Professional Teeth Cleanings in Auburn, ME
What a Professional Cleaning Does That Brushing Can't
No matter how well you brush and floss, plaque eventually hardens into tartar — and once it does, it bonds to the tooth surface in a way that can't be reversed at home. Tartar forms within 24 to 72 hours of plaque being left undisturbed. Professional cleanings use specialized hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove that buildup before it leads to gum disease or decay.
Home care maintains what was already clean. A professional cleaning resets the baseline.
Enjoy The Benefits
Standard Cleaning vs. Periodontal Cleaning
Standard Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
Removes surface plaque and tartar above the gumline, polishes teeth, and checks for early signs of concern. For patients with healthy gums. Typically recommended every 6–12 months.
Periodontal Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Targets bacteria below the gumline using specialized instruments to remove buildup from root surfaces. For patients with active gum disease or deeper pockets. More frequent follow-up visits are typically recommended.
How often you actually need a cleaning depends on your situation. Some patients do well with one visit per year. Others benefit from three or four. Factors include gum disease history, how quickly you build up tartar, smoking, and systemic conditions like diabetes. We’ll tell you what makes sense for you — not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
If It’s Been a While
No judgment, no lectures. We hear that a lot, and we mean it. We’ll schedule a longer appointment, take updated X-rays, and do a thorough cleaning. We’ll also give you a clear picture of where things stand — without pressure.
The goal is to help you move forward, not make you feel bad about the past.
Insurance and Scheduling
Most dental insurance covers preventive cleanings at 100% — it’s one of the best benefits you have. If you’re uninsured, ask us about our in-house membership plan. Either way, we’ll make it work.
Insurance
Most plans cover cleanings at 100%. We're in-network with Aetna and Delta.
Uninsured?
Ask about our in-house membership plan for patients without insurance coverage.
Schedule
Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm. Call us or request online — we'll find a time that works.
Common Questions
Does a cleaning hurt?
Most cleanings are completely comfortable. If you feel any sensitivity during the visit, let us know and we'll adjust.
What if I have sensitive teeth or gum tenderness?
Tell us before we start. We work around sensitivity, not through it, and we have options to make the visit more comfortable from the beginning.
Will anyone judge me if I haven't been in years?
No. We've seen it all, and we're not here to make you feel bad. We're here to help you move forward.
Is a deep cleaning the same as a regular cleaning?
No. A routine cleaning maintains healthy gums above the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) addresses buildup below the gumline and is used to treat active gum disease.
Do I need X-rays every time?
Not necessarily. How often you need X-rays depends on your individual history. We won't take them unless there's a clinical reason to.
Why Patients Choose Us for Their Care
You're invited
Contact us at (207) 520-2024 or request a visit online. Whether you're new or returning, we're here to listen, answer your questions, and help you feel at home.