Frequently Asked Questions

About Terra Dental

  • Terra Dental is a luxury cosmetic dental practice in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, designed from the ground up to feel more like a spa than a clinic. Dr. Joyce Suh leads every aspect of care — from routine cleanings to full smile makeovers — so you see the same doctor every visit. We use premium materials, partner with specialized dental labs, and take a minimally invasive approach to everything we do. The details matter to us: Beats headphones, designer sunglasses, personalized welcome screens, and a space designed to put you completely at ease. Our patients consistently describe it as the best dental experience they've had.

  • Terra Dental provides noise-cancelling Beats headphones with your choice of Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, HBO, or Apple TV during treatment, Gentle Monster sunglasses to soften the overhead light, hand towels, Dior hand soap, cashmere blankets, and complimentary beverages. The space is designed as calm, spa-like, and appointments are scheduled with enough time that no visit feels rushed.

  • Dr. Joyce Suh is the founder and lead dentist at Terra Dental. She founded Terra Dental to combine comprehensive dental care with a highly personalized, aesthetics-focused approach. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine with distinction from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and completed her residency at Mount Sinai, where she later served as Assistant Professor. She's a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the New York State Dental Association, with advanced training from the Spear Education Institute. Dr. Suh is known for her gentle approach, her eye for aesthetics, and her commitment to results that look natural and last.

  • Terra Dental is located at 438 West 51st Street, Suite 3B, in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan (10019). We're near the corner of 51st and 9th Avenue, a short walk from the 1/2/3, A/C/E, and B/D/F/M subway lines. We're open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, with Saturday appointments available by request.

  • Yes — dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons patients choose Terra Dental. Every treatment room includes noise-cancelling Beats headphones with streaming and Gentle Monster sunglasses to soften the overhead light, appointments are built with buffer time so nothing feels rushed. Many of our five-star reviews come from patients who used to dread going to the dentist and now actually look forward to their visits.

  • If you have dental anxiety, look for a practice that schedules longer appointments so you're never rushed, that lets you signal for a break at any point, and that offers sensory tools — noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses or an eye mask, and something to watch — since sound and bright light are the two most common anxiety triggers in a dental chair. Continuity matters as well: seeing the same dentist and hygienist each visit builds trust that a rotating staff can't. Terra Dental was designed around all four.

  • Our Personalized Aesthetics Plan is a holistic approach to facial cosmetics that starts with your smile. Because Dr. Suh is both a licensed dentist and trained in Botox, she can evaluate your full facial area and combine treatments — like Invisalign, composite bonding, KöR whitening, ICON Treatment, and Botox — into one cohesive plan. The philosophy is "less is more": natural, balanced results that enhance what you already have.

  • Different dental laboratories specialize in different types of restorations. We partner with specialized lab technicians so every restoration is handcrafted by someone who does that specific type of work all day, every day. It means you get the highest quality result for each individual treatment.

  • No. You can book directly online or call us at (212) 937-1079. We welcome new patients for everything from routine cleanings to cosmetic consultations — including Veneers, Composite Bonding, Invisalign, Whitening, Botox, and full smile makeovers.

Your visit

  • A visit to Terra Dental is built to feel closer to a spa appointment than a clinical one. You're greeted by name, offered a complimentary beverage, and (almost) no wait time. During treatment you can put on noise-cancelling Beats headphones and stream Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV, and Gentle Monster sunglasses are available to soften the overhead light. Dr. Joyce Suh leads every visit personally, so you see the same familiar team each time.

  • Terra Dental schedules appointments so that patients are taken back at their scheduled time rather than held in a waiting room. The practice books fewer patients per day than a typical dental office and builds buffer into the schedule, which is why visits start on time and run their full length — 90 minutes for a cleaning and exam (with x-rays), without being rushed through it. If you arrive early, we’ll make every effort to get you seated sooner so you can get back to your day!

  • Yes. Terra Dental provides noise-cancelling Beats headphones and Gentle Monster sunglasses to every patient at no charge. The headphones block the sounds most people find unpleasant about dental work, and the sunglasses cut the glare from the overhead treatment light. Both are offered at the start of your appointment — you don't need to request them in advance.

  • Yes — Terra Dental offers Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Spotify, and Apple TV during treatment, streamed through noise-cancelling Beats headphones so you can tune out the sounds of the office entirely. Patients are welcome to queue up a show or a movie at the start of an appointment. Many find it the easiest way to make a longer visit, like a cleaning or a whitening session, pass quickly.

  • We allocate enough time to ensure you're comfortable and never rushed. We dedicate 90 minutes for a cleaning and exam, 30–60 minutes for a consult, and 90 minutes for teeth whitening. We always start on time because we know your time is valuable. Even better, if you arrive early, we'll make every effort to start early and get you back to your day!

  • Please bring your ID, your insurance card (if applicable), and a form of payment. If you have any recent dental x-rays or records, please bring them or email them to concierge@terradental.nyc. We recommend allocating 90 minutes for your first visit, but if you're tight on time, let us know and we can absolutely accommodate.

  • Call us at (212) 937-1079 or email concierge@terradental.nyc and we'll do our best to get you in as soon as possible. We can't guarantee same-day appointments, but we will do everything in our power to help you out!

  • Easy — call or text us at (212) 937-1079 or email concierge@terradental.nyc and our team will handle it for you.

    Please note there is a $75 rescheduling fee if it's within 48 hours of the appointment.

  • Reschedule or cancel for free up to 48 hours before your visit. For last minute reschedules, there is a $75 reschedule fee.

    For last minute cancellations, we charge:

    • $75 for an exam, consult or orthodontic appointment

    • $200 for a dental treatment appointment

    No-shows are charged a $200 fee. We want to make this easy — you can reach us by email, phone, or text.

  • We see all patients over the age of 14. For children under 14, we're happy to recommend excellent pediatric dentists in the area!

Veneers & Bonding

  • Composite bonding is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment where tooth-colored resin is sculpted directly onto your teeth to fix chips, gaps, discoloration, or uneven edges. It's done in a single visit with little to no drilling, and the results are immediate. Think of it as contouring for your teeth — subtle, natural, and transformative.

  • Composite bonding in New York City typically ranges from $700 to $1000+ per tooth. It's one of the most accessible cosmetic treatments available and a great option for patients who want a noticeable improvement without the commitment or cost of veneers. We will cover the pricing and payment options during the consultation.

  • We only use the highest-grade composite resins selected for their ability to mimic the natural translucency, texture, and shade variation of real teeth, while offering lasting durability. These are the same materials trusted by leading cosmetic dentists worldwide. The material matters, but so does the artistry: Dr. Suh hand-sculpts every composite restoration for a seamless, natural result.

  • Both can improve the appearance of your smile, but they differ in material, longevity, and treatment approach. Composite bonding uses tooth-colored resin sculpted directly onto the tooth and is ideal for correcting smaller imperfections such as chips, gaps, or uneven edges. Porcelain veneers are custom-made by a specialized dental lab and generally offer greater durability, stain resistance, and control over shape and color. Dr. Suh will recommend the most conservative option that best fits your goals.

  • Porcelain veneers in New York City typically range from $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth depending on the material, complexity, and level of customization. At Terra Dental, every veneer is handcrafted by a specialized lab technician for a natural, lasting result. Schedule a comprehensive smile makeover consultation and we'll walk you through your options and pricing.

  • We offer both feldspathic and pressed ceramic (E.max) porcelain veneers. Feldspathic veneers are hand-layered for the most lifelike translucency and detail — they're the gold standard for front teeth. Pressed ceramic veneers offer excellent aesthetics with added durability. Dr. Suh will recommend the right material based on your goals, your bite, and the teeth being treated.

  • With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10-15+ years. Longevity depends on the material, the quality of the bond, and how well you maintain them. At Terra, we use premium-grade porcelain and work with specialized labs to ensure every veneer is built to last.

  • Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates. Veneers can address a wide range of concerns — discoloration, chips, gaps, minor misalignment, or teeth that are worn or uneven. The best way to find out is a comprehensive consultation, where Dr. Suh will assess your teeth, talk through your goals, and recommend the right approach for you.

Invisalign & Orthodontics

  • Yes. Terra Dental offers Invisalign clear aligner treatment for adults looking to improve alignment, bite, spacing, or crowding. We use digital scanning and 3D treatment planning to design your treatment and preview the projected result. Treatment time typically ranges from 6 to 12 months — although some Express cases may be closer to 3 months — but we will provide you with options so you can pick based on your needs.

    LEARN MORE HERE

  • Invisalign treatment in New York City typically ranges from $4,000 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Dental PPO insurance often covers a portion of orthodontic treatment. We'll walk you through your options and pricing during your complimentary consultation.

  • For many adults, yes. Invisalign is one of the most popular treatments we offer at Terra Dental. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and highly effective for a wide range of alignment issues. We use 3D imaging to show you the projected outcome before you commit. Many of our adult patients tell us they wish they'd started sooner!

  • At Terra Dental, most of our cases take 6 to 12 months, though simpler cases can be as short as 3 months. During your consultation, we'll use 3D imaging to map out your treatment plan and give you a clear timeline. We're experts in maximizing results while minimizing treatment duration — no one wants to wear aligners longer than they have to!

  • You'll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position — this is the most important part of the process. Many patients also choose to pair their results with Professional Whitening or composite bonding for the finishing touch. Your smile just got straightened — might as well make it glow!

Teeth Whitening

  • Professional in-office teeth whitening in New York City typically ranges from $800 to $2,000+ depending on the system used and the level of treatment. At Terra Dental, our whitening treatments range from $1,000 to $1,600. We have multiple best-in-class systems — including KoR Whitening, Philips Zoom, and Opalescence Boost — and we'll recommend the right one for your goals and sensitivity level.

  • Both are professional-grade, in-office whitening systems with excellent results. KoR uses a proprietary process designed for deep, long-lasting whitening with minimal sensitivity — it's ideal if you want the most dramatic, lasting change. Philips Zoom delivers quick, noticeable results in a single visit and is a great fit if you're on a tighter timeline. We will help you choose the right one during your consultation.

    Read our full comparison here.

  • Results typically last one to three years depending on your diet, habits, and maintenance. Coffee, wine, and tea are the usual suspects. We'll send you home with care instructions to keep your results as long as possible — and touch-up treatments are always an option when you're ready for a refresh!

  • It can, but we've got you covered. Our whitening process is full service, full stop. We'll assess your sensitivity level beforehand, tailor the bleach concentration to your teeth, and prep you with everything you need for a comfortable experience. Temporary sensitivity can occur after professional whitening and typically resolves quickly. If you have very sensitive teeth, let us know. We'll work with you on the best approach.

    Learn more about teeth whitening here.

ICON Treatment & Internal Bleaching

  • Some discoloration doesn't respond to whitening. White spots sit within the enamel, and a single dark tooth is usually stained from the inside. Dr. Joyce Suh treats white spots with ICON resin infiltration and a darkened tooth with internal bleaching. Both preserve your natural enamel and are often alternatives to bonding, crowns or veneers.

  • ICON is a resin infiltration treatment that blends white spots into the surrounding enamel without drilling. A gentle gel opens the porous enamel, then a clear resin fills it so the spot reflects light like healthy enamel. Most patients don't need anesthesia, and many cases are finished in one visit. Learn more about ICON treatment.

  • ICON works best on white spots from fluorosis, mild enamel defects, and the marks sometimes left after braces. It works less predictably on brown or deep discoloration. In those cases, Dr. Suh may combine it with whitening or bonding. She'll tell you the likely result at your consultation.

  • Whiten first. ICON resin doesn't change color with whitening, so treating the spots after your shade is set gives the best match. Dr. Suh usually leaves a short gap after KöR whitening before ICON so the enamel can settle.

  • ICON results are long-lasting, and many patients keep them for years. The resin can pick up stains over time like natural enamel, so regular cleanings help, and touch-ups are possible if needed.

  • Internal bleaching lightens a single tooth that has darkened from the inside, usually after a root canal or an old injury. Dr. Suh places a whitening agent inside the tooth through a small opening at the back, then seals it. It preserves the natural tooth and is often an alternative to a crown or veneer, which can be hard to match to a single tooth. Learn more about internal bleaching.

  • Often, yes. It requires the tooth to have had a root canal. If a darkened tooth hasn't been treated yet, Dr. Suh first checks whether it needs one, coordinating with a trusted endodontist when it does. Once the root canal is complete, the bleaching itself is done here at Terra.

  • Most teeth take a few short visits about a week apart, with the whitening agent refreshed until the tooth matches its neighbors. The opening is then sealed with a tooth-colored filling. Results usually last many years. If some darkening returns, the tooth can be treated again.

Botox & Facial Aesthetics

  • Yes. Dentists are uniquely qualified to administer Botox — we're experts in facial anatomy, injection technique, and the muscles around your mouth and jaw. Dr. Suh is certified in Botox for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, so whether you're looking to smooth fine lines or relieve jaw tension, you're in very capable hands. Plus, you can combine them with routine dental visits for a convenient, all-in-one appointment.

  • Botox in New York City typically ranges from $14 to $25+ per unit depending on the provider, with premium plastic surgery practices charging even more. At Terra Dental, we charge $16 per unit. The total cost depends on the treatment area and number of units recommended after evaluation. Results are typically noticeable within 2 to 5 days and last 4 to 8 months — no downtime required.

    Book a consultation and we'll walk you through exactly what you need.

  • At Terra Dental, we use Botox for both cosmetic and therapeutic treatments. On the cosmetic side: forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, and lip lines. On the therapeutic side: TMJ pain, jaw clenching, and tension headaches. Dr. Suh takes a "less is more" approach — the goal is always a natural, refreshed look, never overdone.

Crowns, Fillings & Restorative Care

  • At Terra Dental, crowns range from $2,200 to $3,200 depending on the complexity of the case, the tooth being restored, and the material used. We exclusively use premium materials — E.max, layered porcelain, and zirconia — for their superior durability, natural aesthetics, and long-term value. Every crown is handcrafted by a lab that specializes in that specific type of restoration. Schedule a consultation and we'll guide you through the best option for your needs!

  • We use E.max, layered porcelain, and zirconia — each chosen for different clinical situations.

    E.max is a pressed ceramic known for its lifelike translucency, making it ideal for front teeth. Zirconia is incredibly strong and works well for back teeth that take heavy force. Layered porcelain gives us the most control over shade and detail for the most natural-looking result. We also offer gold crowns for patients who prefer them. Dr. Suh will recommend the right material based on the tooth, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.

  • Without insurance, a tooth-colored composite filling at Terra Dental typically costs $400 to $650 depending on the size and complexity of the case. We only use high-quality composite materials and take the time to match the shade and contour to your natural tooth — so it blends in seamlessly. PPO insurance generally covers a significant portion of filling costs.

  • It comes down to how much of the tooth needs to be restored. An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised edges) of a tooth — think of it as a precision-made filling. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger area. A crown covers the entire visible surface of the tooth. The more structure that's been compromised, the more coverage you need. Dr. Suh always recommends the most conservative option that will protect the tooth long-term.

  • Yes! Gold is one of the most durable and biocompatible materials in dentistry — it's been trusted for decades for a reason. Gold crowns are an excellent choice for back teeth where strength matters most. They're not for everyone aesthetically, but for the right case, they're hard to beat. Let us know if you're interested and we'll walk you through the options.

Preventive Care & Cleanings

  • Your first visit at Terra Dental, which includes a cleaning, comprehensive exam, and x-rays, costs $525. Dental PPO insurance generally covers cleanings, exams, and x-rays!

  • For most patients, we recommend every six months. That said, everyone's oral health is different — some patients benefit from more frequent visits, especially if there's a history of gum disease or buildup. Dr. Suh will recommend a schedule tailored to your specific needs during your first visit.

  • We dedicate 90 minutes for your first visit so you never feel rushed. You'll get a comprehensive exam, digital x-rays, and a thorough cleaning with Dr. Suh and her team. We'll walk you through everything we find, answer all your questions, and put together a personalized care plan if any follow-up is needed.

    Oh, and you'll get Beats headphones and Gentle Monster sunglasses to wear while you relax. If Spotify isn’t enough, we have Netflix, HBO, Apple TV, Hulu — you name it. Is it a dental visit, or a treat-yourself spa day?

Pricing & Payment

  • It depends on your insurance coverage and the services you receive. If you call ahead with your insurance info, we can give you a very close estimate. Without insurance, the new patient comprehensive visit (exam, x-rays, and cleaning) costs $525. We'll always let you know pricing upfront with no surprises.

  • Your dental insurance will likely cover the cost of a consultation. If you're self-covering, there's a $200 consult fee for new patients, which can count toward the cost of your treatment. Invisalign consultations are complimentary.

    For existing patients, consultations are always complimentary as part of your routine exams!

  • Yes! Terra Dental accepts most PPO dental insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, UnitedHealthcare, and others. Our concierge team can check your plan and estimated benefits before your visit.

    Curious if we accept yours? Fill out your details here and we'll check for you!

  • Absolutely! Terra Dental accepts FSA and HSA funds for eligible dental treatment. You can use your FSA/HSA card at the office just like a regular payment card.

  • Yes! We offer easy-to-use, interest-free financing through Cherry. Ask our concierge to learn more.

  • No problem! We offer transparent fee-for-service pricing and Terra Membership Plans starting at $795 per year. We accept cash, check, credit card, debit card, FSA/HSA, Apple Pay, and more. We make it as easy as buying a cup of coffee, as it should be.

Terra Membership

  • We value our loyal patients and understand everyone has different oral health needs. We tailored our membership plans to your needs and they provide exceptional value for the price.

  • Call or text us at (212) 937-1079 or email us at concierge@terradental.nyc!

  • No, but you're always welcome to pay per visit. Our membership plans are annual to align with the frequency of routine check-ups. Unlike insurance, our plans go into effect immediately — no paperwork, no waiting periods. You can sign up during your visit and use your benefits that same day!

  • We offer one modification per year between plans. If you upgrade, your new benefits kick in immediately and we'll credit the pro-rated remaining value from your original plan. If you downgrade, your new plan begins at the end of your current plan's period.

  • We are sorry to hear that! If you have any concerns please let our team know and we will work effortlessly to make your experience better. If you would still like to cancel, you can call us at (212) 937-1079 or email us at concierge@terradental.nyc. Your plan will always remain in effect until the end of the period you paid for.

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