585 Main St.
Chatham, NJ 07928
Phone: (973) 701-7777
Keeping Our Patients Safe

Keeping Our Patients Safe

Dear Friends:
I am excited to announce that we are being allowed to see patients again. We will be opening on Weds. June 3rd. We have made improvements to keep you and the staff safe. We would like to ease your concerns about coming to the office.

Click here for our  new office safety protocol

© All photographs on this site are of Dr. Allyson K. hurley's patients and represent her work and her photography.

Archives for September 2017

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Should I get a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist to close my gap a little? The gap is between my front teeth, but seems like it’s getting wider by the week. It’s like the gap that keeps on giving. I used to like it but as time goes on it’s beginning to look like I’m missing a tooth. If I could close the gap a little without completely getting rid of it, that would be great. It’s like a signature for my smile because it’s what I am my friends have gotten used to. What are my options for closing it? Is a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist better to reduce the space in the gap? Thanks. Lyla

Lyla – The space between your teeth can be closed with the assistance of a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist.

Options from a top cosmetic dentist for closing a gap

A top cosmetic dentist will give you a variety of options.

  • Dental bonding – Depending on the size of the gap, and how much space needs to be reduced, it’s possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist can reduce it with chairside dental bonding. It’s usually done right in the dental office in just one appointment. An artistic cosmetic bonding has a variety of colors of bonding to perfectly match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. The bonding won’t be noticeable at all.
  • Porcelain veneers – They can be used to close a larger gap. Accredited cosmetic dentists are skilled in matching veneers to your natural teeth. The gap reduction will look natural.
  • Orthodontic treatment – An orthodontist specializes in tooth and jaw alignment and can provide you with braces. But many cosmetic dentists also provide orthodontic treatment—particularly with Invisalign invisible braces.

Schedule an appointment for a consultation with at least two experienced cosmetic dentists. They will briefly examine your gap and let you know your options for reducing it in a way that looks completely natural and complements your smile.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

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Many parents feel it’s not necessary to see a pediatric dentist if an infant only has one tooth or a few teeth. But is that a safe decision? Are there any risks in delaying a dental appointment?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, an infant’s first dental appointment should be scheduled at the eruption of the first tooth. What are the reasons?

Oral Health Risks in Infants

There are oral-health risk factors even for infants that a dentist will look for. Consider a few of them.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC)

ECC is a risk for infants. It affects infants who frequently drink sugary liquids, including breast milk, formula, milk, fruit juice, and other sugary liquids. ECC can also result when children fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth.

ECC can affect infants as young as six months old. It can spread quickly and be painful. An examination by a pediatric dentist is required to determine if your child is at risk.

Mutans Streptococci

Another risk factor is cariogenic bacteria (Mutans Streptococci). Although it’s unclear how the cavity-producing bacteria are transmitted to an infant, some possible causes include:

  • Intimate contact/saliva exchange
  • Sharing utensils or food with the infant
  • Poor oral hygiene and/or untreated cavities in the primary caregiver

Poor Habits

Poor habits can involve dietary and feeding habits, and finger, thumb, and pacifier sucking. A pediatric dentist will provide education about the effects of different habits, including:

Feeding while the infant is asleep – Salivary flow decreases during sleep. If a child is feeding on liquid—other than water—during sleep, it increases the risk of tooth decay. Also, drinking any liquid during sleep can cause choking.

Frequently drinking sugary liquids – Sugar promotes tooth decay.

Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking – These are natural habits for young children, and they can be soothing. But aggressive sucking can cause problems with primary teeth.

Need for an Oral Examination

An oral examination from a pediatric dentist will detect signs of tooth decay. Although the first tooth should be wiped clean with a cloth, if it’s not cleaned properly, lingering bacteria can lead to tooth decay. Early detection of problems with first teeth, gums or other oral tissue, or the jaws can help your child’s dentist take preventive measures.

Your child’s oral cavities will also be examined for proper growth and development. Primary teeth need to erupt in the correct position so they can properly guide permanent teeth.

Although your infant might have only one tooth, after the first pediatric dental appointment, you will have a deeper understanding of the value of preventive dental care. Starting early also teaches your child the value of maintaining good oral health.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.