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Frequently Asked Questions

Our Office

Does Maine Dentistry accept MaineCare?
Unfortunately, we do not.
What makes Maine Dentistry different?
Dr. Lawlor belongs to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists and has been specifically trained in cosmetic dentistry. The American Dental Association does not issue special certifications or licenses indicating which dentists are cosmetic dentists and which are not. The dentist you go to for twice-yearly check-ups is probably not going to be the same dentist you go to for cosmetic enhancement. Unless you’re in the qualified hands of Dr. Lawlor!
Does Maine Dentistry accept insurance?
We bill most dental insurances and accept credit cards or CareCredit as forms of payments. Unfortunately, we don't accept MaineCare. Any questions? We’re here to help!

General Dentistry

How often should I schedule appointments?
Depending on the severity of any problems you may have, dentists will typically recommend a visit every six months. Examinations assist in determining any need for dental procedures on your behalf and can reveal very serious medical conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, oral cancers, or even diabetes and joint/muscle problems. Regular examinations mean that these problems can be found when they are at their most treatable or even before they fully develop so that preventative measures can be taken.
What is a comprehensive exam?
A comprehensive dental exam ensures that your dentist can evaluate overall your health and oral hygiene as well as determine and discuss with you any factors that might contribute to the wellness of your teeth, jaw, gums, bones, and more. Oral health offers your dentist insight into the overall health of your body, so dental check-ups are a must for complete full-body health.

Veneers

Do veneers hurt?
Dr. Lawlor prides himself in not hurting patients and offers extensive options to avoid pain and discomfort. We want you to be comfortable from the moment you walk in the door to when you are at home recovering on the couch. Most of our patients are able to return to work the next day and are amazed at how great they feel. Some patients claim to feel better after the procedure than before they came in! We offer a wide range of numbing gels, customized anesthetic and medications to minimize or even eliminate post-operative pain. Welcome to a world of pain-free dentistry!
Will my new veneers be bulky or look fake?
Your veneers need to be able to complement your smile and will often make people remark that something is different but they cannot figure out what that something is. Your veneers should feel and look natural and give you a confident, ready smile. You may even find that you start to look for any opportunity to smile and show them off!
Do you have to grind my tooth down?
Tooth structure is extremely valuable and we utilize No Prep or Minimal Prep procedures in 90% of cases. The exact amount depends on each patient’s specific condition but no matter the condition, we only use custom, precision guides to remove the bare minimum necessary to achieve the most aesthetic results.
How long do veneers last?
At Maine Dentistry, we use the strongest, most aesthetic porcelain available. The result is strong, natural looking teeth that can last a lifetime. While we would never recommend using your teeth to bite non-food items, they will function just like real teeth and hold up to everyday use.

Implants

Do implants hurt?
Dr. Lawlor prides himself in not hurting patients and offers extensive options to avoid pain and discomfort. We want you to be comfortable from the moment you walk in the door to when you are at home recovering on the couch. Most of our patients are able to return to work the next day and are amazed at how great they feel. Some patients claim to feel better after the procedure than before they came in! We offer a wide range of numbing gels, customized anesthetic and medications to minimize or even eliminate post-operative pain. Welcome to a world of pain-free dentistry!
How long do dental implants last?
Implants are the most requested and advanced option for replacing missing teeth. Most people are amazed at how natural and strong they feel! Since they are fully integrated into the bone and made of medically pure titanium, dental implants have a 96% success rate when placed with a 3D guide. At Maine Dentistry, we use only the highest quality implants and utilized a 3D guided process to ensure your implant goes in pain-free position for function and longevity. Any alteration from ideal can drastically reduce the lifespan of the implant.
Do implants feel like normal teeth?
When implants are placed with a customized 3D guide, they are placed in the most ideal position and are the closest replacement to real teeth. They look just like normal teeth and are very strong so you can eat with confidence.
Can implants get cavities?
Because implants are made of titanium and porcelain, they do not get cavities. Simply keep them brushed to make sure the gums are healthy and keep your regular checkup to make sure they last a lifetime!

TMJ

What treatment options are available?
As there are still many factors of TMJ disorders that are unknown, we may try to offer more conservative treatments for your pain or discomfort. Short-term use of over-the-counter pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen is something we might recommend to provide temporary assistance from jaw discomfort. We would be happy to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lawlor to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint, which is a hinge that connects your jaw to the bones in front of each ear – the temporal bones of your skull. TMD is an acronym for temporomandibular disorder, which affects the temporomandibular joint. This can occur and result in discomfort, dysfunction, and pain in the joints and muscles that make up the jaw and control its movement.

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