as long as 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

If you desire a straighter smile, talk to your local cosmetic dentist before choosing a treatment option. Professional cosmetic specialists like Dr. Emirzian have the experience necessary to assess the current state of your smile and recommend the treatment option that is best for you. To learn more about Invisalign, porcelain veneers and other cosmetic procedures, like dental implants, call EMA Dentaltoday.