Composite Bonding in Jacksonville: Small Changes, Big Impact

When people search “cosmetic dentistry near me,” they’re usually not looking for something extreme. Most patients want a small improvement that makes a big difference — a chip, a dark edge, a gap they’ve always noticed in photos.

Composite bonding is one of the most conservative and effective ways to create that kind of change, and in our office, we take a unique approach to make sure the final result looks completely natural.

We involve you in every detail. Our goal is simple: to make your teeth look the way you’ve always imagined they should.

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding uses tooth-colored resin to reshape, rebuild, or enhance teeth. It’s minimally invasive, preserves your natural tooth structure, and can often be completed in a single visit.

Bonding is ideal for:

• Repairing chipped or fractured teeth

• Closing gaps

• Correcting uneven or worn edges

• Reshaping teeth for symmetry

• Improving color in localized areas

• Finishing cosmetic touches after orthodontics

The best part: when it’s done well, it blends seamlessly with the natural enamel.

Why Our Bonding Looks Natural

Not all bonding is the same. The difference is in the detail.

Here’s what we do differently:

• You’re part of the design — we build the smile you’ve always pictured

• Filtek Supreme composite for lifelike shade, translucency, and polish

• Scotchbond Universal adhesive for long-term durability

• Bioclear matrix system for natural contours and smooth transitions

• Glycerin final cure to eliminate the oxygen-inhibited layer and minimize staining

• Micro-texture and polish that mimic natural enamel

• Attention to detail that only happens when a dentist takes their time

This combination lets us create bonding that doesn’t look like bonding — it looks like your tooth.

Our Workflow: Built Around Your Vision

Every case starts with a conversation and a clear understanding of what you want.

Sometimes it’s a subtle change. Sometimes it’s a bigger correction.

For more significant improvements, we often create a chairside mock-up so you can see the proposed changes before we begin. This helps you approve the shape, size, and symmetry in real time.

Most bonding cases are completed in one visit, and we limit appointments to no more than six teeth at a time to keep the quality at its highest.

Bonding vs. Veneers: Honest Expectations

Bonding is excellent for subtle to moderate cosmetic changes, but it isn’t a replacement for veneers in every situation.

Here’s what we tell our patients:

• Bonding is perfect for minor reshaping and small cosmetic upgrades

• Veneers are better for full coverage or major color changes

• Veneers resist staining longer

• Bonding can be touched up or repaired easily

• We always recommend the option that fits your goals, budget, and long-term plan

Good dentistry is about helping you understand your choices — not pushing you toward something you don’t need.

Longevity & Maintenance

Composite bonding can last many years with proper care. We recommend:

• Avoid biting nails and hard objects

• Maintain good hygiene

• Schedule polishing visits as needed

• Expect touch-ups over time — they are simple and inexpensive

• Reach out immediately if anything feels off

And one thing that sets us apart:

If you have a problem, you’ll have my cell phone number. We’re a down-to-earth, detail-oriented local practice, and your care doesn’t end when you leave the office.

Why Patients Choose Us for Cosmetic Bonding

People come to us because we combine precision, honesty, and a collaborative approach. We don’t rush treatment, and we don’t push unnecessary procedures. We focus on delivering the most natural-looking results possible — in a way that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

If you’re searching for “cosmetic dentistry near me” or exploring composite bonding options in Jacksonville, we’d love to help you create a smile that feels like you.

Real Before & After

Case 1: Closing spaces and refreshing the smile

Case 2: Improving shape and symmetry

Case 3: Budget-friendly full-mouth rehabilitation with selective extractions, composite restorations, and a flexible partial

Each case highlights what conservative cosmetic dentistry can accomplish when technique, materials, and patient collaboration come together.

The Ultimate Toothpaste Guide 2.0 | What Dentists Really Use | CJ Henley, DMD

You can find thousands of toothpaste reviews online—celebrity endorsements, “top 10” lists, even influencers claiming coconut oil changed their lives. But how many of those voices actually treat real mouths every day?

Let’s change that.

This is the honest, dentist’s version of the ultimate toothpaste guide—what actually matters, what doesn’t, and what I personally use in my own bathroom cabinet.

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The Myth of the “Perfect Toothpaste”

Here’s the truth: there’s no single best toothpaste for everyone. The right choice depends on your mouth—your enamel, your diet, your habits, and even your medical history.

Still, most patients (and even some dentists) underestimate how much toothpaste can make or break your daily routine. It’s not just a flavor or foam preference. The right toothpaste can reduce sensitivity, prevent cavities, and even help preserve dental work for years.

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What Dentists Look for in a Toothpaste

Forget the commercials for a second. Here’s what actually matters when you read that label:

1. Fluoride

The backbone of every effective toothpaste. It strengthens enamel and reverses early decay. Sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride—both are solid choices.

2. Abrasiveness (RDA)

Abrasives remove surface stains but can also wear enamel or restorations. I avoid anything over 100 RDA for most patients.

3. Active Ingredients

Potassium nitrate for sensitivity. Stannous fluoride for gum health. Nano-hydroxyapatite for remineralization. Each serves a purpose.

4. The Stuff You Don’t Need

Charcoal, “natural” whitening agents, and oil pulling trends often sound appealing but can be misleading. If it’s overly abrasive, skip it.

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What I Actually Use at Home

People always ask, “So, Dr. Henley, which toothpaste do you use?”

Here’s my honest rotation:

• For everyday care: A fluoride toothpaste with mild abrasiveness (like Pronamel or Colgate Total).

• For sensitivity: A desensitizing option like Sensodyne Repair & Protect.

• For dry mouth or post-radiation patients: Biotène or any SLS-free fluoride toothpaste.

• For whitening: I don’t use “whitening” toothpaste. They rarely change intrinsic color; professional whitening is the only way to do that safely.

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When Toothpaste Alone Isn’t Enough

Even the best toothpaste can’t overcome bad habits. Brush twice a day for two minutes, use a soft brush, and floss (or use interdental brushes) daily. If your toothpaste feels like it’s not helping—bleeding gums, persistent sensitivity, discoloration—come see me. Sometimes, your mouth is trying to tell you something toothpaste can’t fix.

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Bonus: Toothpaste Tips Most People Don’t Know

• Less is more. A pea-sized amount is plenty for adults. More foam doesn’t mean more cleaning.

• Don’t rinse immediately. Spit, don’t rinse—let fluoride stay on the enamel a bit longer.

• Match your needs. Post-cancer therapy, enamel wear, implants—all require specific formulations.

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My Takeaway

If your toothpaste isn’t supporting your smile, it’s time to switch. Don’t fall for hype—look for ingredients that protect, strengthen, and heal.

At the end of the day, toothpaste should work as hard as you do.

And if you’re still unsure which one is best for your mouth, that’s what I’m here for.

Schedule a visit, and we’ll create a personalized care plan that goes way beyond the tube.

Interesting Facts About Christmas: Merry Christmas from the Team at CJ Henley, DMD

Origin of Christmas Trees: The tradition of decorating Christmas trees dates back to 16th-century Germany. It became popular in England during the 19th century when Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert, introduced the Christmas tree to the royal family.

First Christmas Card: The first commercially produced Christmas card was created in London in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. It featured a family enjoying a festive meal, and about 1,000 copies were printed.

Santa Claus's Evolution: The modern image of Santa Claus is often credited to the Coca-Cola Company. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a series of images featuring a plump, jolly Santa enjoying Coca-Cola. This contributed to the popularization of the contemporary image of Santa Claus.

Christmas Stockings: The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace is said to have originated from the story of St. Nicholas, who, according to legend, left gifts in the stockings of three poor sisters.

Christmas Colors: The traditional colors of Christmas, red and green, have symbolic meanings. Red represents the blood of Christ, while green symbolizes eternal life.

Mistletoe Tradition: The custom of kissing under the mistletoe is believed to have originated from ancient Norse mythology. It was associated with Frigg, the Norse goddess of love, and evolved into a Christmas tradition over time.

World Record for Lights: The Guinness World Record for the most Christmas lights on a residential property is held by a family in LaGrangeville, New York. They set up an astonishing 601,736 lights in 2014.

Tallest Christmas Tree: The tallest artificial Christmas tree ever made was constructed in the city of Sri Lanka in 2019. It stood at a staggering 236 feet.

Caroling Tradition: The tradition of Christmas caroling has ancient roots. Early carolers used to dance from house to house, and the word "carol" originally meant a circle dance. Over time, it evolved into singing festive songs.

Christmas Traditions Around the World: Different countries have unique Christmas traditions. For example, in Iceland, there are 13 Santas who visit children over the Christmas season. In Japan, it's a tradition to eat KFC for Christmas dinner.

Why does toothpaste and orange juice taste so bad?!

Toothpaste can make orange juice taste bad because of a chemical reaction that occurs in the mouth. Most toothpaste contains a compound called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a foaming agent that helps to clean teeth by removing plaque and debris. SLS can break down the phospholipids in the orange juice, which are responsible for the juice's pleasant taste.

When SLS comes into contact with the phospholipids in orange juice, it breaks them down into their constituent fatty acids. These fatty acids are bitter, and they can overpower the sweet and tangy flavors of the orange juice, making it taste unpleasant.

Additionally, toothpaste often contains mint or other strong flavors that can leave an aftertaste in the mouth. When combined with the bitterness of the fatty acids, this can make the orange juice taste even worse.

To avoid this unpleasant taste, it is recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes after brushing your teeth before consuming acidic beverages like orange juice. This allows your saliva to neutralize the SLS and other toothpaste ingredients in your mouth, reducing the risk of a chemical reaction with the orange juice.

Fall Vacation

Our Office will be closed 10/17/22-10/21/22 for Fall vacation. We will be back in the office on 10/24/22. If you have a dental emergency you can reach out to Dr. Henley on his personal cell @ 904-434-7883 or on our office cell phone @ 904-762-5616.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

How to improve your dental health with 5 easy tips:

*Brush your teeth 2x a day with fluoride toothpaste and replace toothbrush/toothbrush head every 3-4 months

*Floss Daily to remove food particles

*Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash

*Eat a balanced diet and avoid in-between meal snacks

*Schedule your regular dental checkups for professional cleaning and oral exams

Easter Break

OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED APRIL 15th-18th. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency please call our on call number 904-762-5616 or text Dr. Henley directly 904-434-7883

Some oral bacteria linked with hypertension in older women

Some oral bacteria were associated with the development of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, in postmenopausal women, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

High blood pressure is typically defined by two measurements: systolic blood pressure (the upper number measuring pressure when the heart beats) of 130 mm Hg or higher, and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number indicating pressure between heart beats) of 80 mm Hg or higher.

While previous research has indicated that blood pressure tends to be higher in people with existing periodontal disease compared to those without it, researchers believe that this study is the first to prospectively examine the association between oral bacteria and developing hypertension.

"Since periodontal disease and hypertension are especially prevalent in older adults, if a relationship between the oral bacteria and hypertension risk could be established, there may be an opportunity to enhance hypertension prevention through increased, targeted oral care," said Michael J. LaMonte, Ph.D., M.P.H., one of the study's senior authors, a research professor in epidemiology at the University at Buffalo -- State University of New York and a co-investigator in the Women's Health Initiative clinical center in the University's epidemiology and environmental health department.

Researchers evaluated data for 1,215 postmenopausal women (average age of 63 years old at study enrollment, between 1997 and 2001) in the Buffalo Osteoporosis and Periodontal Disease Study in Buffalo, New York. At study enrollment, researchers recorded blood pressure and collected oral plaque from below the gum line, "which is where some bacteria keep the gum and tooth structures healthy, and others cause gum and periodontal disease," LaMonte said. They also noted medication use and medical and lifestyle histories to assess if there is a link between oral bacteria and hypertension in older women.

At study enrollment, about 35% (429) of the study participants had normal blood pressure: readings below 120/80 mm Hg, with no use of blood pressure medication. Nearly 24% (306) of participants had elevated blood pressure: readings above 120/80 mm Hg with no medication use. About 40% (480) of participants were categorized as having prevalent treated hypertension: diagnosed and treated for hypertension with medication.

Researchers identified 245 unique strains of bacteria in the plaque samples. Nearly one-third of the women who did not have hypertension or were not being treated for hypertension at the beginning of the study were diagnosed with high blood pressure during the follow-up period, which was an average of 10 years.

The analysis found:

• 10 bacteria were associated with a 10% to 16% higher risk of developing high blood pressure; and

• five other kinds of bacteria were associated with a 9% to 18% lower hypertension risk.

These results were consistent even after considering demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors (such as older age, treatment for high cholesterol, dietary intake and smoking) that also influence the development of high blood pressure.

The potential associations for the same 15 bacteria with hypertension risk among subgroups was analyzed, comparing women younger than age 65 to those older than 65; smokers versus nonsmokers; those with normal versus elevated blood pressure at the start of the study, and other comparisons. Results remained consistent among the groups compared.

The findings are particularly relevant for postmenopausal women, since the prevalence of high blood pressure is higher among older women than older men, according to LaMonte.

More than 70% of American adults ages 65 and older have high blood pressure. That age category, the fastest growing in the U.S., is projected to reach 95 million by 2060, with women outnumbering men 2 to 1, according to a 2020 U.S. Census report. The 2020 U.S. Surgeon General's Call to Action to Control Hypertension underscores the serious public health issue imposed by hypertension in adults, especially those in later life. Identifying new approaches to prevent this disease is, thus, paramount in an aging society.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and many don't know they have it. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

"We have come to better appreciate that health is influenced by more than just the traditional risk factors we know to be so important. This paper is a provocative reminder of the need to expand our understanding of additional health factors that may even be influenced by our environments and potentially impact our biology at the endothelial level," said Willie Lawrence, M.D., chair of the American Heart Association's National Hypertension Control Initiative's (NHCI) Oversight Committee. "Inclusive research on hypertension must continue to be a priority to better understand and address the condition."

Due to the study's observational approach, cause and effect cannot be inferred, limiting the researchers' ability to identify with certainty that only some bacteria are related to lower risk of hypertension while others are related to higher risk. A randomized trial would provide the evidence necessary to confirm which bacteria were causal agents in developing -- or not developing -- hypertension over time, according to LaMonte.

Co-authors are Joshua H. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D.; Patricia Diaz-Moreno, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Christopher A. Andrews, Ph.D.; Daichi Shimbo, M.D.; Kathleen M. Hovey, M.S.; Michael J. Buck, Ph.D.; and Jean Wactawski-Wende, Ph.D.

The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which are divisions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps; the Women's Health Initiative program (Coordinating Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center); and the University at Buffalo Clinical Translational Science Institute.

Heartburn drugs may have unexpected benefits on gum disease

The use of heartburn medication is associated with decreased severity of gum disease, according to a recent University at Buffalo study.

The research found that patients who used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) -- a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat heartburn, acid reflux and ulcers -- were more likely to have smaller probing depths in the gums (the gap between teeth and gums). When gums are healthy, they fit snuggly against the teeth. However, in the presence of harmful bacteria, the gap deepens, leading to inflammation, bone loss and periodontitis, also known as gum disease.

The findings, published last month in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, may be linked to the side effects of PPIs, which include changes in bone metabolism and in the gut microbiome, says lead investigator Lisa M. Yerke, DDS, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics at the UB School of Dental Medicine.

"PPIs could potentially be used in combination with other periodontal treatments; however, additional studies are first needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind the role PPIs play in reducing the severity of periodontitis," says Yerke.

Additional investigators include first author and UB alumnus Bhavneet Chawla, and Robert E. Cohen, DDS, PhD, professor of periodontics and endodontics in the UB School of Dental Medicine.

The study sought to determine whether a relationship exists between PPI use and gum disease. The researchers analyzed clinical data from more than 1,000 periodontitis patients either using or not using PPIs. Probing depths were used as an indicator of periodontitis severity.

Only 14% of teeth from patients who used PPIs had probing depths of 6 millimeters or more, compared to 24% of teeth from patients who did not use the medication. And 27% of teeth from patients using PPIs had probing depths of 5 millimeters or more, compared to 40% of teeth from non-PPI users, according to the study.

The researchers theorized that PPIs' ability to alter bone metabolism or the gut microbiome, as well as potentially impact periodontal microorganisms, may help lessen the severity of gum disease.

Additional studies are under development to determine if this relationship can be found in other populations of patients with gum disease, and to learn to what extent the relationship can be directly attributed to PPIs, says Yerke.

Nocturnal teeth grinding can damage temporomandibular joints

Nocturnal teeth grinding and clenching of the upper and lower jaw are known as sleep bruxism and can have a number of consequences for health. In dental science, the question of whether sleep bruxism is associated with the development or progression of temporomandibular joint disorders is controversial. In a study conducted at the University Clinic of Dentistry of the Medical University of Vienna, it was found that certain tooth shapes and tooth locations could well lead to temporomandibular joint problems as a result of bruxism. The research findings of Benedikt Sagl's team were recently published in the Journal of Advanced Research.

Around 15% of the population grind their teeth while they are asleep. The problem is particularly common in younger people. The, often immense, pressure exerted on tooth surfaces and on the jaws is thought to cause various dental health problems and can also result in pain in the jaw muscles and headaches. Researchers led by Benedikt Sagl at the University Clinic of Dentistry of the Medical University of Vienna have now investigated whether sleep bruxism can also have a negative impact on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structures. Their research was based on the theory that specific combinations of tooth shape and tooth location during grinding have an influence on the mechanical load on the temporomandibular joint and can thus be considered a risk factor for TMJ disorders.

Angle of inclination and location

The studies were performed using a state-of-the-art computer model of the masticatory region, which includes bone, cartilage and muscular structures. Such computer models can be used to investigate research questions when direct studies on patients are not feasible on ethical grounds. The subject of the research was the interaction of two factors that coincide in the phenomenon of bruxism. The first of these is the shape of the affected tooth, more precisely the angle of inclination of the dental cusp that is in contact with its opposite number during grinding. The second is the location of the tooth contact (the so-called wear facet) during a dynamic grinding motion, which was considered by the research team. The study simulated the effects of lateral grinding on the first molar and on the canine with six different wear facet inclinations, resulting in a total of twelve simulated scenarios.

"Our results show that both the inclination and location of the wear facets have an influence on the strength of the mechanical load on the temporomandibular joint," explains Benedikt Sagl. "However, it would appear that the decisive factor is the steepness of the grinding facet. The flatter the tooth, the higher the loading on the joint and therefore the higher the risk of a TMJ disorder." Conversely, if the dental cusps involved in bruxism have a steeper angle of inclination, the calculated joint loading was lower, even with the same "grinding force" (bruxing force). Further research will now be conducted, coupled with clinical investigations, to establish whether this finding can be incorporated into the development of therapeutic interventions for sleep bruxism.