FAQ

Maris Dental Studio FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

Have a question before your visit? Maris Dental Studio has answered the ones Fort Myers patients ask us most, from what to expect at your first appointment to how drill-free laser dentistry and same-day crowns work. Don't see your question? New patients can call (239) 205-3585, and existing patients can reach us at (239) 936-8616.

Visiting Our Fort Myers Office

Where is Maris Dental Studio located?
Maris Dental Studio is located at 49 Barkley Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33907. We care for patients from across Fort Myers and Lee County, and many families travel in from Cape Coral, Estero, and the islands to see us. Call (239) 205-3585 for directions or to schedule your first visit.

What are your office hours?
Our Fort Myers office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed Friday through Sunday, as well as on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July. You can email CareTeam@MarisDentalStudio.com anytime, and our team will reply during business hours.

Is Maris Dental Studio accepting new patients?
Yes, we are welcoming new patients in Fort Myers. Call our dedicated new patient line at (239) 205-3585 to schedule. Existing patients can reach us at (239) 936-8616, and anyone can email CareTeam@MarisDentalStudio.com with questions before booking. Weather you’re in Fort Meyers, Cape Coral, Estero, Lehigh Acres, or anywhere else, our Maris Dental Studio team is looking forward to welcoming you to our office!

What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit starts with a conversation. We want to hear your story, your concerns, and your goals for your smile before anything else. From there, you'll have a thorough exam and any X-rays needed, and your dentist will walk you through what they find and your options. No pressure and no rushing.

Do you see children and families?
Yes. We provide family-friendly dental care for patients of all ages. Children often do especially well with our Solea laser because it removes many of the sounds and sensations that make dental visits feel intimidating, including the drill and, for many procedures, the shot.

Laser Dentistry Without the Drill

What is drill-free dentistry?
Drill-free dentistry uses a dental laser instead of a traditional drill to treat teeth and gums. At our Fort Myers office, we use Solea, an FDA-cleared CO2 laser that removes decay with concentrated light energy. There is no vibration and no high-pitched whine, and many procedures need no injection at all.

Can I go straight back to work after a laser filling?
Usually, yes. Because many Solea laser procedures are done without local anesthesia, most patients leave without a numb lip or cheek and can return to work, school, or lunch right away. If your treatment does call for anesthesia, we will talk it through with you beforehand.

What dental problems can the Solea laser treat?
Solea can treat cavities and fillings, gum contouring, tongue-tie and lip-tie releases, crown lengthening, soft tissue procedures, select periodontal treatments, and removal of certain oral lesions. Not every procedure is a fit for the laser, so we will evaluate your needs and recommend the best option during your exam.

Does laser dentistry cost more than traditional dentistry?
Your cost is based on the treatment you need rather than the tool we use to do it. Before any treatment begins, our Financial and Treatment Coordinator will review your estimate, your out-of-network insurance benefits, and financing options so there are no surprises.

Is laser dentistry a good option if I have dental anxiety?
For many anxious patients, yes. The sound and vibration of the drill and the fear of needles are two of the biggest reasons people put off care. Solea removes both for many procedures, and our team takes the time to listen, explain each step, and let you set the pace.

Snoring and Sleep

Can a dentist help with snoring?
Yes. Dentists trained in airway care can treat snoring with options like laser soft palate therapy and custom oral appliances. At Maris Dental Studio in Fort Myers, Dr. Mat Mouritsen has helped patients with snoring for more than 20 years, often working alongside sleep physicians to build a personalized plan.

Is snoring a sign of sleep apnea?
It can be. Loud, frequent snoring is a common sign of obstructive sleep apnea, especially when paired with gasping or choking at night, pauses in breathing, or heavy daytime sleepiness. Only a sleep study and a physician can diagnose sleep apnea, so if these sound familiar, we will help you connect with a sleep physician.

Is Solea Sleep a replacement for CPAP?
No. Solea Sleep is designed to complement existing treatment, not replace it. Many of our patients who use CPAP or an oral appliance add Solea Sleep as one piece of a broader airway plan. Never stop using a prescribed CPAP without talking to your sleep physician first.

Is Solea Sleep surgery?
No. Solea Sleep is a non-surgical laser treatment with no incisions and no downtime. The laser gently tightens and firms the soft palate to reduce the tissue vibration behind snoring. Treatment takes just minutes in our Fort Myers office, and most patients return to their normal routine right away.

What is the difference between Solea Sleep and an oral appliance?
Solea Sleep uses laser energy to firm the soft palate so it vibrates less during sleep. An oral appliance is a custom mouthpiece worn at night that holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open. They work in different ways, and many patients benefit from using both together.

Same-Day Crowns

How do I know if I need a dental crown?
You may need a crown if you have a cracked, broken, or badly worn tooth, a tooth weakened by a large filling, or an older crown that needs replacing. Pain when biting or sensitivity in one tooth can also be signs. An exam is the only way to know for sure, and we'll explain every option.

What should I do if I break a tooth?
Call our office as soon as you can: new patients at (239) 205-3585 and existing patients at (239) 936-8616. In the meantime, rinse with warm water, save any pieces, avoid chewing on that side, and use a cold compress for swelling. For severe swelling, fever, or a facial injury, go to urgent care or the ER.

Will I need to wear a temporary crown?
Usually not. With traditional crowns, patients often wear a temporary for weeks while a lab makes the final crown. With same-day crown technology at our Fort Myers office, your custom ceramic crown is typically designed, made, and placed in one visit, so there is no temporary to lose or break.

How long does a dental crown last?
With good care, a well-made ceramic crown commonly lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last longer. Brushing twice a day, flossing, keeping up with regular cleanings, and wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth all help your crown go the distance.

Insurance, Payment and Financing

Do you take Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, or Aetna?
Maris Dental Studio is out of network with all dental insurance plans, but many PPO plans, including those from Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, and Guardian, include out-of-network benefits you can use here. HMO or DHMO plans typically do not. Call us and we'll help you understand what your plan covers.

How does out-of-network dental insurance work?
With out-of-network benefits, your insurance plan pays a share of your treatment based on its own fee schedule, and you are responsible for the balance. Our team helps file your claims and sends your insurer the information they need. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend reviewing your benefits with us before treatment.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. We also offer financing options that let eligible patients spread the cost of treatment over time. Our Financial and Treatment Coordinator is happy to walk you through your choices before treatment begins.

Can I use my HSA or FSA for dental care?
In most cases, yes. Dental treatment is generally an eligible expense for health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and many HSA and FSA cards work like a credit card at checkout. Purely cosmetic procedures usually do not qualify, so check with your plan administrator for specifics.

Comfort, Anxiety and Everyday Care

I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will I be judged?
Never. Many of our patients come to us after years away, often because of a bad past experience or fear of the drill. Our team focuses on how you feel first, and we will start wherever you are, explain everything in plain language, and build a plan at a pace you are comfortable with.

How often should I get a dental cleaning and checkup?
Most people do best with a cleaning and exam every six months. If you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or other health factors, your hygienist may recommend visits every three to four months. We'll tailor your schedule to your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Do you offer cosmetic dentistry?
Yes. Our dentists combine artistry and precision to create natural-looking results, including custom ceramic crowns and laser gum contouring to reshape an uneven gumline. Dr. Ruddell and Dr. Mouritsen will talk through your goals and recommend the options that fit your smile, your health, and your budget.

Still have questions? Our Fort Myers team is happy to help. New patients: (239) 205-3585. Existing patients: (239) 936-8616. Email: CareTeam@MarisDentalStudio.com.

A few answers should be checked with the office before this goes live: the nearby cities named, the payment methods (their footer currently says only cash and check), whether they're out of network with every plan, and the list of cosmetic services.