If you're considering straightening your teeth, you’re probably weighing two of the most popular options: braces and clear aligners. Both are powerful tools in the hands of a skilled orthodontist, and the right choice depends on your goals, lifestyle, and the complexity of your bite.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages using the most advanced techniques available. I have even lectured to orthodontic residents on complex clear aligner treatment and has successfully treated even the most complex cases without the use of braces. Whether you’re an adult seeking a discreet option or a parent researching the best treatment for your child, this article will help you understand the key differences between braces and clear aligners.

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What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners—such as Invisalign—are custom-made, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into alignment. They are made from transparent plastic and designed using advanced 3D scanning technology for a precise, comfortable fit.

Pros of Clear Aligners

• Virtually invisible in your mouth, making them ideal for adults and image-conscious teens
• Removable, so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease
• Comfortable, with no metal brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks
• Custom-designed to treat complex bite issues when planned by an experienced orthodontist
• Convenient for patients with busy lifestyles or frequent social interaction

Things to Consider

• Must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results
• Require discipline and responsibility, especially for younger patients
• Easy to misplace or damage if not stored properly
• Results can vary significantly if not properly planned and supervised by a specialist

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What Are Braces?

Braces use small brackets bonded to your teeth, connected by wires that gradually move the teeth into alignment. They are a time-tested solution and still one of the most effective tools in orthodontics today.

Pros of Braces

• Always working, since they are fixed in place
• Highly effective for all types of malocclusions, including severe bite issues
• Ideal for younger patients, who may have trouble remembering to wear aligners
• Available in metal or clear ceramic options to match your aesthetic preferences
• Can be customized using advanced systems for improved precision and comfort

Things to Consider

• More visible than clear aligners
• Require extra care with brushing and flossing
• Food restrictions apply to avoid damage to brackets and wires

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So Which One Is Better?

The best treatment option depends on your specific case as well as you and your lifestyle and preferences. That’s why every treatment at Strouse Orthodontics begins with a detailed consultation and exam. We will evaluate your bite, facial structure, and treatment goals to recommend the most effective and efficient option.

Some general dentists offer clear aligners, but many are not trained to diagnose and treat bite discrepancies or complex cases. At Strouse Orthodontics, we routinely treat patients who were told clear aligners were not an option—yet with proper planning and expertise, they achieved excellent outcomes without braces.

Dr. Strouse is not only an orthodontic specialist, but also a speaker on clear aligner therapy, giving you the confidence that your care is in the hands of an expert.

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Why Choose Strouse Orthodontics?

• Specialist-led care by Dr. Eric Strouse at every visit
• Advanced digital treatment planning for accuracy and comfort
• Comprehensive expertise in both clear aligners and braces
• Warm, welcoming environment in both Spring Hill and Lecanto locations

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Schedule Your Free Consultation

Choosing between clear aligners and braces is an important decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a complimentary consultation to find out which treatment is best for your smile.

Call us: 352-688-0331
Visit us: Spring Hill or Lecanto
Book online: https://edgebooking.ortho2.com/search?catalog=5be7c57e-a809-479a-bf8e-01b39d4e76ab&code=qsbsjz

Why Seeing a General Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment Can Be Risky

When it comes to straightening your teeth or correcting your bite, many patients are surprised to learn that not all providers are created equal. While general dentists may offer Invisalign or braces, it’s important to understand the risks of receiving orthodontic treatment from someone who isn’t a trained orthodontic specialist.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we see the consequences of rushed or incomplete treatment every week. Patients who trusted their general dentist for convenience or cost savings often end up needing complex corrections later.

Let’s break down why this happens and what you should know before starting treatment.

What’s the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

Dentists are experts in overall oral health: cleanings, fillings, crowns, and preventive care.
Orthodontists are dentists who complete 2 to 3 additional years of specialized training focused solely on how teeth move, how jaws grow, and how to correct complex bite issues safely and effectively.

Think of it this way: your general doctor might know the basics of heart health, but you wouldn’t ask them to perform heart surgery. Orthodontics is no different. It requires advanced knowledge and experience to do it right.

The Risks of Seeing a Dentist for Orthodontic Work

1. Missed or Ignored Bite Problems

Dentists often focus only on straightening the front teeth. But orthodontists look at how your bite fits: Class II, Class III, crossbites, deep bites, and open bites all require careful planning.
An untreated bite may not hurt now, but over time it leads to tooth wear, cracked fillings, jaw strain, and more dental work.

2. Limited Tools and Knowledge

Many general dentists use generic treatment plans or software that isn’t designed to correct complex issues. They may not know when a patient really needs elastics, growth modification, extractions, or surgical consultation.
The result is longer treatments, poor results, and sometimes permanent damage.

3. No One Checking the Details

Orthodontic treatment is a dynamic process. It needs adjustments, monitoring, and fine-tuning along the way. Many dental offices don't have the time or training to properly track your progress or identify problems until it’s too late.

Why Do Dentists Offer Ortho in the First Place?

It’s no secret: orthodontics is a revenue stream. With the popularity of Invisalign and direct-to-consumer aligners, some dentists take weekend courses and start offering treatment to keep it in-house even when it’s outside their skillset.

This keeps you from ever seeing a specialist or knowing there was a better option.

How to Protect Yourself (or Your Child)

• Ask who is planning and monitoring your case. Is it a specialist?
• Request a second opinion from a board-certified orthodontist.
• Look beyond straight teeth. Ask about your bite, jaw alignment, and long-term stability.
• Don’t be afraid to ask about training. A weekend Invisalign course is not the same as a 3-year residency.

Your Smile Deserves a Specialist

At Strouse Orthodontics, orthodontics isn’t a side service. It’s what we do, all day, every day. Whether you’re an adult looking to improve your bite or a parent wanting the best for your child, we’re here to guide you with expert care, custom treatment plans, and results that last a lifetime.

Schedule a free consultation today at Strouse Orthodontics in Spring Hill or Lecanto.
Specialist-led. Patient-focused. Results that last.

If you or your child is about to get braces and you're wondering, "Will it hurt?"—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear at Strouse Orthodontics, and the short answer is: getting braces put on is not painful. Let’s walk you through exactly what to expect and how we make the experience as smooth (and even fun) as possible.

Step By Step: What Happens When you Get Braces?

1. Cleaning the Teeth
Before anything goes on, we clean and polish your teeth. This helps the braces stick properly and ensures a healthy foundation for treatment. This step feels just like a regular dental cleaning—simple and painless.

2. Cheek Retractor: Yes, You’ll Look Like You’re Playing "Speak Out"
Next, we use a cheek retractor to gently hold your lips and cheeks out of the way. If you’ve ever played the game Speak Out, you’ll know exactly what this looks like. It might feel a little silly at first, but most patients laugh through it—and it gives us a great view of your teeth so we can do precise work.

3. Placing the Brackets
Now comes the star of the show: the braces themselves. We apply a special bonding material to each tooth and place a bracket (the small square) on top. A light is used to cure the adhesive and lock everything in place. There are no needles, no drilling, and no pain involved.

4. Inserting the Wire
Once the brackets are set, we thread a thin archwire through each one and secure it with small ties. This wire is what will gently move your teeth over time. You may feel a little pressure when this step is done—but it’s not painful.

5. Reviewing Your Instructions
Before you leave, we’ll go over everything you need to know: how to brush and floss with braces, foods to avoid, and how to keep your teeth clean and healthy throughout your treatment. You’ll leave feeling confident and ready to go.

What About Pain Afterward?

It’s normal to feel some mild soreness a few hours after your braces are placed and for a couple of days after that. This isn’t because anything is wrong—it’s just your teeth beginning to move. Think of it like starting a new workout; a little soreness means it’s working.

For any discomfort, we’ve got you covered. We offer a Pain Eraser at our office—a small, drug-free device that helps block discomfort using gentle micro-pulses. It’s easy to use, safe for all ages, and a great tool to help you stay comfortable through treatment.

Want to dive deeper into handling any soreness during your journey? Check out our full post here:
? Braces Causing Discomfort? Here’s What You Need to Know (and What You Can Do About It)

Bottom Line: Getting Braces Doesn’t Hurt

The process of getting braces is simple, gentle, and nothing to fear. At Strouse Orthodontics, we take extra steps to ensure your experience is comfortable, informative, and even fun. You’re in good hands—and we’re here every step of the way.

We are your orthodontist in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto, FL for all of your orthodontic needs in Citrus County FL and Hernando County FL. Give us a call at 352-688-0331 or email us at hello@strouseorthodontics.com. Let’s get started on your smile transformation—minus the stress.

If you’re in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners like Invisalign®, you’ve probably been told to wear them for about 22 hours a day. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for meals, snacks, or your daily cup of coffee. Naturally, one of the most common questions we get is: can you drink coffee with your aligners in?

The short answer is: ideally, no. But let’s break it down.

Coffee can potentially stain clear aligners and your teeth, making your once-invisible aligners look yellow or brown. This defeats one of the biggest benefits of aligners—their nearly invisible appearance. So, if your goal is to keep your trays clear and your smile looking great throughout treatment, coffee is best avoided while your aligners are in.

The biggest concern is sugar. Most coffee drinkers add sugar, cream, milk, or flavored syrups—all of which contain sugar. When you drink coffee with aligners in, those sugars can become trapped between the aligner and your teeth, creating a perfect environment for cavities and gum problems. Even milk and cream contain natural sugars that can contribute to this issue.

However, if you're drinking plain black coffee—no cream, no sugar—it’s okay. We still recommend removing your aligners first if possible, but if you do drink black coffee with your aligners in, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water right afterward and brush your teeth as soon as you can. If you sip on coffee for an extended period of time, we want to make sure that you are wearing the aligners for the required 22 hours per day and it will be ok to drink coffee with the aligners in if there is no sugar. Just make sure that there is no sugar, remember to rinse after and brush as soon as possible and understand that your aligners may stain.

One of the best workarounds for coffee lovers in aligners is switching to iced black coffee and using a straw. Drinking through a straw helps minimize contact with your teeth and aligners, reducing the risk of staining and sugar exposure. While this isn’t a perfect solution, it can help when you’re short on time or can’t remove your aligners for a quick sip.

The most important thing is to maintain your aligner wear time and oral hygiene. Try to limit how long your aligners are out and always rinse and brush after drinking anything besides plain water. If you’re going to have coffee, black is best, and keeping your mouth clean afterward will go a long way toward protecting both your teeth and your aligners.

In the end, you don’t have to give up coffee completely during aligner treatment. With the right approach, you can enjoy it and still stay on track with your smile goals. If you have any questions or want personalized advice about your aligner care, we’re always here to help.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we specialize in helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles with custom care that fits real life. If you’re in the Spring Hill or Lecanto area and considering clear aligners, reach out to us—we’d love to meet you here in Citrus County FL and Hernando County FL.