May 29, 2020 by

Dear Friends:

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

During the past 10 weeks the staff and I have watched numerous educational seminars to get the office ready. The office has removed
all reading material in the waiting room and counter tops have been totally cleared off.

I have spent a great deal of time communicating with my staff and colleagues to get ideas on how to implement the changes to keep us
all safe.

In addition to all of the safety precautions that we had in
place before Covid -19 we are now doing the following:

2 high tech air purifiers that remove particles smaller than the Covid-19 run 24 hours a day
UV lights for sterilizing the whole room (like the ones that are used in hospitals)
Non-contact thermometers
Special external suction unit that captures aerosol
Special masks
Face shields
Protective wear
Screen at the front counter
Hospital grade sterilizer is used to sterilize all instruments including handpieces or we use disposables.
The room will be totally sanitized between each patient

Protocol for your visit:

We will ask you a brief pre-appointment screening questionnaire
If you have been sick or traveled on an airplane recently would you please delay your appointment.
We ask that you call or text from your car when you arrive – 908-797-8404. Please wait in your car and we will notify you to come in for your appointment. This avoids you waiting in the waiting room so we can take you directly into the treatment room to limit your contact with other people.
We will take your temperature with a contactless thermometer.
We are allowing more time between each patient to allow time to use disinfectants that are effective against the bacteria and viruses so we can prepare for the next patient with the new protocol.
Please do not bring anyone else to the appointment unless you require it.
Please wear a mask when you enter the office
We will ask you to wash your hands, then we will give you a special mouth rinse that decreases contaminants in the aerosol by 93-97%.

We have made the office even safer for you and the staff. We
are looking forward to seeing you.

Your oral health is very important. It is an essential part of your oral and overall health. Please do not delay making an appointment.

Allyson K. Hurley, DDS
Rhonda Dray, Office Manager
Barbara Heydorn, RDH

February 28, 2019 by

3 Causes of Short Adult Teeth and How to Find the Best Dentist to Lengthen Them

Short adult teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. Some people smile less so their short teeth won’t be noticed. But what prevents adult teeth from fully developing or erupting? What can be done about it? And how can you find the best dentist to lengthen them?

What Causes Short Teeth?

There are many conditions that contribute to the development of short teeth. A few of them are listed below

Excessive gum tissue – Gingival hyperplasia is the growth of excessive gum tissue. When gum tissue is dominant, teeth will look small.
Genetics – Genetics can cause teeth to form incorrectly. Peg ateral incisors are common. The tooth on either side of the front center teeth is small and does not develop correctly.
Microdontia – This term describes adult teeth that are
abnormally small. Some contributing factors include:

The health of a mother while pregnant – Diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions affect the growth development of the baby, including tooth development.
Radiation or chemotherapy during infancy – These treatments affect the development of primary and permanent teeth.
Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions, syndromes, and craniofacial abnormalities can prevent teeth from fully developing.

Options for Lengthening Short Teeth

Gum contouring – If you have gingival hyperplasia—or a gummy smile—excessive gum tissue can be removed with a dental laser. This is a comfortable procedure that is completed in the dental office. The removal of excess gum tissue might be all that is needed to help your teeth look longer.
Cosmetic bonding – Dental composite, or dental bonding, is made of a mixture of plastic resin and silica or quartz. Various shades of composite are blended to match the color, translucence, and gloss of your natural teeth. It is applied, shaped, and polished while you’re sitting in the dental chair. An experienced cosmetic dentist achieves lifelike results with composite. Composite can stain over time. If you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or dark beverages, you’ll need periodic maintenance from your dentist to keep the composite bright. If you take good care of it, composite lasts about ten years. It is not as durable as porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers – A very thin shell of porcelain can be bonded to the front of each short tooth. Porcelain mimics the characteristics of natural teeth. This is the most costly form of cosmetic dentistry, but it is also the most costly. With regular maintenance by a cosmetic dentist and dental hygienist who are trained to care for them, your porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer.
Porcelain crowns – This option can be considered if a short tooth is severely damaged. A porcelain crown covers an entire tooth. Your natural tooth will need to be shaved for the crown to fit over it. This aggressive reduction of your natural tooth structure isn’t recommended unless it is necessary. A crown can last 15 years of longer if it is well maintained.

How Can You Find a Top Dentist to Lengthen Your Teeth?

Although any dentist can lengthen your teeth, the results you receive will vary. A general or family dentist might not have received post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. And he or she might not be an artist. Although cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty, producing beautiful results requires additional training and experience. So what should you look for? Consider a few ways to find a top cosmetic dentist and get beautiful results.

Ask for recommendations – If you have friends or family members who have received cosmetic dentistry, ask what they do or don’t like about their cosmetic dentist, as well as the results of their smile.
Training and credentials – Search on the Internet for cosmetic dentists in your area. Look on the websites of at least two or three cosmetic dentists to find the following information:
- Advanced training in cosmetic dentistry – True cosmetic dentists continually participate in training.
- Accreditation by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – If there are no accredited cosmetic dentists in your area, look for membership in cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry associations.
- Awards or achievements in cosmetic dentistry – Many top cosmetic dentists have been recognized for producing amazing results with patients’ smiles
Smile gallery – A cosmetic dentist’s website should feature a smile gallery of patients’ before-and-after photos. Examine them closely.
Consultations – We suggest that you schedule at least two consultations with cosmetic dentists. You should be given information about your options for lengthening your short teeth, as well as a rough estimate of the cost.

The before-and-after photos below show how Dr. Hurley used porcelain veneers and crowns to lengthen this patient’s teeth and make them whiter.

BEFORE
AFTER

If you’re on a budget, ask your cosmetic dentist about financing
or payment plans to make lengthening your teeth affordable.

This post is sponsored by award-winning accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

December 27, 2018 by

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.

October 26, 2018 by

I need a root canal on a front tooth and I received different recommendations from two top dentists on how to handle the tooth after the root canal. One dentist said she recommends placing a veneer over the tooth and the other dentist says that a crown is best because, from his experience, the tooth might dry out and turn dark. My niece is a dental hygienist and she said it could go either way. She suggested that I get a third opinion, but I don’t want to have to see another dentist about this. Which is the right option – a crown or a veneer? And why would I get two different answers from the dentists? Thanks. Jamison

Jamison – Dental school teaches dentists to protect a tooth with a dental crown after root canal treatment. Your natural tooth must be prepared by grinding it down enough for the crown to completely cover it without irritating it. The crown will be bonded or cemented to your tooth.

Top Dentist Recommendations – Crown or Veneer for Front Tooth?

Front and back teeth have different functions. Back teeth are used for chewing and grinding. The pressure on them from chewing food is much more significant than the occasional pressure on front teeth, as when you first bite an apple.

Back teeth

A crown covers the entire tooth—from the gumline to the chewing surfaces and cusps. So it protects back teeth from breaking or splitting under pressure. A dental crown is definitely needed to protect a back tooth after root canal treatment.

Front teeth

Front teeth don’t have a chewing surface. When you bite with them, the upper teeth push backward on the lower teeth, and the lower teeth push forward on the upper teeth. If a front tooth is prepared for a crown, it will weaken the tooth and make it difficult to resist future impact. A skilled cosmetic dentist can use a porcelain veneer to protect your front tooth after root canal treatment.

The photographs below show a front tooth prepared for a crown (left) and two front teeth prepared for veneers (right). Although the crown preparation was more conservative than usual, the teeth that were prepared for veneers have much more of the natural tooth structure intact. Generally, when a tooth is prepared for a porcelain veneer, only .5 millimeter of tooth enamel is removed from the front of the tooth only.

Side-by-side photos of upper front teeth for information on tooth preparation for a dental crown vs. a porcelain veneer; from the office of NJ top dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Which Top Dentist Should You Choose?

It’s also good to note that in most cases, tooth discoloration results from root canal filling materials—not from the tooth drying out. An alternative is to use a white fiberglass post to strengthen the tooth and to seal the opening with a dental composite. This process delays discoloration for years and enables a skilled cosmetic dentist to use a porcelain veneer to protect a front tooth.

If one of the top dentists you’ve seen is recommending a porcelain veneer for your front tooth, she likely has experience and skill in this area.

What Should You Do?

Ask the dentist how many front teeth she has restored with porcelain veneers after root canal treatment.
Ask to see actual patient before-and-after photos of her work.
After your conversation with the dentist, if you’re still uneasy, we suggest that you schedule an in-person third opinion with an accredited cosmetic dentist.

The post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. For 11 consecutive times, Dr. Hurley has been named a top dentist by NJ Monthly magazine.

March 16, 2018 by

I’m having trouble with my porcelain veneers and I need a top dentist to help me preserve them. I tried whitening strips to whiten up my veneers but they don’t look any different. The veneers are 12 years old and they are starting to look dull. I am beginning to think that the shape of my teeth even looks outdated. I don’t know how to describe it, but they don’t look modern. Anyway, I have been thinking that if I am at least able to get the veneers whiter that my smile would look better. My dentist polished them and the veneers are now shinier but they are not whiter. So instead of getting new veneers, I think that I should first ask another cosmetic dentist to give it a try to get them whiter. This is not a good year for me to get new veneers. I know that not every dentist can do this so how can I find a top dentist to whiten them? Thanks, Piper

Porcelain veneers from a top dentist will look natural

Piper – Even a top dentist will be limited in putting life back into your veneers. There are several reasons why:

Porcelain veneers can’t absorb teeth bleaching gel as natural teeth can, so you won’t be able to whiten your veneers. An expert cosmetic dentist may be able to polish out light stains on the surface of porcelain veneers.
The type of material your veneers are made of may have something to do with the color of the veneers. Newer veneers are made of high-quality porcelain and they are color stable. There is also more variety of color options and shades since you received your veneers.
It is possible that your natural teeth beneath the veneers have darkened. If that is the case, a skilled cosmetic dentist can try to whiten your natural teeth and make your veneers look lighter.

You have the right idea of getting a second opinion from a top cosmetic dentist. It’s best to find one or two accredited cosmetic dentists to examine your teeth and porcelain veneers to determine the reason for the darkening. It is possible that another dentist will have more success polishing your veneers. But if you’ve had them for 12 years, the veneers may need to be replaced.

An accredited cosmetic dentist is the best dentist to let you know if the appearance of your veneers can be improved, or if they need to be replaced.

This post is sponsored by award-winning accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley of Chatham, NJ.

July 31, 2017 by

I’m having a lavish wedding in October and I’m looking for a top dentist to do Zoom teeth whitening for the 5 ladies in my bridal party. I hope to make sort of a surprise teeth whitening party of it and get everyone’s teeth whitened in the same day. I’m paying for it all because I have gorgeous friends and I want them to have absolutely white teeth in every picture. I don’t want anyone looking at my wedding pictures and thinking that someone’s smile is anything less than gorgeous. I’m just wondering if this is something a top dentist would be willing to do even if we don’t normally go to that dentist. How long will it take person? And is there anything you can suggest? Thanks. Jenn

Jenn – Your gift idea is generous. You might be able to find a top dentist to do the teeth whitening for your bridal party, but your questions will need to be answered directly by the dentist. We have some suggestions and a few things to consider:

Teeth whitening isn’t for everyone

Depending on the health of a person’s teeth and gums, bleaching their teeth is not a good idea. Some people have stains in their teeth that Zoom whitening will only make more noticeable. Additionally, a top dentist knows cosmetic dentistry well, and another type of whitening might work better for an individual. And it might take longer than in-office treatments with Zoom.

Does your entire bridal party want teeth whitening?

We understand your concern for picture-perfect smiles for your wedding, but it’s best to take your bridal party into consideration. A surprise will not work for teeth whitening. The top dentist who completes Zoom whitening will have to examine each person’s teeth first to determine if teeth whitening is recommended. Your bridal party will also need to content to that and follow-up care.

A recent dental cleaning will be required

Dentists require a recent dental cleaning before Zoom whitening is used. Clean teeth and gums yield better results.

You need a top dentist’s agreement

You will need to first find several top dentists. We recommend accredited cosmetic dentists. Check each dentist’s patient reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. You might also find verified patient reviews on a dentist’s website. Call several cosmetic dental offices and make your request to find out if any dentists are willing to do it.

Consider the dentist’s schedule and the time it will take

Most dentists complete in-office whitening in three to four 15-minute sessions. Even if you find a top dentist who is willing to do it all in one day, it will require several hours for you and your bridal party to be in the dentist’s office. Special attention must be given to each person. For safety and sanitary reasons, don’t expect all of your teeth to be whitened in the same room at the same time.

What to expect after in-office whitening is complete

Follow-up visits are needed to ensure whitening meets the patient’s desired results. At-home treatment might also be recommended by the dentist. If anyone in your bridal party wants to keep her smile bright, periodic at-home touch-ups are required.

If you find a top dentist to honor your request, ask questions to ensure you and your bridal party know everything that’s involved and what the dentist requires from each of you.

Your gift is generous. There is a lot involved to satisfy your request. Be flexible and willing to listen to the wishes of each person in your bridal party and the recommendations of your cosmetic dentist.

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

April 17, 2017 by

Photo of MMarkle for discussion on NJ celebrity smiles that can be received from Dr. Allyson Hurley. I love Meghan Markle’s smile. I think she is gorgeous and I love her smile. I want a top dentist who can give me a smile exactly like Meghan Markle’s. My teeth are in pretty bad shape and I’ve been dying for a smile makeover but I really wasn’t sure how I want my teeth to look. The more I see Meghan in celebrity news, the more I want her smile. I want my teeth the same shape, width, length and color as Meghan’s. What do I need to do to find a top dentist who can get my teeth just right? How will I know if what the dentist claims to be able to do will really happen? I wish I could find out who Meghan’s dentist is and then that would be a safe pick. Where do I start? – Alycia

Alycia – So you want a Meghan Markle smile. It’s popular for people to try to achieve a celebrity smile. Whether you want a smile makeover that makes you look like a celebrity, or just a gorgeous smile that fits you, a top dentist who is also a skilled cosmetic dentist can help. If the current condition of your teeth presents a lot of challenges, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist.

Do Your Homework First

Find two or three accredited cosmetic dentists.
Ask friends and family for recommendations, and check online patient reviews.
Check each dentist’s website for his or her credentials.
Look for a smile gallery on the website to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeovers on each dentist’s patients.
Schedule a consultation with each top dentist.

How Will a Top Dentist Handle Your Request for a Smile Like Meghan Markle’s?

There aren’t many accredited cosmetic dentists in the country, but they are certainly top dentists and highly skilled artists. Your dentist will let you know what to expect when using cosmetic dentistry to imitate Meghan Markle’s teeth.

If an exact match is possible

A smile is a unique expression of a person. There are a lot of factors that will affect how the final results will look. A top dentist can give you a stunning smile, but whether or not it will look exactly like Meghan’s depends on a lot of things. Some of them include:

Your jawbone structure
Your face shape
Your gumline
The condition of your teeth
Your lips

The appearance of a smile is much more than the shape and color of your teeth.

What it will take

You mentioned that your teeth are in bad shape, but you didn’t provide any specifics.

Do you need orthodontic treatment?
Do you have any missing teeth that need to be replaced?
Are your teeth uneven?
Do any of your teeth need to be restored with porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns?

Of course, professional teeth whitening will give any smile a brilliant lift. A top dentist will let you know what it will take to give you a smile that’s just as amazing as Meghan Markle’s. A combination of different cosmetic dental treatments might be needed to get the look you want.

How you will look

A top dentist who has experience in cosmetic dentistry will be able to tell you and show you how your smile will look when it’s complete. If you need porcelain veneers to achieve the smile makeover, you’ll be able to try on temporary veneers so you know exactly what to expect.

Based on your personality and facial features, your accredited cosmetic dentist will let you know if the smile makeover you’re requesting will enhance your appearance or detract from it.

Be Specific and Realistic

Write down, or record in your mobile device, exactly what it is about Meghan’s smile that you love. Let your dentist know what you want people to see when you smile.

A top cosmetic dentist can give you celebrity smile, but do you really want it to look exactly like Meghan Markle’s smile? Your answer might still be Yes!, but listen closely to your dentist to understand how closely your smile makeover can mimic Meghan’s smile, and how Meghan’s smile will look on you. Understand what the limitations are based on your facial features, your natural teeth, and the cosmetic treatment you select.

Your Celebrity Smile Might Look Better Than Meghan’s

Keep in mind that you can have a beautiful smile that is uniquely yours. Who knows, if you find the right cosmetic dentist, it might even look better than Meghan’s.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist and NJ Monthly Magazine top dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Check out her smile gallery.

March 28, 2017 by

I went through a lot of trouble to find a top dentist for a smile makeover. So how in the world she ended up chipping one of my teeth I will never know. I had 3 old, old crowns that needed to be replaced and for some reason the dentist was having trouble getting one of the crowns off. The first 2 came off without a hitch. After 20 minutes of trying to get the other one off I felt a big yank and felt a metal tool hit one of my left incisors. The dentist said, “Uh oh.” Uh oh? I asked her what happened and she told me that one my teeth was a little chipped. She let me look at it in a mirror and she said she would touch it up right away with dental bonding. She did a decent job but I can see where she did the touch-up. I now have temporary crowns on the 3 teeth I went there for and I am afraid to see what the new ones will look like if she couldn’t get the bonding right. With the work already in progress, how can I switch dentists in the middle of treatment? What can I do about a top dentist who doesn’t seem to know what she is doing? Tad

Tad – Although any dentist can claim to be a top dentist, it doesn’t mean that he or she has the skill, training, and experience needed to give you a smile that looks great. It is also possible for any dentist to make a mistake.

A mistake doesn’t necessarily mean that your dentist doesn’t know what she is doing. But if you can look at your tooth in a mirror and see where the bonding meets your tooth, your dentist might not be experienced or talented in every aspect of cosmetic dentistry. It takes skill to manipulate dental bonding to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth.

As a suggestion, you can receive a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. He or she can examine the bonding on your chipped tooth and improve or replace it.

It sounds as if your dental crowns have been ordered already, so you might want to give your dentist a chance to complete the work. Otherwise, it might take some time and negotiation, along with additional expense to cancel the placement of crowns that have already been ordered from the lab. If the dental crown work is faulty, your new dentist might be able to help you negotiate a reasonable solution.

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

December 15, 2015 by

After getting recommendations on a dentist from 3 different people, I felt pretty confident about letting this dentist do my porcelain veneers. I had 3 appointments before the temporary veneers were made and I thought the discussions were so good that there was no question that my veneers would look great. I approved the mockup and now that I am wearing the temporary veneers I think they are way too white. Even people that don’t really know me tell me how white my teeth are and some people actually ask if these are my real teeth. It’s really embarrassing. I am getting concerned because after so many discussions with the dentist, I ended up with veneers that seem to be 5 shades lighter than what I asked for. I told my dentist that they are way too white and he said that when I receive the porcelain veneers, the color will be corrected. I asked for new temporaries and I am waiting for them. Is this a warning sign for me to switch to a new dentist? I’ve started looking for top dentists in my area so I can make the move without wasting a lot of time. Thanks. Mariah

Mariah – After you receive your second set of temporary veneers, it will help you decide whether or not you need to switch dentists. If the veneers are not the exact shade you requested, it may be an indication of a communication problem between you and your dentist, or your dentist and the lab being used to make the veneers.

Even if you decide to find a top cosmetic dentist in your area, be sure to check the dentist’s credentials, patient reviews, and before-and-after pictures of porcelain veneers cases. Schedule a consultation with each dentist first and ask questions about what will be done to ensure that you receive veneers in the shade that you desire.

If you switch dentists, your new dentist can help you communicate with the previous one to obtain your dental records and have your case transferred. Don’t rush your decision, though. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of changing providers for your veneers, and carefully choose your new cosmetic dentist.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Since 2005, Dr. Hurley has been named a top NJ dentist by NJ Monthly Magazine!