Orthodontics in Erie, PA

Cosmetic Dental Services in Erie, PA

Unfortunately, many of us aren’t born with the blueprints for a perfect smile. Our permanent teeth may come in misspaced or misaligned, or our jaws may be out of sync or out of proportion with one another. These imperfections often affect more than looks — untreated, they may compromise oral hygiene and dental health. 

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry dedicated to correcting bite issues (malocclusion) to help patients not only look better, but also breathe, chew, speak, and care for their teeth easier.

Orthodontic services we offer

Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney is pleased to offer a full complement of orthodontic treatments and appliances in Erie, PA, from traditional metal braces to Invisalign (invisible aligners). No matter how old you are or where you’re at in your mouth’s development, realignment can make a world of difference in function and your quality of life.

When is the best time for braces?

The American Dental Association advises parents to schedule an appointment with a certified orthodontist or a dental professional familiar with orthodontic practice, like Dr. Kevin Mahoney in Erie, PA, by the age of 7. During the initial consultation, bite issues will be assessed and a course of action will be determined. 

Braces are generally worn during a child’s preteens or early teens (ages 10 to 14) because the bones in the head and mouth are rapidly growing and developing during this time, which makes teeth easier to move and straighten. However, it should be noted that 1 in 5 modern orthodontic patients are adults!

Whenever you or a loved one is in line for alignment correction, we are ready to deliver our Erie, PA orthodontic services to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion (the imperfect positioning of the teeth), along with neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities.

What are braces?

Braces are meant to straighten and correct the alignment of your teeth that consist of brackets and wires. Some types of braces include:

  • Clear
  • Ceramic
  • Gold
  • Lingual (behind the Tooth)
  • Self-ligating
  • Metal
  • Invisalign (Braces Alternative)
Does getting braces hurt?

Getting braces usually includes minor aches and pains that occur when they are first put on, and when they are adjusted. These pains are known to only last a short amount of time and leave no lasting effect. If necessary, over-the-counter painkillers can be used to alleviate some of the pain.

Why should I get orthodontic treatment?

There are two main reasons to get orthodontic treatment, the first being aesthetic. Having an attractive smile can enhance your own self-image and also change the way people see you. The second being function. Getting orthodontic treatment can help your teeth develop better, and make them easier to clean, which can improve your overall health.

How often do I need to visit the orthodontist?

Usually, during treatment, patients are to visit every four to six weeks. This allows us to track the progress of your treatment and make any changes if necessary. After braces are removed, it is recommended that you visit your orthodontist every six months for a general check up on how your teeth have adjusted to the changes.

After my braces are removed, how should I care for my retainer?

Caring for your retainer after braces should become a regular activity for you. During meal times, keep your retainer in its protective case provided by your dentist. This will ensure it does not get lost or broken. After eating, brush your teeth thoroughly before putting the retainer back in. At the end of the day, it is important to clean your retainer. Cleaning it with toothpaste is not recommended, but brushing it gently with a toothbrush and antibacterial soap is. Never place your retainer in boiling water or a dishwasher to clean it.

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

Recent Posts

More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

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