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If you’ve ever wondered what exactly an orthodontist does—or how orthodontic care is different from regular dental care—you’re not alone. At Strouse Orthodontics, we meet patients and parents every day who want straight teeth and healthy bites, but aren’t sure where to start or who they really need to see.

This post breaks it all down in plain language, so you know what we do, how we do it, and why it matters.

What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the movement of teeth and the alignment of jaws. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists.

After completing dental school, orthodontists go through two to three additional years of full-time specialty training focused only on diagnosing and correcting bite issues, facial growth patterns, and tooth alignment.

That extra training allows orthodontists to treat problems like:

Crowding or crooked teeth

Overbites and underbites

Crossbites and open bites

Gaps between teeth

Jaw misalignment

Impacted or stuck teeth

Facial imbalances and growth-related concerns

In short, dentists take care of teeth. Orthodontists specialize in how those teeth fit together, how the bite works, and how to guide teeth and jaws into the right place for long-term health and stability.

What We Do at Strouse Orthodontics
At Strouse Orthodontics, we help children, teens, and adults get healthy, confident smiles using custom treatment plans. Here’s what we focus on:

1. Braces and Clear Aligners
   We use both braces and clear aligners (like Invisalign) to move teeth into better positions. Braces are fixed to the teeth, while aligners are removable trays. Each option has benefits, and we help you choose what works best for your case.
2. Bite and Jaw Correction
   Many people don’t realize their bite is off. We check for deep bites, open bites, crossbites, and other issues that can lead to long-term tooth wear, TMJ problems, or aesthetic concerns. When caught early—especially in kids—many of these problems are easier to fix.
3. Early Treatment for Kids
   We offer evaluations starting at age 7 to catch growth and bite problems early. Not every child needs treatment right away, but when they do, early action can save time, money, and discomfort later.
4. Adult Orthodontics
   Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids. We see many adult patients who want to fix their smile, improve function, or prepare for restorative dental work. With clear aligners and discreet options, it’s easier than ever.
5. Custom Care for Complex Cases
   Not every orthodontic case is simple. Some patients come to us after being told their case was “too complicated” for aligners or couldn’t be treated without surgery. Because we’re specialists, we can often offer solutions where others couldn’t.

What Makes Strouse Orthodontics Different?
This isn’t a big box dental chain. When you come to Strouse Orthodontics, Dr. Eric Strouse—an orthodontic specialist—designs and oversees every treatment plan. He also teaches other doctors across the country how to improve their clear aligner outcomes.

We use digital scanning, custom appliances, and a personalized approach to make sure your treatment fits you—not the other way around.

You’ll never get a one-size-fits-all solution here. We explain everything clearly, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you feel comfortable at every step.

Why Orthodontics Matters
Straight teeth look great—but orthodontics is about more than looks. A healthy bite makes it easier to chew, speak, brush, and keep your teeth for life. It also helps prevent unnecessary wear, gum issues, and jaw problems.

Whether you’re 7 or 70, improving the way your teeth and jaws fit together can make a lasting difference in your health and confidence.

Learn More or Schedule a Consultation
Want to learn more about how orthodontics could help you or your child? Visit our homepage or schedule a free consultation to see what’s possible.

We’re here to help patients in Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding areas get the care they need from a trusted local expert.

Call 352-688-0331 or visit www.strouseorthodontics.com to get started.

If you’ve found yourself searching “Who does Invisalign near me?”, you’re not alone. Clear aligners have become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments for teens and adults alike. They’re discreet, removable, and when planned properly, highly effective.

But the provider you choose for Invisalign matters far more than most people realize. It’s not just about the trays, it’s about the expertise behind the plan.

Invisalign Is a Tool. The Provider Is the Difference.
Invisalign and other clear aligner systems are tools used to move teeth. Like any tool, the outcome depends on the skill and experience of the person using it.

While any licensed dentist can offer Invisalign after completing a short certification course, that does not mean they have formal training in how teeth, jaws, and facial structures move and develop. This is where many patients unknowingly make a mistake—assuming all Invisalign providers offer the same level of care.

Orthodontic specialists, like Dr. Eric Strouse at Strouse Orthodontics, complete an additional two to three years of full-time, residency-based training after dental school. Their education focuses exclusively on orthodontic diagnosis, tooth movement, bite correction, and facial growth. That additional training makes a significant difference in treatment planning, especially with aligners.

Common Problems When Aligners Aren’t Managed by a Specialist
Clear aligners can be incredibly effective, but poor planning or oversight can lead to:

Incomplete or unstable results

Jaw discomfort or bite imbalance

Teeth that look straight but function poorly

The need for retreatment after failed results

These problems aren’t necessarily the fault of the aligners—they’re often due to how the case was planned and managed. That’s why choosing an orthodontic specialist, such as Dr. Strouse, can lead to a healthier and more stable long-term result.

Can Aligners Treat Complex Cases?
Yes, when designed by someone who understands how to use them correctly.

Many people are told they’re “not a candidate for Invisalign” simply because their case is too complex for a general dentist’s skill level. However, in the hands of an orthodontic specialist like Dr. Eric Strouse, aligners can often treat crowding, spacing, open bites, crossbites, and even surgical-level corrections.

Strouse Orthodontics routinely treats cases with aligners that others turn away—not because the aligners are different, but because the expertise behind them is.

Questions to Ask Before Starting Invisalign
If you’re considering clear aligners, it’s important to ask the right questions before starting treatment:

Is the provider an orthodontic specialist or a general dentist?

How much experience do they have with complex aligner cases?

Will I be seen regularly by the provider throughout treatment?

What’s their plan if my bite isn’t tracking properly or needs mid-course correction?

Can they transition to braces if needed mid-treatment?

An orthodontic specialist like Dr. Strouse has the advanced training to answer these questions and guide you through a complete, safe, and predictable treatment process.

Summary
If you're searching “who does Invisalign near me”, keep in mind that clear aligners are only as effective as the person designing and overseeing your treatment.

While general dentists may offer Invisalign, orthodontic specialists—like Dr. Eric Strouse of Strouse Orthodontics—have advanced training specifically in tooth and jaw movement. That expertise is critical, especially if your case involves more than simple alignment.

Before starting treatment, take the time to understand who’s behind the plan. The right provider will make all the difference in your outcome.

If you’re wondering “Are Invisalign better than braces?”, the real answer is—it depends on the patient, the provider, and the goals of treatment.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we’ve helped thousands of patients in Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding areas achieve healthy, beautiful smiles using both clear aligners and braces. Dr. Eric Strouse is not only a board-certified orthodontist, he also lectures nationally on clear aligner treatment and has the experience to treat even the most complex cases with aligners—something most general dentists simply are not trained to do.

Before deciding between Invisalign and braces, it’s important to understand the differences between the two—and why who you choose to guide your treatment matters more than the appliance itself.

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Clear Aligners vs Braces: What’s the Difference?

Both braces and clear aligners are tools used to move teeth and improve bite alignment. The key differences come down to how they work, how they’re worn, and what each one demands from the patient.

Clear Aligners (like Invisalign)

• Removable and nearly invisible
• Require 20 to 22 hours per day of wear
• Easier to brush and floss
• Must be removed to eat or drink anything other than water
• Require excellent patient compliance
• Smooth, with no metal parts to irritate cheeks or lips

Braces

• Fixed to the teeth and always working
• May be more effective for younger patients or less compliant teens
• Require careful brushing and flossing around brackets
• No need to remove for meals, but food restrictions apply
• Can treat all levels of bite issues with excellent control

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Are Clear Aligners Only for Mild Cases?

Not when you see a specialist.

Clear aligners have evolved significantly in recent years, and with the right treatment planning, they can now handle everything from crowding and spacing to open bites, crossbites, and even surgical cases.

However, results with clear aligners vary dramatically depending on the provider. Many general dentists offer Invisalign after taking a weekend certification course—but they’re not trained to move jaws, diagnose skeletal issues, or handle complex bite problems, even when they tell you they can, often they will just leave certain problems unaddressed.

Dr. Eric Strouse is a specialist with years of full-time residency training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He routinely treats patients with clear aligners who were told elsewhere that aligners weren’t an option. As a national speaker on clear aligner biomechanics, he understands how to plan and execute these cases to the highest standard.

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Why See an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who complete 2 to 3 years of additional training after dental school, focusing exclusively on tooth movement, bite correction, and facial growth. This distinction is critical when deciding who to trust with your smile.

General dentists are trained in overall oral health, but not in the complexities of orthodontic movement. That’s why even the best appliance (like Invisalign) may not deliver the best results—unless it’s in the hands of an expert.

When you choose Strouse Orthodontics, you're getting:

• An orthodontic specialist
• Nationally recognized expertise in clear aligners
• A custom treatment plan designed specifically for your bite
• Options that fit your goals, lifestyle, and long-term health

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Which One Is Better for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a right answer for your unique case. The best way to know whether clear aligners or braces are right for you is to schedule a consultation with a specialist who offers both.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we’ll evaluate your teeth, bite, and facial structure using advanced digital scans and give you honest recommendations. We’ll also discuss your lifestyle, goals, and budget to help you decide which option makes the most sense.

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Book Your Free Consultation

Still wondering whether Invisalign is better than braces? Let us help you decide with confidence.

Call Strouse Orthodontics at 352-688-0331 or schedule your free consultation at www.strouseorthodontics.com

We proudly serve patients of all ages in Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding Florida communities.

If you’re searching for an orthodontist who accepts Delta Dental, you’re in the right place. At Strouse Orthodontics, we work with many major dental insurance providers—including Delta Dental—to help make orthodontic care more accessible and affordable for families in Spring Hill, Lecanto, and nearby Florida communities.

Navigating insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when you're ready to get started with braces or clear aligners. Our experienced team makes the process simple by verifying your benefits, explaining your coverage, and maximizing what your plan will pay toward treatment.

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Does Delta Dental Cover Orthodontics?

Many Delta Dental plans offer orthodontic benefits, but coverage varies depending on your specific policy. Some plans cover a percentage of treatment costs, while others have a lifetime maximum orthodontic benefit. Coverage may also differ based on whether the patient is a child, teen, or adult.

Common coverage details include:

• 50 percent coverage up to a lifetime max (often $1,000 to $2,500)
• Coverage for dependent children under a certain age

The good news is that Strouse Orthodontics will verify any orthodontic benefits you may have, inform you of your benefits and can help you take full advantage of your benefits.

We’ll walk you through all of your options and give you a detailed estimate before starting treatment.

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How Strouse Orthodontics Makes Orthodontics Affordable

In addition to working with Delta Dental, we also offer interest-free payment plans, family discounts, and personalized financing options. Our team works closely with you to design a plan that works for your budget—whether or not you have full orthodontic coverage.

Here’s what sets our office apart:

• Free consultations with Dr. Eric Strouse
• Expert care from an orthodontic specialist
• Custom treatment options including braces and aligners
• No surprise billing—we go over all costs up front
• Flexible, no-interest monthly payments if needed

You don’t need to wait to get started. With your Delta Dental coverage and our in-house payment options, orthodontic treatment may be more affordable than you think.

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Serving Families in Spring Hill and Lecanto

Strouse Orthodontics proudly serves patients from Spring Hill, Lecanto, Brooksville, Homosassa, and surrounding areas. With two convenient locations, flexible scheduling, and a reputation for personalized, high-quality care, we’re here to make the orthodontic process easy from start to finish.

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Ready to Use Your Delta Dental Benefits?

If you’ve been searching for an orthodontist who accepts Delta Dental, schedule a free consultation today. We’ll verify your benefits, explain your options, and help you or your child start treatment with confidence.

Call us at 352-688-0331
Or request your appointment online at www.strouseorthodontics.com

We’re here to help you smile with confidence—on your terms and within your budget.