Dental Services

It is a common misconception that we are less likely to have cavities when we get older - not true! Many medications and the natural aging process can cause dry mouth, which can lead to cavities. Preventive dentistry has worked so well that most seniors in their eighties and nineties still have their teeth! For these and other reasons, seniors have unique challenges when it comes to oral care, and have higher probabilities of having cavities and broken teeth. We encourage the following dental procedures to help these individuals.

• Use an electric toothbrush, if possible.
• Use a prescription strength concentrated fluoride toothpaste.
• Always brush twice a day.
• Stay away from sugary foods and candy.
• Maintain regular dental examinations.

The basis of our entire practice is prevention of disease including cavities, periodontal disease, and cancer. Through nutrition, life style management, smoking cessation, and advanced home care techniques we often say that "dentistry is very inexpensive and very comfortable, but sugared sodas, Skittles, smoking, and energy drinks are very expensive and very uncomfortable." Nutrition and smoking cessation are paramount in the prevention of dental disease in our office.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces and orthodontics. Instead of using metal wires or brackets, clear, plastic aligners are placed over your teeth to apply consistent, gentle pressure and guide teeth into their proper position.

What types of cases do clear aligners treat?

Clear aligners are nearly invisible, minimally invasive, and treat a wide range of spacing and bite issues, including:

• Mild-to-moderate crowding
• Arch expansion
• Select Underbites and overbites

Millions of patients worldwide have successfully improved their smiles and dental health using clear aligners.

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

While most assume clear aligner benefits are purely cosmetic, they offer health benefits too.

Crowded and overlapping teeth make it easier for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum disease. On the other end of the spectrum, too much space between your teeth can lead to gum damage, bone damage, and, in severe cases, loose teeth.

Properly spaced teeth are less likely to hold onto food debris and are easier to clean. This reduces the likelihood of developing conditions like gingivitis, endocarditis, and gum disease. Patients who complete their clear aligner treatments report higher levels of confidence and better dental hygiene.

Clear aligner treatments come with a 3-in-1 whitening and cleaning solution to help patients achieve their dental hygiene and aesthetic goals.

Six Month Smiles white braces offer several benefits for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. One significant advantage is the shortened treatment time of approximately six months, which is much faster than traditional metal braces. Additionally, Six Month Smiles braces use clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, which make them much less noticeable than traditional braces. This feature is particularly appealing for adults who may be self-conscious about their appearance during treatment. The braces are also designed to focus on straightening the teeth that show when you smile, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. Finally, Six Month Smiles braces are often less expensive than other orthodontic options, making them a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking cosmetic improvement in a relatively short amount of time.

Growing beautiful faces has been of our most rewarding aspects of the practice. Dr. Caruso and Dr. Steinke have taken hundreds of hours of continuing education in orthodontics and facial growth, focusing on early treatment. By utilizing the body’s growth abilities and enhancing the natural growth utilizing comfortable growth appliances, most of the time the child’s beautiful smile can be completed before entering high school and without extracting non-replaceable teeth.

Today cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping, to closing spaces and replacing teeth. Before deciding to undergo any cosmetic procedure it is important to ask about what benefits and risks you can expect during your procedure and if any special maintenance will be needed afterwards.

Crowns are a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the tooth, completely covering it to restore its shape, size, strength, and to improve its appearance. Once in place it becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. A cap may be needed to protect a weak tooth from breaking, hold together parts of a cracked tooth or to cover and support a large filling when there isn’t much of your tooth left.

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns of the teeth on either side of the gap. These two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth and a false tooth/teeth in between.

Controlling periodontitis is the foundation for life-long healthy teeth. Most people that lose their teeth after age thirty is due the gum disease. With recent studies linking gum disease to Alzheimer's, heart disease and cancer - it is even more crucial to aggressively treat this silent disease. We take pride in keeping abreast with the latest techniques in preventing and treating gum disease including laser therapy and Perio Protect at home treatment.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection that is hidden below your gums. Dental cleanings can effectively treat the bacteria, but when you return home the cycle often continues. Bacterial cells grow back in just hours after a cleaning, and toothbrush, rinse and floss can't reach deep enough to address the infection at home.

The Perio Tray by Perio Protect gently applies medication deep under the gums to fight the infections. You use it as home for just minutes each day. The Tray is comfortable, flexible and custom-fit precisely for your mouth.

With Perio Tray therapy, you have a new chance against the infections. In addition to healthier gums, patients commonly report whiter teeth and fresher breath. If you've been told that you have gum disease (gingiviis or periodontitis), ask our team if Perio Trays are right for you. You can learn more about the Perio Tray at perioprotect.com.

Many times, caused by trauma, cavities, or large old fillings that have leaked, a nerve dies in a tooth. In the past many teeth were lost when this happened but at Central Maine Smiles we can comfortable and efficiently save teeth through simply removing the infected portion of the tooth with high technology automated techniques. Most people are amazed how easy and pain-free this treatment is.

Our dentures are designed with comfort, function and aesthetics in mind and we offer full and partial upper and lower dentures. As you age the perfect fit you once had may change, but our rebase and reline services will ensure that desired fit again. We recommend you brush your gums and dentures daily to remove plaque build-up.

An implant is used when you have lost at least one tooth and desire to have it replaced. A dental implant is a post (like a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gun line that allows us to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into the desired area. Because the implant fuses to your jawbone it will provide stable support for artificial teeth. To be a candidate for implants you will need healthy gums and adequate bone to support it.

Although we strive to keep teeth naturally in the mouth there are times a tooth must be extracted. We offer a range of oral surgeries including extractions, biopsies, and removal of oral tissue growths. Most of these procedures are done in our office with our patients comfort in mind.

Dental trauma is always unexpected and doesn't always happen during our office hours. We encourage you to call us immediately after the incident, and if it is after hours call (207) 422-3770 and follow our automated options to contact a doctor to see us as soon as possible so we can evaluate and stabilize the injury.

For our established patients: We prioritize preventative care, as we believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, we understand that dental emergencies can still occur despite regular care. If you are an established patient and experience facial trauma or severe pain or swelling outside of office hours, please call (207) 564-3455 to leave a message for the doctor on call.

Everyone wants a white smile including us, which is why we offer teeth whitening solutions that work. Once we've consulted with you on what shade of white you are aiming for we’ll recommend the procedure we feel will work best for you. Our options include power whitening, professional strength whitening strips, custom and prefabricated trays.

We understand that patient fear and anxiety can hold a patient back from receiving a dental procedure they need. But with the safety and predictability of Triazolam (a medication similar to Valium but with a shorter acting-time in the body and a much better amnesic effect) combined with our advanced monitoring equipment, every patient can relax. Dr. Caruso and Dr. Steinke have been trained in Oral Conscious Sedation. Dr. Steinke is one of the few dentists in the state that have achieved Fellowship in the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder. It occurs when breathing stops during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night. Consequences include the brain and body getting insufficient oxygen, plus increased risk for high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and heart failure.

Snoring

Snoring, which may be linked to sleep apnea, most often occurs because of airway constriction, which causes the tissues in the throat and soft palate to vibrate. Snoring can also affect the tongue, uvula, tonsils, and adenoids. It most certainly affects people to sleep near the snorer. The good news: it can be diagnosed and treated.

Treatment can be easy!

Dr. Hillary Caruso has undergone vigorous training and testing to be named a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She is highly experienced in recognizing the risk factors of sleep disorders and providing first-line treatment. For those who snore, or have mild to moderate sleep apnea, the use of custom oral appliance therapy can help maintain a stable airway that prevents collapsibility and allows you to get a full night's sleep. This will leave you (and your bed partner) feeling refreshed in the morning, without a cumbersome CPAP machine.