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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man smiling

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

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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