With proper care and 6 month cleanings and exams, high-quality porcelain veneers can last 10-20 years or even longer. At Polished General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Gerri Illiano and Dr. Sara Barazesh use premium materials and precision bonding techniques to ensure your veneers are durable and long-lasting. Dr. Sara and Dr. Gerri also have intimate relationships with their lab technicians to ensure your porcelain veneers are both esthetically pleasing and function properly with your specific bite to ensure a long term outcome. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental cleanings, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting hard objects will help maximize the lifespan of your veneers. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to help protect your investment in your smile.

With proper care and 6 month cleanings and exams, high-quality porcelain veneers can last 10-20 years or even longer. At Polished General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Gerri Illiano and Dr. Sara Barazesh use premium materials and precision bonding techniques to ensure your veneers are durable and long-lasting. Dr. Sara and Dr. Gerri also have intimate relationships with their lab technicians to ensure your porcelain veneers are both esthetically pleasing and function properly with your specific bite to ensure a long term outcome. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental cleanings, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting hard objects will help maximize the lifespan of your veneers. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to help protect your investment in your smile.

Yes! Porcelain veneers are incredibly versatile and can address multiple cosmetic concerns simultaneously. Whether you have gaps between teeth, chips, cracks, stubborn stains, discoloration, or slightly misaligned teeth, veneers can create a comprehensive transformation in just a few visits. At Polished, we custom-design each veneer to harmonize with your facial features, skin tone, and personal aesthetic goals. Many of our Bedminster, Bernardsville and Basking Ridge patients choose veneers for this all-in-one smile makeover solution.

Caring for veneers is simple and similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss regularly, and visit Polished for professional cleanings every six months. Avoid using your teeth as tools, chewing extremely hard foods, or grinding your teeth (we can provide a nightguard if needed). Porcelain is highly stain-resistant, but it’s wise to limit consumption of heavily pigmented foods and beverages. With proper maintenance, your veneers will maintain their beautiful appearance for many years.

At Polished General and Cosmetic Dentistry, creating natural-looking results is our specialty. Dr. Gerri Illiano and Dr. Sara Barazesh have extensive training in cosmetic dentistry and work closely with skilled lab technicians to craft veneers that match your desired shade, shape, and translucency. We consider your facial proportions, gum line, and natural tooth characteristics to ensure your veneers look authentic and complement your unique features. Our goal is for people to notice your beautiful smile, not that you’ve had dental work done.

A dental crown is recommended when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to support a filling. This includes teeth with large cavities, significant cracks or fractures, root canal-treated teeth that need protection, severely worn teeth, or cosmetic concerns where you want to improve the shape and appearance. At Polished, Dr. Gerri Illiano and Dr. Sara Barazesh will thoroughly evaluate your tooth structure and discuss whether a crown or alternative treatment is the best solution for your long-term oral health and aesthetic goals.

A dental crown is recommended when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to support a filling. This includes teeth with large cavities, significant cracks or fractures, root canal-treated teeth that need protection, severely worn teeth, or cosmetic concerns where you want to improve the shape and appearance. At Polished, Dr. Gerri Illiano and Dr. Sara Barazesh will thoroughly evaluate your tooth structure and discuss whether a crown or alternative treatment is the best solution for your long-term oral health and aesthetic goals.

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent natural teeth on either side, creating a “bridge” across the gap. Dental implants, on the other hand, replace the entire tooth including the root with a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone. Bridges are less invasive, more affordable, and completed faster than implants, but they do require modification of healthy adjacent teeth. During your consultation at Polished, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option and help you determine the best tooth replacement solution for your situation and budget.

Modern dental crowns are designed to be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. At Polished General and Cosmetic Dentistry, we take detailed shade measurements and consider factors like translucency, texture, and shape to ensure your crown blends seamlessly with your smile. Dr. Gerri Illiano and Dr. Sara Barazesh work with skilled dental laboratories to create custom restorations that match your existing teeth perfectly. Whether you need a crown on a front tooth or molar, we’re committed to delivering results that look natural and beautiful.

The crown procedure is performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some mild sensitivity or soreness, which typically resolves within a few days. Your temporary crown will protect your tooth while your permanent restoration is being crafted. Most patients at our Bedminster office return to normal activities immediately and can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication, but these are usually not even needed. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are always available to address any concerns during your recovery.

A smile makeover is a comprehensive, customized treatment plan that combines multiple cosmetic procedures to transform your entire smile. Depending on your needs and goals, your makeover might include professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, Invisalign clear aligners, composite bonding, gum contouring, or other treatments. At Polished General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Illiano and Dr. Barazesh will create a personalized plan that addresses your specific concerns while enhancing your natural beauty and facial features. Every smile makeover is unique and tailored to you.

The timeline for a smile makeover varies depending on which treatments are included in your plan. Simple makeovers involving only whitening and bonding might be completed in 1-2 visits, while comprehensive transformations including veneers, crowns, and Invisalign could take several months. During your consultation at our Bedminster office, Dr. Illiano or Dr. Barazesh will provide a detailed timeline with specific milestones so you know exactly what to expect. We’ll also show you digital previews of your expected results before beginning treatment.

Smile makeover costs vary widely based on the treatments included in your personalized plan. A makeover might range from a few thousand dollars for conservative treatments to more significant investments for comprehensive transformations involving multiple procedures. At Polished, we provide transparent pricing during your consultation and offer flexible financing options, payment plans, and will verify your dental insurance coverage to maximize your benefits. We believe everyone deserves access to a confident, beautiful smile, so we work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.

At Polished General and Cosmetic Dentistry, our philosophy is to enhance your natural beauty, not create an artificial-looking smile. Dr. Illiano and Dr. Barazesh are trained in aesthetic dentistry principles and consider your facial proportions, skin tone, age, personality, and personal preferences when designing your smile. We use advanced digital smile design technology to preview your results and make adjustments before any treatment begins. Your smile should look like the best version of you, beautifully natural and perfectly suited to your unique features.

Absolutely! Many smile makeovers address both aesthetic concerns and functional issues simultaneously. For example, Invisalign straightens your teeth while also correcting bite problems, crowns restore damaged teeth while improving their appearance, and periodontal therapy creates healthy gums that frame your beautiful smile. At Polished, we take a comprehensive, wellness-based approach to cosmetic dentistry, ensuring your smile transformation is built on a foundation of excellent oral health. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw health before designing your treatment plan.

Early warning signs of gum disease (gingivitis) include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, gums that appear red instead of pink, receding gums that make teeth look longer, and loose or shifting teeth. Many people don’t realize they have gum disease because it often doesn’t cause pain in the early stages. That’s why regular dental exams at Polished General and Cosmetic Dentistry are so important. Dr. Sara and Dr. Gerri along with their hygienist can detect gum disease early and provide treatment to prevent it from progressing to more serious periodontitis.

The good news is that early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. At Polished, we offer non-surgical periodontal therapy including deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), antimicrobial treatments, and personalized oral hygiene instruction. Most patients can successfully manage gum disease without surgery if caught early. However, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may require more intensive treatment or referral to a periodontist. The key is addressing gum disease promptly before it causes irreversible damage to your gums and supporting bone.

Research shows strong connections between gum disease and serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer’s disease. The inflammation and bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. At Polished, we take a wellness-based approach to dentistry and understand that oral health is intimately connected to overall health. Treating gum disease isn’t just about saving your teeth, it’s about protecting your whole-body health and improving your quality of life.

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line and is appropriate for healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a therapeutic treatment for gum disease that removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach. Deep cleanings are typically performed in sections with local anesthesia (numbing) for your comfort. At our Bedminster office, we’ll explain which type of cleaning you need based on your gum health and provide gentle, thorough care to restore your gums to health.

Prevention is the best medicine for gum disease. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended. Visit Polished for regular professional cleanings (typically every 3-6 months depending on your risk level), don’t smoke or use tobacco products, manage health conditions like diabetes that increase gum disease risk, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and reduce stress which can affect your immune system. With consistent preventive care and healthy habits, you can keep your gums healthy and avoid gum disease complications.

Dentists have extensive training in facial anatomy, particularly the muscles, nerves, and structures around the mouth and face, making them uniquely qualified to administer facial aesthetics treatments. Combining dental and aesthetic treatments in one location allows for comprehensive smile and facial rejuvenation, creating harmonious results that enhance both your teeth and facial appearance. Many patients appreciate the convenience and expertise of receiving these treatments from their trusted dental provider.

Neurotoxins like Botox and Xeomin temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive expressions, such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Results typically last anywhere from 2-4 months depending on the frequency you receive the neurotoxin.  During your consultation at Polished, Dr. Gerri Iliano or Dr. Sara Barazesh will recommend the best treatment or combination of treatments for your specific aesthetic goals.

Most patients describe Botox as quick with minimal discomfort—often just a slight pinch or pressure. At Polished, we use fine needles and can apply topical numbing cream to enhance comfort. The entire procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately. You may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at injection sites, which usually resolves within a few days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to minimize side effects and optimize your results.

Neurotoxin can last anywhere from 2-4 months. It depends on how frequently you are coming to get neurotoxin treatment. If you are consistent the results can start to last longer and longer as the muscles lose their strength to cause the wrinkles over time. The length of time also depends on the patients metabolism. For example, patients who exercise frequently often report that their results don’t last as long and this is most likely due to their body metabolising the neurotoxin quickly. 

Absolutely! Combining facial aesthetics with cosmetic dentistry creates comprehensive facial rejuvenation and harmony. For example, Botox can treat a gummy smile by relaxing upper lip muscles, improve TMJ-related facial tension, or smooth perioral lines around the mouth. Dr Gerri Illiano and Dr. Sara Barazesh both take a holistic approach to facial aesthetics, considering how your teeth, lips, and facial features work together to create beautiful, natural-looking results.