Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have payment plans? And do you take insurance?

We have both payment plans and we take insurance! We want to give you and your family every opportunity to have a beautiful smile. Qualified individuals can apply for monthly payment plans. We will process your dental insurance for you and calculate your co-pay after we have verified your enrollment in the plan.

I have a busy schedule; will I be able to see the dentist at a time that will work with my schedule?

Because we understand the difficulty of squeezing time out of your busy day for a dental appointment, we have an early morning appointment at 7:00 a.m. You can also schedule an appointment as late as 5:45 p.m. in the evening. Please call for availability.

It has been years since I have been to the dentist and it has really started to show. Is it too late for me to fix my teeth?

It's never too late to fix your smile! Today’s technology allows for many opportunities so you can get back on the road to dental health quickly. We can provide your dental treatment in one visit - with or without sleep dentistry.

What are porcelain veneers that I see on TV?

Porcelain veneers are a treatment to make your teeth white and straight, using a fine, porcelain covering or crown over your own teeth.

How often should I visit the dentist?

It is recommended that everyone visits the dentist every six months. However, in certain circumstances, you may be asked to come in more often. Schedule a routine check-up with Dr. Mahoney to find out what would work best for you.

Is flossing necessary?

Despite what many people may think, flossing actually is necessary for and beneficial to your oral health. While just brushing your teeth is better than doing nothing, flossing covers portions of the teeth that your brush cannot reach: the "in-between." These areas of your mouth are the hardest (and quite frankly the most annoying) areas to clean, causing them to be the most vulnerable to diseases. Flossing is the best way to help combat potential diseases.

Should I visit the dentist if I am pregnant?

For the majority of women, routine dental visits while pregnant are safe. For major dental work, however, it is generally recommended that the treatment be pushed back until after the baby is delivered. With that being said, everyone is different and you should be sure to consult with your doctor and your dentist to get the best professional advice possible.

What causes cavities?

Cavities are caused by two words: Plaque Formation. It's as simple as that! Plaque is formed by the combination of saliva, acid, bacteria, and food particles in the mouth. It builds up, attacks the enamel of your teeth, and eventually causes holes, otherwise known as cavities.

Should I visit the dentist if I wear dentures?

Yes, you should still visit the dentist if you wear dentures. Going to the dentist is about more than just checking on teeth. It is also about checking on the health of the tissue underneath your dentures, making necessary adjustments, and a possible oral cancer screening.

Ask Our Erie Dental Team

Recent Posts

The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Posted on January 24th, 2022 at 12:06 PM
The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

You deserve to look your best, and that includes your teeth. Teeth whitening has become more popular throughout the years, especially with the rise of at-home whitening kits. The overall health of your teeth is no longer the primary reason that people visit the dentist. Now, taking care of your teeth has just as many cosmetic benefits as it does health benefits. 

Typically, what you eat and drink is the most common reason your teeth may become discolored in the first place. Coffee, wine, tomatoes, berries, and soda can all be culprits of your yellowing teeth. Lifestyle and health habits can be a factor, too, such as smoking or failing to have a hygienic oral care routine. 

Simply put, people are tired of settling for discolored teeth. With technology advancing, and procedures like professional teeth whitening becoming faster and more efficient, you no longer have to settle.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

When you’re looking to brighten up your smile, it’s always a good idea to start by considering your options. The most popular options are in-office procedures and prescribed take-home trays. Scheduling a professional teeth whitening appointment will typically entail determining your desired shade for your teeth, followed by your dentist applying whitening agents for a longer period of time. 

Take home trays are where you come in. After your first whitening consultation, your dentist is able to determine how these take home kits can be formulated to optimally whiten your teeth. Perhaps you need a higher concentration of whitening agents, or you may need to use your kits more frequently. Either way, these can give you more comprehensive results. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening lasts longer

Teeth whitening strips can last for months, but professional treatments can last for years. The upside of going to your dentist’s office for a whitening is that the concentration of the whitening materials is much stronger than what you can access with a home kit. At Sleep Dentistry, we offer a Lifetime Whitening Program, which gives you a lifetime of pearly whites for a one-time enrollment fee of only $99. 

That being said, the cost of professional teeth whitening could potentially be less over time, especially compared to how many DIY kits you’d need to achieve the same results.

Take home trays designed for you

Many dental offices offer take home trays following a consultation for professional teeth whitening. These trays may sound just like a take-home kit, but they’re not. Take home trays are specially designed based on the results of your in-office whitening results and your desired shade of your teeth. Because these take home trays are built from a mold of your mouth, your specific whitening treatment will yield results faster and more effectively. 

Skip the tooth sensitivity

A downside of having your teeth whitened can be the sensitivity that comes with it. With professional whitening services, your dentist’s tried and true methods don’t come with the risk of harmful side effects. No need to worry if whitening agents will touch your gums, tongue, or cheek. At Sleep Dentistry Erie, our team will be attentive to your specific needs and concerns. 

Better teeth whitening results  

When you choose a dentist over a DIY kit, you’re automatically going to get better results. It’s better to trust a trained professional dentist with something as important as your teeth instead of guessing with home kits. Sleep Dentistry Erie can ensure that you get the results you're looking for faster, while also keeping your comfort and the safety of your teeth our top priority.

Trust Sleep Dentistry Erie with Your Teeth

Sleep Dentistry Erie has an experienced team of trained professionals. We’ll assemble a personalized teeth whitening treatment that’s tailored to you. We specialize in dentistry for those who have dental phobias when it comes to making their yearly check-ups. 

Consider our Lifetime Whitening Program, which is offered to our patients for a one-time fee of $99. 

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