Can you please tell us a bit about yourself personally?
My name is Emily Driesman, and I grew up in Fairfield County, specifically in Westport. I come from a family of doctors and dentists—my mother is an ophthalmologist, my father is a cardiologist, and my brother is an orthopedic surgeon. I met my husband, Dan, in New York City while riding the Metro-North train.
We have two children, Cecilia (7) and Spencer (6). In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, running, skiing, and reading. A fun fact about me is that I worked as a snowboard instructor on weekends while I was in high school.
Where do you live in Greenwich and what do you love about Greenwich and your neighborhood/ what made you decide to move there/ how long have you been there?
We live in Old Greenwich, and our kids attend Old Greenwich School. We chose Old Greenwich because we love the walkability of the town and its close proximity to the beach. Most of all, we value the small-town community feel—the friendly demeanor of our neighbors and the comfort of seeing familiar, welcoming faces wherever we go..
Please tell us about Embrace Orthodontics?
Embrace Orthodontics is a boutique-style orthodontic practice focused on building genuine relationships with our patients and their families. We pride ourselves on taking time to truly get to know each patient while delivering top-notch orthodontic care. We treat patients of all ages, from early interception and teenage years to adults with all forms of treatment including braces, Invisalign and lingual (behind the teeth) braces. Creating beautiful smiles in a fun, welcoming environment is at the heart of everything we do.
How did you start Embrace Orthodontics?
I earned my dental degree from Columbia Dental School and completed my orthodontic residency at NYU. After my training, I practiced as an associate in Fairfield, Connecticut, before founding Embrace Orthodontics in Westport in 2016. When the opportunity arose this past summer to acquire Dr. Gary Wong’s practice in Cos Cob, I eagerly embraced it. The chance to work closer to my family and serve a community I love made the decision especially meaningful.
What age should children typically start thinking about seeing an orthodontist? How do you know if you need one?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, we can identify potential issues with jaw growth, tooth eruption, or bite development—often before they become more complex. Not all children need early or interceptive treatment, but an initial screening allows us to monitor growth over time, determine the right timing for treatment if needed, and establish a trusting relationship with both the child and their family.
Getting braces can be intimidating! What approach do you take to make your patients have a great experience?
We focus on creating a fun, welcoming, and trusting environment from the moment patients walk through the door. We take the time to explain each step of the process as we go—so there are no surprises. We also love making the experience feel special by giving out fun swag, and even create Instagram reels to add to the excitement and keep the atmosphere light and engaging. Our goal is for patients to feel comfortable and confident, and most kids leave the office with a big, braced-up smile on their face.
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the past 5-10 years in the Orthodontics field?
Airway orthodontics—at our office we do not just straighten teeth. At Embrace, we look at the whole picture. For example, one thing we do is: use a 3D X-ray to screen for a narrow airway. While this doesn’t provide a formal diagnosis, it can give us important clues if a patient may be experiencing sleep apnea—even in children. Sleep apnea can impact children in many ways, including bedwetting, ADHD-like symptoms in school, excessive daytime sleepiness, doing poorly in school and more. This broader approach can really change a child’s life for the better.
What do you find the most challenging and most rewarding parts of being an orthodontist?
The biggest challenge for me is balancing being an excellent mom with being an excellent orthodontist. This was a key reason I decided to open the Greenwich location—it allows me to stop by my kids’ schools during my lunch to help with activities if I want. At the same time it makes it easier to work later when needed without a long commute.
The most rewarding part of being an orthodontist is forming lasting relationships with my patients and watching them gain confidence as their smiles are transformed. The day a patient gets their braces off is always special.
How do you balance work and being a parent?
I’m still working on it 🙂
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another parent?
It takes a village. I have a lot of support that allows me to be present as an orthodontist and be a better mom when I get home.
What do you like to do to relax/have fun for yourself and as a family?
As a family, we love spending time outdoors—skiing in the winter and enjoying Tod’s Point in the summer. For myself, I try to prioritize downtime by going out to dinner with my husband and friends on the weekends. These moments help me relax, recharge, and be the best mom and orthodontist I can be.
We love to support local businesses. What are your fave places when you are in Greenwich to:
Grab coffee: Birch Bakehouse
Workout: F45 or Orangethoery
Go on a date night: The Cottage
Go out for a girls night: La Bistro
Go out to dinner as a family: Le Fat Poodle
Get your hair done: Charme and Chevuex – for a blow out.
Get your nails done: Tip Top Nails
Have fun as a family: Tods point or Binney Park
