brighter maine smiles
dental hygiene care
 

Brighter Maine Smiles is a Public Health Dental Hygiene service in Brunswick providing preventative treatment in school for people who do not regularly see a dentist or do not have a dental home. It is recommended to have a complete exam with a dentist yearly.   

 

MaineCare insurance is accepted, so include your ID number when you fill out the medical history and consent form on page 2. The cost for complete services without insurance is $65. Return payment with this form. We accept cash, checks payable to Brighter Maine Smiles or call for Venmo payments. Financial aid is available by request. Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA): Brighter Maine Smiles follows all HIPAA rules for patient confidentiality and submitting billing. More information available on request.

The following is a list of services offered and will be provided as needed. You have the right to opt out of any services listed below by commenting on page 2. 

 

1. Oral Screening: to triage any work needing to be done by a dentist or specialist. Review of medical history/consent. Referrals will be sent home if appropriate. Any significant findings will be listed on the summary statement.

2. Dental Prophylaxis: a dental cleaning to prevent and reduce dental disease by removing plaque and tartar. Oral hygiene education is always included.

3. Dental Sealants: a thin layer of white, dental resin applied to the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars. This can help keep cavity causing bacteria away.

4. Fluoride Varnish: a time-release fluoride applied to teeth to help prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. 

5. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): Approved by the FDA in 2014, SDF is an antimicrobial liquid that can help slow and/or stop cavities. The decayed area turns permanently black. There is a risk SDF will not stop the cavity, further  treatment is often needed. A dentist can put a white filling over SDF to restore the tooth. Brighter Maine Smiles uses SDF for cavities on back teeth. SDF is not used on front teeth. Occasionally SDF will be used for prevention in place of a sealant, good for one year. SDF does not discolor healthy teeth. Call with questions or concerns, or comment on page 2.

Alternatives to treatment with SDF: Cavities rarely fix themselves, they only get bigger. With no treatment, symptoms can worsen, including pain and infection from the decay. If SDF is applied, restorations, extractions or referrals may still be needed. A complete exam with a dentist is recommended.