Regular cleanings are essential to both your oral and overall health! We’ll help you keep a healthy mouth and fresh breath so that you can enhance your relationships and live better.
Dental Hygiene NYC
New Patient Exam & Cleaning
- Regular checkups can prevent gum disease
- Clean teeth and healthy gums
- Whiter smile
- Prevent cavities
- Reduce teeth sensitivity
- Freshen breath
An exceptionally unique experience tailored to you.
We’re Insanely Gentle
We do everything we can to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible.
Insurance Accepted
We direct bill common insurance providers.
Advanced Technology
We invest in the latest and greatest technology for improved comfort and diagnostics.
Availability
Short notice appointments are available.
Dental Hygiene NYC
While daily brushing and flossing are a great way to sustain a bright smile, they can only go so far in supporting the health and shine of your teeth and gums.
Although you should continue your oral cleansing at home, consistent professional dental cleanings are the best way to ensure a healthier smile. At Lux Smiles, our dentists will have your mouth feeling and looking better than ever. For professional dental cleaning in Gramercy Park, NYC, and the surrounding neighborhoods, call Lux Smiles today at (212) 777-7126.
Oral hygiene is imperative to maintaining a healthy body. Tartar and plaque build-ups can lead to tooth decay and gum disease when left unattended. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent many future problems. Let us help you ensure your teeth and gums stay in optimal health as we strive to improve and maintain your oral hygiene.
Oral hygiene is imperative to maintaining a healthy body. Tartar and plaque build-ups can lead to tooth decay and gum disease when left unattended. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent many future problems. Let us help you ensure your teeth and gums stay in optimal health as we strive to improve and maintain your oral hygiene.
or call (212) 777-7126
Meet Your Team of Dental Experts
Our dentists have 25% more certified education credits than required. We always focus on gentle, compassionate care.
“I received the best treatment at Lux Smiles! I am an anxious dental patient and the entire staff was welcoming, respectful and caring. They weren't dismissive of my concerns, took the time to listen and were very methodical in their assessment. Can't wait to come back!”
Caitlin S.Google Review

After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Leonetti attended the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey and went on to complete his General Practice Residency at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in Manhattan, New York. He joined us at the Tribeca location in 2016 and has expanded with us to the SoHo Dental Group.
Continuing Education
Dr. Leonetti performs various types of general dentistry for patients of all ages including restorative and preventative care, root canal therapy, Invisalign orthodontics, and gum surgery.
In his studies at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, he focused on cosmetic procedures and implant dentistry. To provide treatment for an underserved population, he traveled to Managua, Nicaragua, in 2017 to provide dental implants to patients who had often lost many teeth due to a lack of proper dental care.
Dr. Leonetti continues to advance his skills every year so he can provide his patients with impeccable care, an activity he is passionate about.
Outside of the Office
When he’s not caring for patients, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and cooking.

Dr. Nicole Khalife comes to us from Long Island, New York. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Villanova University and then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She gained experience in a variety of dental specialties at the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in Manhattan, focusing on cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, root canal therapy, and invisible braces.
Outside of the Office
When she is not providing caring dentistry in New York and educating her patients on how to maintain their health, Dr. Khalife enjoys cycling, yoga, cooking, and traveling.

With a decade of experience and counting, Dr. Nicholas Ruhrkraut brings warmth and joy to the dental field that our patients can truly appreciate. Not only does he enjoy the opportunity to connect with others daily while educating them on the importance of their oral health, but he also loves helping people gain confidence through a healthier and more beautiful smile. Keep reading to learn more about his background and education.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Throughout college, Dr. Ruhrkraut had been interested in the field of medicine until he decided to switch gears and focus more on dentistry. This was due to his participation in a mission trip to Honduras in 2011, where he assisted a dentist there and resumed shadowing him back in the United States. After learning much more about the wonderful opportunities that dentistry offered while also helping to improve a patient’s overall quality of life, he set himself to pursue a life as a dentist!
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Ruhrkraut attended The Ohio State University for his bachelor’s degree before studying at their College of Dentistry to earn his dental doctorate. Throughout his years as a general dentist, he’s enjoyed the flexibility it’s given him to provide a holistic plan and various treatments to his patients. He’s worked in multiple offices in New York City and Los Angeles, and he’s gained extensive knowledge and skills in multiple types of services, including root canals, crowns and bridges, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. He also regularly seeks continuing education to remain on top of the latest advancements in dentistry, and he’s also an active member of the American Dental Association and New York Dental Association.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Aside from treating pearly whites, Dr. Ruhrkraut loves to return to his hometown of Cleveland, OH to visit his parents and loved ones several times a year whenever he gets the chance. Away from the office, he enjoys cooking, reading, watching movies, playing volleyball, and traveling. One fun fact about him: he’s an Eagle Scout and received the Triple Crown Award after canoeing, hiking, camping, and sailing in three national high adventure programs.

Dr. Jessica Li is a Board-Certified Periodontist specializing in innovative surgical techniques and advanced periodontal therapies. Dr. Li received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from New York University and completed her specialty training at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Her clinical skills extend to a wide range of periodontal procedures, including laser treatments, ridge augmentation, osseous surgery, and implant therapy.
Dr. Li is recognized for her expertise in minimally invasive techniques, offering patients pain-free treatments with cutting-edge technologies such as LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and the Pinhole® Surgical Technique for gum recession.
She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology and the Academy of Osseointegration. She regularly attends industry meetings and continuing education programs to stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in periodontics. Outside of her practice, Dr. Li enjoys tennis, surfing, and running.
PRICING & INSURANCE AT LUX SMILES
Flexible payment options that will make you smile.
Transparent Pricing
We always focus on clearly communicating the cost of treatments and your co-pay amounts when using insurance.
Direct Insurance Billing
We are in-network with most insurance providers and we offer direct insurance billing.
No Insurance, No Problem
Many of our patients pay out of pocket with cash, credit card, debit etc. We also offer third party financing and have an in-house membership plan.
or call (212) 777-7126

We Pinky Promise
Our mission is to deliver exceptional, comprehensive dental care with a highly experienced team using the latest technology.
Advanced technology in a modern office to ensure comfortable care and better diagnostics....
- iTero Digital Impressions (No Goopy Impressions!)
- Soft Tissue Laser
- Digital X-Rays
- Digital Charting
- Online Patient Portal
or call (212) 777-7126
Additional Information
Typically a general cleaning will last around 60 minutes while one of our qualified hygienists gently cleans the surfaces of your teeth. The process rids your teeth of any built up tartar, plaque, and stains by using an ultrasonic water scaler and various manual scalers. The hygienist will then carefully examine your mouth for any existing or potential problems such as decay or periodontal disease.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings and dental exams are vital for keeping your teeth and gums healthy while preventing oral issues. During a deep cleaning, our dentists and dental hygienists clear your teeth of any dental plaque or tartar, which eat away at your tooth enamel over time and can damage your oral health.
Professional cleanings and exams allow dentists to check your mouth for any signs of dental problems. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a common yet severe infection that can damage soft tissue and the jawbone, and it can even lead to heart disease. Periodontitis and other oral problems, such as gum recession, gingivitis, and cavities, are largely preventable through routine dental exams and cleanings.
For the best results and to prevent any future complications, you should receive a dental cleaning at least once every six months. The more you go in for professional cleanings, the better your oral health and smile will be.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
The first step of a dental cleaning is a brief dental exam. A dental hygienist will check for any tooth decay or gum disease. If necessary, they’ll take digital X-rays of your mouth to look closer at your dental structure.
Next, your dental hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth and gums with specialized equipment. You’ll then receive a cleaning, polishing, and flossing of your teeth to ensure they’re as spotless as possible. A fluoride application follows that deep cleaning, which helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens your teeth.
Finally, the dentist will come in for one last check. They will review the hygienist’s notes and provide a second set of eyes to spot any potential oral issues. If you maintain regular visits, the entire process should only take about an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my appointment take?
If you come in for regular cleanings, your appointment should last approximately 60 minutes. However, time may vary depending on your oral hygiene.
Will it hurt to get my teeth cleaned?
New advances in the dental industry have allowed for a very comfortable experience during regular cleanings. However, some discomfort may be felt during cleaning near the gum line.
Why do I need to get my teeth cleaned so often?
A professional cleaning can get to places in your mouth that you can’t with a toothbrush of floss. It is important to rid your mouth of the harmful bacteria hiding below your gums.
Will my cleaning be covered by my insurance?
Most of our treatments are covered by a majority of insurance companies. For a more detailed explanation of your coverage please call your service provider.









