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 accepting new patients again. To insure that our patients and staff stay safe myself and the full staff have received the Covid-19 vaccination . 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 October 2017

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Are porcelain veneers the only option for short lateral incisors? My left and right lateral incisors are way too short. I am 33 yrs old so there is no hope of a growth spurt. Can they be moved down with braces or lengthened somehow? My sister thinks porcelain veneers might work, but I really don’t want them. I don’t want to ask my dentist about it yet because I’m not sure I want him to do the work. He thinks he can do anything for anyone’s teeth but he is only a general dentist. Thanks. – Bronwyn

Bronwyn – An examination and diagnostic studies are required to determine why your lateral incisors are too short. The examination will reveal if your teeth are fully erupted and in their proper position. If they are, orthodontic treatment is probably not the answer. Porcelain veneers might be the best solution, but there are likely other options.

Porcelain Veneers and Other Options for Short Incisors

An artistic cosmetic dentist can examine your teeth to consider your treatment options. Some possibilities are listed below.

  • Gum contouring – Using a dental laser, your gums can be shortened and contoured around your incisors to give them a longer appearance. This is a possibility only if gum contouring will not expose tooth roots.
  • Cosmetic bonding – Dental composite can be manipulated to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. After a tooth is cleaned and lightly etched, a bonding agent is applied. Dental composite is applied to the tooth, shaped, and hardened. It will be further shaped and polished for a natural look. If you receive quality dental bonding, take care of it, and have it regularly maintained by a cosmetic dentist, it can last ten years or more.
  • Porcelain veneers – Thin layers of porcelain will be bonding to your incisors. Preparation of the incisors may be required, which can include lightly shaving them. Preparation prevents veneers from looking bulky. Porcelain veneers won’t stain. When well maintained by you and your dentist, they can last up to 15 years.
  • Porcelain crowns – A dental crown is placed over a tooth. The size of the tooth must be reduced to accommodate the crown. Crowns also serve as a protection to teeth that are damaged. When well maintained by you and your dentist, they can last 15 years or more. Crowns are a more aggressive treatment and require your teeth to be tapered to accommodate the crowns.

Whether you receive porcelain veneers or some other form of cosmetic dentistry, the quality, durability, and look of the restoration you receive depend on the skill of the cosmetic dentist you choose. We recommend that you find two or three experience cosmetic dentists with whom you can schedule consultations. Ask about each dentist’s training, credentials, and experience. Also ask to see before-and-after photos of each dentist’s actual patient cases that are similar to the treatment that is being recommended to you.

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

 

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How do I get nail polish off my dentures? I’m embarrassed to ask. I should have placed my dentures in their container, but I was multi-tasking while trying to get ready for a 25th anniversary party. I was polishing my nails, finishing the turkey I was asked to bring, and trying to get dressed. My dentures are so uncomfortable that I took them off and put them on the counter. Somehow nail polish must have splattered and I didn’t notice it. At the party, one of my friends thought I had lipstick on my teeth, so I just went along with that story. When I went into the bathroom and tried to rub off the “lipstick,” it wouldn’t budge. At that time, I thought it was strange that the stain didn’t match the color of lipstick I was wearing. Finally when I got home, I took a good look at the dentures, and seeing the nail polish on the counter, I realized what happened. So I’m asking your office about this because I’m too embarrassed to call my own dentist. I know that nail polish remover will get the polish of my dentures, but I’m afraid it’s going to dissolve my denture teeth and I’ll have an every greater problem. Will you please tell me how to get the nail polish off? Thanks so much. – Sheri

Sheri,

You were wise not to use nail polish remover on your dentures. Most polish removers contain acetone, which would dissolve or damage the acrylic in your dentures. Nor do you want to use any abrasive pastes on your dentures. It can scratch the teeth and attract stains.

What Can Be Done about Your Stained Dentures

Although the situation is embarrassing for you, you still need to see your dentist—or any dentist who is skilled in providing and repairing dentures. If a dentist isn’t able to remove the stains with tools in the office, your dentures can be sent to a lab. Depending on the extent of the stains, the affected denture teeth might need to be replaced.

Another thing to consider is how long you’ve had your dentures. If they are relatively new, it’s worth the effort to remove the stains or replace some of the denture teeth. If your dentures are old and wearing, it might be practical to receive new cosmetic dentures.

We suggest that you schedule an appointment with your dentist. It will be less expensive and time-consuming to see your current dentist who has your dental records and knows your dental history and the state of your oral health. He or she will let you know your options.

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