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Teeth can make or break you - both in health and looks, so having a dentist who not only maintains your smile, but proactively works with patients to combat any issues or potential future issues is key. Most dentists look for cavities and help correct problems that already exist due to aging teeth, poor hygiene, or genetic issues. Dr. Lowenbery from Lowenberg, Lituchy, and Kator is the opposite. Being at the forefront of dental medicine for decades and pioneering a well-regarded name for himself in New York, domestically, and internationally - Dr. Lowenberg approaches each patient with the intent to enhance everything about their mouth’s experience and help them navigate their future through pointed and precise dental projects.
I have seen Dr. Lowenberg for quite a while and feel most comfortable in his hands. His approach is friendly, casual, yet all-knowing in that you immediately trust what he tells you and take it seriously. When he told me I needed a nighttime mouthguard because there was evidence I was grinding and gritting my teeth together while sleeping, I sat up. Offering me a custom-fit durable nightguard would protect my teeth from future issues like breakage, gum recession, and more - and I’ve worn it every night since. If you’re in the market for veneers or want to embark on a cosmetic-leaning endeavor, the team has their own lab in-office that will literally help create the new “you”, tooth by tooth - steps away from your dental chair. This is a rarity in New York or in any dental office for that matter.
With each encounter it’s clear that both he and his team are invested in preserving what you have inside your mouth and monitoring it in a way that addresses the issues of dental health and the longevity of your smile. I absolutely love this approach.
I spoke with Dr. Lowenberg about his passion and why his practice continues to be on top in the crowded world of dentistry, despite competition in the world of dentistry.
IC: LLK has been regarded as one of the premiere dental practices in New York City for years, what keeps you at the top of the dental game?
DL: I was at the forefront of a cosmetic dental revolution, which started in the 80s. In the early years, the majority of patients that underwent cosmetic dentistry were actors, singers or artists. Thanks to the media, everyone was educated as to what could be done to improve your smile – porcelain veneers. As a result, over the last several decades, our practice has grown to treating people from all over the world who come to New York to seek that LLK smile makeover. Having the internationally renowned ceramist Jason Kim in our office has afforded us the ability to make beautiful smiles in a short period of time, and have a more customized approach to each individual. But aside from the technical aspect of our business, what keeps us at the top of the dental game is our genuine concern for always doing the right thing for our patients – their satisfaction and gratitude is what sets us apart from other practices.
IC: What is new and interesting in the practice for 2024? What can patients expect who are looking for a fully-realized dental practice that offers both medical and top-notch cosmetic services?
DL: I’m always asked “what’s new?” or “what’s on the horizon?” and often times things are not new, but just reinvented. That said, with the advent of AI and digital dentistry, each day brings new techniques and creative solutions to cosmetic and general dentistry. Scanners, 3D printers and computerized treatment plans have already started the new wave of dentistry.
IC: LLK is comprised of three doctors, Dr. Lowenberg, Dr. Lituchy, and Dr. Kantor. How do the doctors work together to help patients achieve their full smile potential?
DL: We each have our own patients, but we enjoy each other’s opinions and creative visions, so often times we discuss the smile design together and assist each other in creating the new smile. Two sets of eyes are better than one, but three sets of eyes is perfection.
IC: For patients looking to emphasize cosmetic services and transform their smile, how is working with LLK different from other dental practices in New York?
DL: LLK specializes in cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers. When considering veneers, you should go to someone who’s very artistic, as well as technically a good practitioner. The artistry is what makes your teeth look much more life-like and natural. Artistic talent plays a great part in creating beautiful smiles and that is what makes us great at what we do. It is not just the technical aspect of dentistry but also requires an artistic eye – that’s why we call this practice “THE ART OF THE SMILE.” It is art! When we create a new smile, we don’t just look at teeth: we analyze the face and determine what will look good on each individual. It is always different for different people and you need a good aesthetic eye to see what will flatter each person. We have our own veneer lab in our office, captained by the world renowned ceramist Jason Kim, who actually sculpts each and every tooth by hand like an artist.
IC: What new dental devices or technologies would you suggest patients invest in to upkeep the look of their smile and health of their mouth between appointments with LLK?
DL: I usually recommend electric toothbrushes that have built-in timers that buzz when the 2 minutes are up, which ensures that the proper amount of time was spent brushing. Sonicare has a Flexcare brush which is really nice because it has a timer, different settings and a UV light that can disinfect bacteria.
I recommend the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected. It has all of the features of the other Sonicare toothbrushes, such as the Sonicare technology, which can remove up to 4 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush. As you brush, a 3D map of your mouth shows which teeth you are brushing and tells you if you are brushing too much or too little. The app also warns you if you’re using too much pressure or scrubbing too hard, and shows if you missed any spots while brushing. Additionally, it provides progress reports, which lets you set goals and allows you to send the reports directly to your dentist. It also notifies you when to replace the brush heads.
In general, any toothbrush that people are excited to use is beneficial because they will be more inclined to use it. Quip, Burst and Goby are all reasonably-priced electric toothbrushes that are simple to use and effectively clean teeth. They offer a subscription service where a new head is sent every few weeks, which makes it easy for people to keep up with a healthy oral care routine.
