Pediatric Dentistry · Upper East Side
Modern pediatric dentistry with a gentler approach. Our Upper East Side pediatric dentists use minimally invasive treatments to protect healthy teeth, manage early cavities, and provide comfortable, conservative care for growing smiles.
Gentle care
Minimally invasive pediatric dentistry is devoted to keeping children’s natural smiles intact as well as reducing the tension of the visits to almost a stress-free level. A contemporary approach that uses the protection of the teeth’s natural structure rather than painful procedures helps to do everything with precision and care for cavities and other dental issues.
Techniques
01
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a gentle, non-invasive dental treatment used to help stop active tooth decay in children. The liquid contains silver, which helps fight cavity-causing bacteria, and fluoride, which helps strengthen and protect the tooth. SDF is applied directly to the cavity and can often be used without drilling or local anesthesia, making it especially helpful for young children, anxious patients, or kids who may have difficulty tolerating traditional dental treatment.
In some cases, SDF can also be used as part of the SMART (Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique), where the tooth is treated with SDF and then restored with a tooth-colored material to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
02
Made from fluoride, silver, ammonia, and water, SDF is a painless liquid treatment used in minimally invasive pediatric dentistry. The liquid is applied directly to the cavity, quickly stopping decay and preventing further tooth damage. SDF is also an effective preventive measure against future cavities and helps reduce sensitivity in affected teeth.
It’s important to keep in mind that SDF will blacken and discolor parts of the tooth (where the decay is). SDF treatment can be an easy and non-invasive way to delay tooth decay while your young child is still growing and developing.
Because SDF is so easy to apply, it’s an ideal method for very young children and children with developmental disabilities. Unlike metallic fillings, SDF does not necessitate any anesthesia or drilling, which is helpful for children who cannot sit still and resist early-morning sedation.
03
Interim therapeutic restorations are a great treatment option in minimally invasive pediatric dentistry, especially for younger kids with shallow decay. By minimally removing decay (using either drilling or a spoon excavator), Glass Ionomer Cement is applied as a restoration. This seals the cavity hole and continuously protects the affected tooth structure.
This method is ideal for kids who cannot tolerate traditional fillings or require less decay to be removed. At Smiles + Grins, our experienced pediatric dentists will evaluate your child’s needs and discuss whether this comfortable and stress-free option is the best choice for them.
04
Sometimes, decay in the back teeth can be severe, but a child may have difficulty cooperating during treatment. The Hall Technique is a minimally invasive pediatric dentistry method that offers a stress-free solution to neutralize decay without drilling.
This technique fully covers and protects the decayed tooth with a stainless-steel crown and cements it on a decayed primary posterior tooth. While a slight change in the child’s bite may occur initially, it self-corrects naturally within 4–5 weeks.
SDF benefits
Kills decay-causing bacteria
Silver in SDF targets the bacteria behind active cavities at the source.
Prevents cavities
Fluoride helps strengthen and protect the tooth against future decay.
Halts the spread of decay
Applied directly to the cavity, SDF helps stop active decay in its tracks.
Easy and pain-free
Often no drilling or anesthesia — ideal for young or anxious children.
Benefits
Here’s how minimally invasive dentistry in pediatric dentistry delivers effective care while prioritizing your child’s comfort and long-term oral health:
Only removing decay to preserve natural tooth structure.
Minimal drilling or anesthesia for a calmer visit.
For every child, including those with special needs.
Creates dental experiences kids will remember fondly.
Stops cavities before they spread, saving time and money.
Gentle pediatric team
Experienced in minimally invasive techniques that keep visits calm and comfortable.
Specialty care, side by side. A consultation is where every great smile starts.
Visit our office.
Orthodontics
Dr. Karin Grinbaum
Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat · 10 AM – 3 PM (by appt.)
Schedule a consultation →
Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Liel Grinbaum
Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat · 10 AM – 3 PM (by appt.)
Schedule a consultation →
Book an orthodontic consult
Adilene from Dr. Karin's team will be in touch
We'll be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Contact page →✓Your request has been sent.
We look forward to welcoming you to your new dental home.
Adilene will be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Need us sooner? Call 212-777-6177
Book your child's visit
Sharis from Dr. Liel's team will be in touch
We'll be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Contact page →✓Your request has been sent.
We look forward to welcoming you to your new dental home.
Shari will be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Need us sooner? Call 646-448-8773
