Porcelain Veneers

Lowenberg, Lituchy, & Kantor (LLK) is a pioneering and leading cosmetic dentistry practice based in New York City. It specializes in porcelain veneers.

Dr. Marc Lowenberg, Dr. Gregg Lituchy, and Dr. Brian Kantor are premier cosmetic dentists who have transformed the smiles of many people, including the world’s best-known celebrities and public figures.

Over the years, the doctors became known as “dentists to the stars.” They gained worldwide acclaim for their expertise in smile transformations using porcelain veneers.
And while the doctors at LLK are known as celebrity dentists, they’re equally passionate about the well-being of all their patients.

At LLK, we prioritize patient care, ensuring each individual receives personalized treatment tailored to their desires. 

Whether you’re a social worker, a lawyer, a secretary, or anyone else, we put just as much care into crafting your smile.

LLK also has an exclusive veneers laboratory headed by Jason Kim, one of the best, if not the best, master ceramists worldwide. He has earned the moniker “The Maestro” for his meticulously crafted and exquisitely lifelike veneers.

Aside from allowing us to create long-lasting, high-quality veneers, another benefit of having an in-house veneer lab is that we can adjust your veneers during your in-office visit.

You won’t have to worry about the procedure disrupting your daily routine. We can place both upper and lower veneers in two office visits (spaced a week or two apart).

You may wonder how a porcelain veneer procedure can fix your teeth problem and help you achieve a more beautiful, confident smile in no time. You’ve come to the right place.

We at Lowenberg, Lituchy, & Kantor can give you your much-needed, much-deserved smile makeover – a smile you can be proud of.

We don’t just fix teeth, provide dental care, or enhance smiles. We help people live confident lives, one smile transformation at a time.

Porcelain veneers (or laminates) are the Rolls-Royce of cosmetic dentistry. They’re the gold standard for achieving a long-lasting smile transformation.

But what exactly is a porcelain veneer? Simply put, it is a thin porcelain-based cosmetic molding – like a “fake” fingernail – bonded to the tooth enamel (the outer covering of your tooth).

At LLK, our porcelain veneers are designed and handcrafted by our in-house master ceramist, Jason J. Kim, CDT (certified dental technician), and his team.

For over 30 years, Jason has pioneered cutting-edge techniques in dental ceramics, with labs in multiple locations, from NYC (New York City) to Dubai.

Jason’s artistry is unique because he has perfected the art of making thin porcelain veneers with translucencies that react naturally to different light environments.

  Note:

• Translucency results from the subsurface transport of light through an object (in this case, the veneer) or material (in this case, the porcelain).
• What could all these things mean for you? The answer: you get porcelain veneers that are so lifelike that people won’t even notice you did something to change your teeth.
• All people would see is that you have a glamorous, natural-looking “perfectly imperfect smile.”

Veneers are customized thin shells of ceramic that dentists affix to each tooth. They may vary in color and shape and can change the contours of your teeth.

Some use veneers as prostheses to change bite schemes and unpleasant teeth appearances due to dental issues, including bruxism (a condition where you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth).

There are many ways to categorize different types of veneers. For example, you can classify veneers based on their materials (what they’re made up of) or production (how they’re made).

Let’s take a look at two types of veneers:

1. Pressable ceramics:

   • These veneers come from pressed and sanded solid porcelain ingots or blocks. Machine-made veneers, like pressable veneers, may be easier to make.
   • However, they don’t look natural because they lack individualized ceramic tone and depth.

2. Feldspathic porcelain veneers:

   • Feldspathic porcelain is layered porcelain. This technique is much more labor-intensive and requires a lot of skill by the ceramist. This technique allows light to pass through the veneer, giving it a luminescent appearance.
   • As such, these veneers won’t give you teeth that look fake, Chiclet-y, and opaque.

At LLK, we do feldspathic porcelain veneers to achieve some of the most natural-looking teeth restorations.

Jason, our master ceramist and world-renowned expert in the feldspathic layering technique, works with our dentists to determine the ideal blend of translucency, value, and chroma for each patient’s veneers.

Value refers to a color’s relative darkness or lightness. Meanwhile, chroma refers to a color’s purity or strength.

This way, when people see your radiant smile, they’d only say things like, “Wow! You look great!” or “You look refreshed!” and not “Did you have your teeth done?”

Porcelain’s natural translucency mimics natural tooth structure and gives your smile believability (as if you were born with a beautiful smile).

• At LLK, we use feldspathic porcelain handmade by our in-house master ceramist, Jason Kim, and his team.
• Known to many as “The Maestro” and dubbed by the Departures Magazine as the “Picasso of his field,” Jason is a world-renowned master of the feldspathic technique (a powder or liquid layering technique).
• He handcrafts porcelain veneers the way old masters would paint— with sensitivity to colors, particularly the different shades of white.
• This way, the master ceramist can control various ceramic expressions, including density, depth, translucency, and light reflectivity.
• Still undecided? Ask yourself: “Given the opportunity, do I want a machine-sewn suit or a hand-stitched one?”
• The same question applies when choosing veneers – there’s a huge quality gap (in terms of craftsmanship and authenticity) between porcelain veneers and others.

At LLK, we make beautiful smiles, ones that are tailored just for the patient and reflect who they are. So, specific steps for veneer placement may vary depending on the patient’s unique wants, needs, and situation.

That said, here are some of the steps we may take when inserting porcelain veneers:

1. Sterilize the teeth with an anti-bacterial solution.
2. Etch the teeth in preparation for the bonding agent.
3. Apply the bonding agent.
4. Insert upper veneers using composite resin cement.
5. Wipe off excess cement before bonding the veneers.
6. Use UV (ultraviolet) light to harden cement. 
7. Clean the excess material and separate all contact points.

Here’s an important distinction: veneers cover the entire front surface of the tooth, while bonding is applied to a smaller section.

At LLK, we only offer porcelain veneers. However, we can also use composite resin to restore gapped and chipped teeth.

We can do so during a bonding procedure. Here’s how it usually works:

1. We start by lightly etching the tooth’s enamel. At this point, we cover the tooth with an adhesive, which is then hardened using ultraviolet light.
2. Next, we place a soft composite material onto the tooth’s surface. Then, the resin is molded into the desired shape to repair the tooth.
3. We harden and bond the resin to the tooth using UV light.
4. Lastly, we shape and polish the new material, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the tooth’s natural color.

1. Dental veneers, like porcelain veneers, often resolve the following defects:

   • Darkly stained teeth
   • Short teeth
   • Crooked teeth
   • Narrow arch
   • Aging smile 

2. You may have an aging smile if you experience the following:

   • Loss of tooth
   • Loss of gum tissue
   • Shifting or crowding of teeth
   • Teeth shortening
   • Teeth discoloration
   • Black or silver fillings on the teeth

• A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that eliminates bacteria from an infected root canal, prevents tooth reinfection, and increases the chances of saving the original tooth.
• Some say you could get veneers for a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. However, it would be best to consult seasoned cosmetic dentists, like LLK’s doctors, to determine whether veneer placement is ideal for your case.

• Stepping into the cosmetic dental office may be daunting, especially when you know little about your treatment options. But consultations shouldn’t feel that way.
• At LLK, we want you to have a naturally beautiful smile that’s ideal for you. You are welcome to bring any concerns or ask any questions.
• This way, you’ll know what options are ideal for you and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

1. Here are some questions to ask if you’re still undecided about porcelain veneers:

   • I only want my teeth to be whiter. Do I need porcelain veneers, or are there any other options?
   • How do you determine which technique is best for me?

2. Say you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers. In that case, you can ask these follow-up questions:
   • How many visits does it usually take to complete the procedure?
   • What factors determine the shape and color of the veneers you choose?
   • How long do porcelain veneers last?

Each patient has unique situations, needs, and wants. That’s why an accurate diagnosis is necessary for a suitable treatment plan.

At LLK, we begin the veneer placement process with a consultation visit. During this meeting, you can discuss with the doctor what you want to change about your teeth.

For example, you may want to change any of these features:

• Shape, length, and contour of your teeth
• Spaces between your teeth
• Your smile’s size and shape
• The color of your teeth

Each treatment procedure has pros and cons, so it is crucial to have a consultation. This way, you’ll understand your primary objectives and how best to achieve them.

With Drs. Lowenberg, Lituchy, and Kantor, you’re not just in good hands. You’re in exceptional care. As masters of the art of smile, they have an excellent eye for detail.

They’ll examine your unique features, including your face shape, skin tone, and the whites of your eyes, and even learn more about your personality.

As they assess this blend of traits, they’ll prioritize your preferences, actively incorporating your input to help them design the veneers.

The veneering process follows several steps. Although unique care differs per patient, here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Many offices use digital techniques, like video imaging, to showcase potential cosmetic dentistry procedures.
• However, we feel that a live demonstration provides a much more realistic and vivid glimpse into how we can transform your smile.
• So, before we work our “magic” on your smile, we conduct a live demo by applying composite resin directly onto your teeth.
• Then, we sculpt tooth-colored bonding onto your teeth to give you a vivid preview of how a different size and shape will transform your smile.

  Note:

• Don’t worry about the bonding. It is temporary, and we can easily remove it after the consultation.
• From this demonstration, we take molds and pictures so the lab will have all the records to make the wax-up. The wax-up is what we envision the final case to look like. The temporaries are made from this wax-up.
• The porcelain veneer placement takes two office visits. Here’s how the process works:

1. First Visit

   • This visit focuses on creating space for the laminates in your mouth. Generally, your dentist will reduce your tooth structure by less than one millimeter.
   • One myth surrounding this procedure is that it involves extensive removal of tooth structure. But in reality, it usually involves removing less than 15% of the tooth structure.
   • That said, the change is permanent, meaning you won’t be able to go back to your original teeth.
   • After the doctor prepares your teeth, he will take an impression of your teeth and give it to the ceramist.
   • You’ll leave the office with temporary veneers, which you’ll wear between your first and second visit.

2. Second visit
   • After 2 weeks of wearing the temporaries, you will be ready for the final veneer placement.
   • During your second visit, the dentist will fit and cement the new veneers onto your teeth using a composite resin that bonds the veneers to the tooth structure.
   • What if the veneers need to be adjusted for better results? Do you have to set another appointment?
   • The answer: no need to! One perk of having our own veneer lab within LLK is that we can perform custom modifications, fixes, or touch-ups during your appointment.

  Note:

• Both visits are performed under local anesthesia.

Once you get the porcelain veneers, you must be able to eat, chew, and function comfortably. At LLK, you usually only need one follow-up visit to ensure the procedure achieves the desired result.

Your doctor may have to adjust the bite or occlusion of your new teeth a week after the final veneer placement.

Occlusion refers to how your teeth come together when you close your jaw.

Dental veneers, like porcelain veneers, can do the following for you:

• Change the color and shape of your teeth
• Make your crooked teeth appear straight
• Correct the gaps and spaces between your teeth
• Widen your arch by supporting the lips and cheeks, helping you wear a fuller smile

At LLK, whatever adjustments we make, we always aim to achieve a natural and beautiful result.

Have you ever walked around your place and seen someone with teeth that don’t look natural?

Maybe you’re taking a stroll, and somebody smiles at you, and you can’t help but notice that their teeth are too bright or appear too big.

You just know that they “did something to their teeth,” making it seem like they’re wearing a smile (though it looks perfect and Hollywood-like) that’s not theirs.

At LLK, we work with you to customize veneers so they appear and feel natural to your mouth.

Unlike excessively opaque (fake-looking) veneers, our veneers are translucent (since they’re made from layered porcelain), so light passes through them — just like natural teeth.

The shape of our veneers is also unique. Occasionally, we position one or two teeth slightly askew or overlapped to introduce a touch of imperfection.

Many people today want a bright smile. Some may want to have the smile that their favorite celebrity or public figure has.

If you’re like them, you likely want the whitest veneer you can get. However, that might not look natural and only make you smile more awkwardly.

Fortunately, we can examine your teeth, skin color, and other factors to find the veneer shade that’s ideal for you.

Veneers, like porcelain veneers, may be:

• More costly than other alternatives

Some people may view these factors as disadvantages. But consider this: your smile is your best asset for good impressions.

It’s your calling card. Whether you’re on a job interview, on a first date, or just navigating through the daily grind, your smile immediately impacts how people perceive you.

If you feel embarrassed by the appearance of your teeth — maybe they are crooked, stained, or chipped — others will not see an attractive and confident version of you.

Given these considerations, high-quality veneers, like the ones LLK offers, can really be worth your investment.

Read what our patients say about us:

“I had heard about Dr. Lowenberg for years, read articles about him, and had seen him on TV shows, so when I finally decided to improve my smile, I went to him for a consultation. I was shocked at how expensive transforming my middle-aged smile into something more youthful would be, but I was so impressed with how down-to-earth and humble Dr. Lowenberg was that I decided to invest in my mouth and my future. It’s a year later, and I still cannot believe how amazing he made me look. Every time I look in the mirror, I marvel at the work. It was money well spent. Oh, and also, I was so impressed with how he and his [two] partners, Lituchy and Kantor, work together and participate in the entire procedure. I got to know all of them pretty well, and I must say they are all sweet and caring–not to mention good-looking.”
— Peggy S

“After consulting with a few cosmetic dentists, I decided on Dr. Kantor, who was also highly recommended by my dermatologist, for my porcelain veneers. I liked that he has over 15 years of experience as a cosmetic dentist [and] performed thousands of porcelain veneer cases. [I] was very impressed by his patient portfolio photos. I had cosmetic issues that were causing me not to smile: chipped front tooth, gap between my front two teeth, crooked bottom teeth, a crossbite, worn and yellow teeth. My teeth hardly showed when speaking. People would tell me that my teeth didn’t match my face. Dr. Kantor explained to me that all my issues would be corrected with porcelain veneers without having to get braces or Invisalign. He showed me during the consult how I would look by doing a mockup with dental resin. After three visits (including the consult), I now have my beautiful permanent porcelain veneers which look better than I ever imagined. The color, the bite, the size are perfect. The crooked bottom teeth are now straight, my gap is gone, and I have a more youthful, bigger brighter smile while still looking very natural. I was even given retainers to prevent my teeth from shifting. Jason Kim, the ceramist, is a master working exclusively with LLK. His assistant, Marguerite, was very professional and caring. Yvonne, the office manager, was such a pleasure and made sure my experience went well. Dr. Kantor is an artist and gifted cosmetic surgeon who listened to me and delivered on everything he promised. He is also a really nice guy and called me the day after my procedure to see how I was doing. Thank you.”
— Lizabeth Zeldenrust

While some cases are more challenging than others, everyone can be a candidate for a smile makeover.

Porcelain veneers may be for you if you have any of the following:

• Crooked teeth 
• Yellow or darkly stained teeth
• A narrow arch or aging smile
• Short teeth

Here are three examples of how LLK’s porcelain veneers have transformed smiles:

1. The Gummy Smile

• Before: Brittany came to us with a gum-tooth balance challenge that many others face.
• She struggled to position her lips and teeth so that her gums would not overshadow her teeth when she laughed or grinned.
• At LLK, we always remind our patients that beauty is subjective, and no one should feel pressured to change their appearance.
• However, Brittany, like many of our patients, sought cosmetic enhancements to minimize gum exposure when she smiled.

• After: At LLK, we often perform procedures like the “gum lift” (a procedure where we raise the gum line) to unveil the natural beauty of the teeth.
• In Britanny’s case, we leverage our extensive experience, education, and expertise to ensure a balanced and proportional outcome using gum lift and LLK veneers. The result? Less gum exposure and stunning teeth.

VIEW GALLERY

2. Chipped Teeth

• Before: Wondering where his front teeth went, Jeff initially blamed bad lighting when family members took candid shots of him. Eventually, he realized it was his teeth. 
• His then-dentist told him he was grinding them down and bonded something on the edge of his teeth to restore their original length.
• The solution didn’t work because Jeff couldn’t stop clenching his jaw and grinding his teeth.
• He sought a lasting solution, ready to become the man he wanted to be.

• After: Jeff is one of the thousands of patients we’ve had who grind their teeth; these people have no idea that their habit is gradually destroying their enamel. After all, teeth grinding isn’t a conscious habit for most.
• Every day, clenchers and night grinders unknowingly sand down their teeth, eventually causing them to become shorter or thinner.
• Their teeth have also become more translucent, making them appear grayish as light passes through them.
• How did we stop the damage to Jeff’s teeth? First, we used LLK porcelain veneers to restore what he had already ground down and chipped away.
• Next, we fit him for a night guard (a specialized mouth guard designed to prevent teeth clenching and grinding) to help prevent further damage to the teeth.
• While reducing stress (and thus teeth grinding) is ultimately up to the patient, we can help you lessen potential stress factors, such as the appearance of your teeth.

VIEW GALLERY

3. Teeth Discoloration

• Before: a Russian model, Zora, won the Supermodel of the Year title despite not having the picture-perfect teeth typically associated with models. 
• Eileen Ford, the iconic founder of the Ford Modeling Agency, entrusted us to enhance Zora’s already exceptionally beautiful face.

• After: We used LLK porcelain veneers on her lower and upper teeth to correct crowding, rotation, and discoloration. 
• The stunning results speak for themselves. And with a model patient like Zora, the beauty is on full display for the world to see!

VIEW GALLERY

The golden rule is to do nothing with your veneers that you would not do to your natural teeth.

For example, veneers can chip and crack like natural teeth. If you bite on hard objects or foods, the surface of your veneers may get damaged.

Here are two ways to take care of your veneers:

• Maintain good dental hygiene at home by flossing and brushing your teeth regularly. You don’t need to buy special toothpaste. Regular toothpaste can give you the fluoride you need to fight dental decay.
• Visit your dentist twice a year.

The cost of veneers may vary depending on these factors:

1. The material used to create your veneers: Feldspathic (hand-layered) porcelain veneers are more expensive than machine-made pressable ceramics.
2. The extent of your dental care needs:  The number of veneers may affect the overall cost since veneers are usually priced per tooth.
   Generally, people need ten veneers for the upper teeth and 8 for the lower teeth. However, this number doesn’t always have to be followed.

Life-enhancing transformations, like porcelain veneer placement, don’t come cheap. In NYC, the average cost of porcelain veneers is $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth.

Here are some scenarios where veneers might not work for you:

• Your original teeth are extremely weak or decayed and don’t have an adequate surface area for the veneers
• You have gum disease

LLK is a full-service cosmetic dentistry practice. Our staff includes a periodontist and an endodontist who help us determine your ideal smile makeover.

Endodontists usually preserve natural teeth with root canal therapy and manage dental trauma.

On the other hand, periodontists prioritize gum health and the treatment of gum disease. They may offer solutions like dental implants and gum grafting.

Veneers are an expensive investment.

To get value for money, ensure that the cosmetic dentistry practice you choose has extensive experience in the procedure, state-of-the-art equipment, and many success stories to back its claims.

There are two parts to a successful porcelain veneer placement: the dentist and the ceramist. Both need to have mastery of their craft.

Our team at LLK comprises highly-regarded, seasoned experts in the cosmetic dentistry industry.

We’re the real deal if you want an advanced, detail-oriented dental procedure.

We also pride ourselves on our in-house veneers laboratory, led by our master ceramist, Jason Kim.

Over the years, Jason has developed ways to help patients understand what makes a “perfect” smile.

Dr. Marc Lowenberg, Dr. Gregg Lituchy, and Dr. Brian Kantor are cosmetic dentists who have transformed the smiles of many of the world’s well-known actors, rock stars, authors, models, and other public figures.

All LLK dentists are doctors of dental surgery (DDS) and members of prestigious organizations, such as the American Dental Association.

Dr. Lowenberg and Dr. Lituchy have been pioneers in the field since the 1980s, with Dr. Kantor joining them in 2002.

Here’s a short message from them:

Every cosmetic dentist has their own style, just like fashion designers. At LLK, we create gorgeous smiles that look like you were born with them.
Making your smile look naturally beautiful is our priority, so we [consider] everything— from skin tone to what type of makeup you wear— when we decide how white your veneers will be.
We love what we do and take great pride in doing it well—very well. Our egos are not tied to our label as celebrity dentists—the three of us actually share one common thread: [we] all feel that making the patient feel good about themselves and happy with their smile is our goal.
If we can achieve that, then we will be successful. Nothing else is more important to us than to improve your life in some small way.
We work as a team, and all contribute our input to every case. Every patient here is “our” patient collectively. We all do what we can to add to each case. What makes us [unique]? We care about you and [make] you happy. And, we like each other— a lot. That’s special.

Say you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and smile. In that case, you could consult with a healthcare provider, such as our cosmetic dentists at LLK, to see if porcelain veneers are ideal for your situation and goals.

No. Veneers are not permanent, but they typically have a long lifespan. Some veneers could even last up to 30 years. That said, a more realistic range for a porcelain veneer’s lifespan is 15 to 20 years.

Your veneers may last about 20 years or more if you care for your dental and oral health. You can do so by flossing, regular dental cleanings, brushing, and wearing a night guard (if you grind your teeth).

No. It is the other way around. Veneers can restore, even upgrade, the appearance of your damaged teeth.

Your dentist may have to reduce a minor portion of your tooth structure to accommodate the veneers. But that’s it. In fact, in some cases, you can do the procedure with next-to-no drilling involved, depending on the veneer’s fit on the tooth.

After the temporary veneers are removed, the customized veneers are glued or bonded onto the teeth, giving you the finished product: your new smile.

Here are some of the differences between these three procedures:

Whether your case requires veneers or whitening depends on your unique goals, situation, and needs.

You have three teeth whitening options: in-office power bleaching, bonding, and porcelain veneers, also known as porcelain laminates.

Whitening procedures, like bleaching, may present quick, cost-effective options to brighten your teeth.

Unfortunately, in-office whitening procedures, like bleaching, don’t work equally well for everyone.

The result usually depends on the genetic makeup of your teeth. Some darken from staining over time, while others are naturally darker.

Whitening outcomes also vary—some see a noticeable difference, while others don’t.

Veneers, particularly LLK veneers, can give you a long-lasting smile transformation that suits your personality.

We can place both upper and lower veneers in two office visits (spaced a week or two apart).

At LLK, many patients were told by their friends or loved ones that porcelain veneers are overkill.

People ask them, “Why do you want porcelain veneers? Your teeth look great!”

But wanting to enhance your teeth isn’t about what other people think. It’s about how you feel about your smile.

If you rarely smile, chances are you’re uncomfortable with the appearance of your teeth — regardless of whether your spouse or friends think your teeth look great.

Now, porcelain veneers are not just good options to help you smile more confidently. They’re the best way to replicate natural teeth and achieve a complete smile transformation.

At LLK, dental veneers are customized per patient based on various factors, including:

• Face
• Smile
• Skin tone
• Bone structure

No. Simply maintaining good dental hygiene and committing to routine dental visits are enough to help sustain the quality of your veneers.

Do you want to know how LLK’s individualized porcelain veneers can transform your smile and your life? Visit us at 230 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, or call us to schedule your consultation.

You can classify veneers based on the materials used. For example, composite veneers, unlike porcelain veneers, are made from a unique composite resin material.

Composite veneers are not translucent and don’t match the natural look of porcelain veneers.

Another thing: while composite veneers tend to be cheaper than porcelain ones, they’re less durable and aren’t stain-resistant.

These veneers can be a low-budget alternative to porcelain veneers. However, they’re just fill-ins (last a limited time) and easily chip or stain.