General Dentistry
Cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings, and tooth extractions. We recommend twice-yearly cleanings and will tell you clearly if we see anything that needs attention.
Portland, Maine — Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
We have been caring for Portland families since 2003. No rushed appointments, no surprise bills, and no judgment about how long it has been since your last cleaning. We start from where you are.
About the Practice
Dr. Maya Chen grew up in a family that avoided the dentist because it felt expensive and intimidating. When she graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 2001, she had a clear idea of what she wanted to build: a practice where patients were treated like adults, given real information about their options, and never pressured into work they did not need.
Harborlight opened on Commercial Street in 2003 with two chairs and a team of three. We have grown since then, but the approach has not changed. We explain every finding before we discuss any treatment. We give you a written estimate before any procedure. And we will tell you honestly when the right answer is to wait and watch.
Most of our new patients come from referrals. People send their siblings, their coworkers, their elderly parents. That is the kind of practice we set out to build, and we are proud that it is what we became.
We explain every finding before we discuss any treatment. We give you the information, and you make the decision.
Services
Cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings, and tooth extractions. We recommend twice-yearly cleanings and will tell you clearly if we see anything that needs attention.
Porcelain veneers, composite bonding, and tooth-colored crowns. We focus on results that look like your natural teeth, not an obvious cosmetic procedure.
We see children starting at age three. Our team is patient with nervous kids, and we take time to make the first few visits calm and positive so they build good habits early.
Single-tooth implants and implant-supported bridges to replace missing teeth permanently. We work with a local oral surgeon and coordinate your care from consultation through the final crown.
In-office whitening with Opalescence Boost, or take-home trays with custom-fitted molds. We discuss which is right for you based on your tooth sensitivity and how quickly you want results.
Cracked teeth, lost fillings, dental infections, and sudden pain. We hold same-day slots for dental emergencies. Call us at (207) 555-0147 when it happens.
Your Care Team
Founder and Lead Dentist
Maya founded Harborlight in 2003 after completing her dental degree at Tufts and a hospital residency at Maine Medical Center. She focuses on restorative and cosmetic dentistry and has completed advanced training in dental implants through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Outside the office, she teaches a clinic at the University of New England and volunteers with a free dental clinic in Lewiston one Saturday per month.
Associate Dentist
James joined the practice in 2016 after completing his dental degree at Boston University and a pediatric-focused residency in New Hampshire. He handles our pediatric patients and general family care, and has a particular interest in patients with dental anxiety. He uses nitrous oxide sedation when it helps and takes extra time with patients who are nervous. He lives in Cape Elizabeth with his wife and their three children.
Lead Dental Hygienist
Renee has been with Harborlight since 2007 and handles most of our adult cleanings and periodontal maintenance appointments. She is known for being thorough without being rough, and for explaining exactly what she is seeing when she looks at your X-rays. Patients who have gum disease concerns specifically request her because she takes the time to build a real maintenance plan rather than just scheduling a cleaning and moving on.
Patient Stories
I had not been to a dentist in six years because of anxiety. Dr. Okafor sat with me before he did anything and explained exactly what he was going to do and in what order. No surprises, no judgment about the six years. I have been coming every six months since.
I came in thinking I needed several crowns based on what my previous dentist told me. Dr. Chen reviewed my X-rays and said two of the teeth could be watched, one filling was enough, and only one actually needed a crown. That saved me a significant amount of money. I appreciate that she did not just do the work.
My daughter is seven and terrified of anything medical. Dr. Okafor spent the first visit just introducing her to the chair and the tools with no actual exam. Second visit she let him count her teeth. Third visit was a full cleaning with no tears. The patience they showed is the reason we are staying.
Renee is the only hygienist I have trusted in twenty years of going to the dentist. She explains what she sees, remembers what we talked about last time, and does not rush. My whole family sees her now.
Before your first visit
Yes, we are in-network with Delta Dental PPO, MetLife, Aetna DMO and PPO, and Cigna DPPO. We also work with most other major dental PPO plans as an out-of-network provider and will submit claims on your behalf. We verify your benefits before your appointment and give you a written estimate for any treatment so you know what your out-of-pocket cost will be.
We offer an in-house savings plan for patients without insurance. The plan covers two cleanings, two exams, and X-rays per year for $299, plus 15 percent off any additional treatment. There is no waiting period, no annual maximum, and no claims to file. Ask the front desk for a form when you call.
No. About one in four of our patients reports some level of dental anxiety, so this is something we have thought about carefully. We offer nitrous oxide sedation for most procedures. We also schedule extra time for anxious patients so you never feel rushed. Dr. Okafor has specific training in anxiety management and sees most of our patients who are nervous. Tell us when you call and we will pair you with him.
For routine cleanings and exams, new patients are typically scheduled within two weeks. If you have a concern, a broken tooth, or pain, we hold same-week slots and can usually see you within two to three business days. Dental emergencies are seen same-day when you call before noon.
Your photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and any X-rays from your previous dentist if you can get them sent over. If you have not been in a while, bring a list of any medications you take because some medications affect dental treatment. Arrive ten minutes early to fill out the intake forms, or we can email them to you in advance if you prefer.
We see children starting at age three, which is when the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit. Early visits at our practice are low-key — we introduce the chair and the tools, count teeth, and talk to kids about brushing. We do not rush into X-rays or deeper work until a child is comfortable. If your child has significant anxiety or special needs that require sedation, we can refer you to a pediatric dental specialist.
New and Existing Patients
New patients are welcome. We take same-week appointments for dental concerns and offer evening slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Insurance verification is done before your visit so there are no billing surprises.
Contact
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