Cosmetic dentistry covers treatments that change the color, shape, or alignment of your teeth for appearance, from a single tooth to a full smile. A lot of cosmetic dentistry marketing starts with the most dramatic option and works backward. At Dental West NYC, Dr. Leora Walter starts with the simplest treatment that actually gets you the result you want, and only recommends more involved work when a conservative option won’t hold up or won’t get you there.
We’re a short trip from Morningside Heights: one stop on the 1 train from 116th Street–Columbia University to 59th Street–Columbus Circle, about 15 minutes with no transfer, and our office on Central Park West is easy to combine with a day near Columbus Circle or Lincoln Center.
Cosmetic Treatment Options
- Professional teeth whitening. Brightens existing teeth with no alteration to the tooth structure itself.
- Composite bonding. Repairs chips, gaps, or discoloration on individual teeth with tooth-colored composite material.
- Porcelain veneers. Thin shells that address shape, color, or spacing issues across several teeth at once.
- Smile makeover. A coordinated combination of treatments planned together for a full smile, not treated tooth by tooth.
- Clear aligners. Straightens teeth without traditional braces. See our Invisalign page for details.
Comparing Your Options
Why Less Is Often More
Veneers and full smile makeovers get the most attention, but they’re not always the right starting point. Dr. Walter’s approach is conservative-first: if whitening or bonding gets you the result with less alteration to your natural teeth, that’s what she’ll recommend. Cosmetic treatment can be performed by a general dentist, but cases that overlap with bite alignment or other restorative work benefit from a specialist’s training. Because Dr. Walter is a surgically trained prosthodontist, she’s evaluating your case with a full restorative and preventive picture in mind, not just the cosmetic result in isolation.
What Affects the Cost of Cosmetic Treatment
- Which treatment (or combination of treatments) fits your case
- Number of teeth involved
- Materials used, particularly for veneers or bonding
- Whether the plan is a single treatment or a coordinated smile makeover
As a fee-for-service, out-of-network practice, we give you an itemized estimate before any cosmetic treatment begins, and we prepare and submit claims on your behalf where applicable.
Start With an Honest Consultation
Every visit, cosmetic consult or routine cleaning, includes a free fluoride treatment as part of standard care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which cosmetic treatment is right for me?
Dr. Walter examines your teeth and discusses your goals, then recommends the simplest option that will actually achieve them, explaining the reasoning behind it rather than defaulting to one treatment for everyone.
Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?
Professional whitening is designed to lighten existing tooth color without removing enamel. Dr. Walter will confirm it’s appropriate for your teeth before starting.
What’s the difference between composite bonding and veneers?
Bonding repairs a specific spot on a tooth with composite material, usually in one visit. Veneers are thin shells placed over the front of one or more teeth, typically used when several teeth need a coordinated look.
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic treatments are typically not covered by insurance. We’re out-of-network with all plans and provide an itemized estimate before you commit to any treatment.
Can cosmetic treatment be combined with other dental work?
Yes. Because Dr. Walter is a prosthodontist, cosmetic treatment can be planned alongside restorative needs like crowns or implants as one coordinated plan rather than separate, disconnected visits.
Are you accepting new cosmetic patients from Morningside Heights?
Yes. Our office is a direct 15-minute ride from Morningside Heights via the 1 train, and we welcome new patients from the neighborhood.
Related Pages
Explore more of our Morningside Heights services: Dental Implants, Prosthodontist, Emergency Dentist, and Laser Dentistry, or return to the Morningside Heights hub page.
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Suite 4
New York, NY 10023