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 December 2018

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3 Facts to Help You Get the Most from Dental Bonding

Cracked or chipped teeth? Dental bonding is an affordable way to conceal imperfections in teeth. It’s less costly than porcelain veneers and crowns. Top cosmetic dentists so skillfully apply bonding that people won’t be able to tell you had defects in your teeth.

When Is Bonding Used?

Dental bonding can be used in a variety of situations, including:

  • Gaps
  • Discoloration
  • Chips and cracks
  • Poorly shaped teeth
Before-and-after photo of a chipped front tooth, repaired with dental bonding, which is available in Chatham NJ from Dr. Allyson Hurley.

A skilled cosmetic dentist can conceal imperfections with dental bonding

What If Your Bonding Gets Stained?

Although composite bonding is more affordable than porcelain restorations, it isn’t stain resistant. Over time, bonding can attract stains from a variety of sources, including:

  • Tobacco use
  • Dark soft drinks
  • Berries
  • Wear over time

Ways to Improve Stains on Dental Bonding

Whitening toothpaste or bleaching products won’t brighten your bonding. In fact, some products are abrasive and will scratch the surface. The gloss on your teeth will become dull.

If you receive dental bonding, there are several ways to maintain it, even as it ages:

  • Carefully select a skilled cosmetic dentist who will properly cure and polish it to help prevent staining.
  • Avoid or limit tobacco use.
  • Limit dark or staining beverages or food. Thoroughly rinse your mouth afterward if you consume them.
  • Regularly visit a cosmetic dentist to maintain the bonding. He or she will properly polish it to improve the appearance and remove stains.

After several years, dental bonding will need to be replaced. If you have already received bonding and stubborn stains persist, visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for an examination. He or she will let you know if the bonding can be improved or if it needs to be replaced. Follow your cosmetic dentist’s instructions on how to care for and preserve it.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist and NJ Monthly magazine top dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

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Photo of three kids, one standing behind another. First is a dark-haired girl, followed by a blonde girl, and a blonde boy; for information on Chatham NJ pediatric dentistry.7 Ways to Make Dental Hygiene Fun for Kids

“I don’t want to brush my teeth!” Countless parents have heard those words bouncing off the bathroom walls as they try to convince their child to start their nightly routine. Maybe you’ve tried explaining why we need to floss and brush our teeth, depriving your child of his or her favorite snack, or enforcing an earlier bedtime, but you’re seldom successful. How about making it fun? Below are seven things you can try.

Dental Hygiene Can Be Fun

1. Let your child choose the toothbrush

A plain toothbrush just isn’t fun. Toothbrushes for kids feature colorful handles, cartoon characters, or superheroes. Buy a few different toothbrushes that your child likes, and let him or her choose which one to brush with today.

2. Have a contest

Let your children have a contest as to who can brush their teeth the longest. Set a two-minute timer, and watch them go! Remind them to brush thoroughly, not just quickly. If you only have one child, you can be his or her competitor. Dentistry for children is easier if you can make dental hygiene fun at home.

3. Brush to music

Music makes kids happy. Play some music in the bathroom, and let your child brush to it. There’s nothing wrong with stopping in between brushing to let your child dance a little. Use music to get him or her in the brushing mood.

4. Let a pal watch

Bring Dora, Mickey, Pooh, Sulley—or your child’s favorite pal—into the bathroom for brushing time. Your child can ask the pal to watch as teeth are brushed. You can be the voice behind the pal, cheering your child on! Another suggestion is to keep a dry toothbrush handy so your child can brush the pal’s teeth, too.

5. Reward your child

Rewards can be simple and inexpensive. Extra hugs and kisses, or one more bedtime story may be all that’s needed to encourage your child to brush. Stickers or stars on a mirror or a corkboard in your child’s room work well, too. You can use this same idea after your child’s pediatric dentistry appointments.

6. Find fun apps

Download a few apps onto your mobile device that encourage children to brush their teeth. Most of the apps feature music and timers. If you use the same app repeatedly, your child might get bored, so mix it up.

7. Join in the fun

Don’t just watch your child have fun while brushing his or her teeth. Get involved. Hum, dance, sing, and brush your own teeth along with your child. Ask your child for suggestions for tomorrow’s teeth-brushing event.

Dentistry for Children Takes Time and Patience

Be patient. You and your child will get through this difficult stage. Be certain to check your child’s teeth to ensure they have been thoroughly cleaned. By the age of 7 or 8, most children have the dexterity to floss and brush their own teeth, and they usually want to do it.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. She loves making visits fun for kids.