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Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but let’s be real: those first few days with braces can come with some sensitivity and discomfort. The good news? It’s completely normal, temporary, and manageable with a few simple tips.

Why Braces Cause Discomfort

When braces are first placed or adjusted, they begin gently guiding your teeth into their ideal positions. That pressure can cause soreness, especially in the first 3–5 days. You might notice:

• Tender teeth or gums

• Mild jaw discomfort

• Sores on the inside of your lips or cheeks (your mouth getting used to the new hardware)

This sensitivity is actually a sign that your braces are working!

How to Ease the Discomfort

Here are some tips we recommend at Strouse Orthodontics:

1. Stick to Soft Foods

Think smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, pasta, and soups—anything that doesn't require too much chewing. This helps give your mouth a break while your teeth adjust.

2. Use Orthodontic Wax

If a bracket or wire is rubbing against your cheek or lip, place a small amount of wax over the area to cushion it. We'll give you a kit at your appointment, and you can always request more if you run out.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and make you more comfortable. (Always follow dosing instructions or consult your doctor if unsure.)

4. Rinse with Salt Water

A warm saltwater rinse can soothe irritated areas in your mouth and promote healing. Just dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse gently.

5. Use a Cold Compress

A cold pack on the outside of your face for 10–15 minutes at a time can reduce inflammation and numb soreness.

6. Try a Dental Pain Eraser

At Strouse Orthodontics, we offer a dental pain eraser device to help with treatment-related discomfort—ask us if it's right for you.

When to Call Your Orthodontist

While some soreness is expected, give us a call if:

• A wire is poking painfully and wax isn’t helping
• You have a loose bracket or broken appliance
• The pain is severe or lasts longer than a week

The Bottom Line

A little discomfort is a small part of a big transformation. Most patients find that within a week, the sensitivity fades, and their new routine feels second nature. If you ever have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help 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.

When most people think of orthodontic treatment, they imagine perfectly aligned teeth and a beautiful smile. While aesthetics are a major benefit, orthodontics offer far more than meets the eye. In fact, orthodontic care can significantly enhance your overall health in ways you might not expect. Here are some surprising benefits beyond just straight teeth:

Long-term Dental Health

A properly aligned bite minimizes excessive wear and tear on your teeth. Dentists often do not know or will not tell you if you don't have an ideal occlusion(bite). An uncorrected bite can lead to uneven wear, increasing the likelihood of fillings, crowns, and other dental restorations over your lifetime. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure your teeth maintain optimal health and functionality for the long term.

Improved Periodontal (Gum) Health

Straight teeth are significantly easier to keep clean, reducing plaque accumulation and the risk of periodontal disease. By improving the alignment of your teeth, orthodontic care supports healthier gums, reducing inflammation and preventing future gum-related issues.

Improved Breathing and Better Sleep

Misaligned teeth or improper jaw alignment can contribute to obstructed airways, causing breathing difficulties, snoring, or sleep apnea. Orthodontic treatment can reposition the jaw and teeth, opening up the airway and significantly improving sleep quality, breathing, and overall energy levels. This is why it is so important to receive an initial orthodontic screening at age 7.

Clearer Speech

Misalignment or crowding of teeth can lead to speech difficulties, affecting pronunciation of certain sounds. Orthodontic correction not only improves the alignment of teeth but also helps enhance speech clarity and confidence, particularly in children and adolescents developing essential communication skills.

Reduced Risk of Oral Disease

Crowded, crooked teeth are difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Orthodontics facilitate easier, more efficient cleaning, significantly lowering the likelihood of future oral health problems.

Prevention of Jaw Pain and TMJ Issues

Improper bite alignment can put undue stress on the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ), leading to chronic jaw pain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Orthodontic treatments align your bite correctly, relieving pressure on your jaw and reducing the risk of developing TMJ disorders.

Increased Confidence and Career Success

Numerous studies have shown that individuals with confident, attractive smiles tend to perform better professionally. Research indicates that people who smile confidently are often perceived as more trustworthy, successful, and approachable, potentially leading to better job opportunities and higher earnings.

Orthodontics: More than Just a Beautiful Smile

The value of orthodontic care extends far beyond cosmetic benefits. From enhancing breathing and sleep to preventing chronic pain and promoting long-term oral health, investing in orthodontic treatment is an investment in overall wellness.

At our practice, we specialize in personalized orthodontic care tailored specifically to your unique needs. Whether you're considering braces, clear aligners, or custom orthodontics, we’re here to ensure you achieve not just a beautiful smile, but better overall health and well-being.

Ready to explore the health benefits orthodontics can offer you or your child? Schedule a consultation today and let’s begin the journey to a healthier smile and a healthier you!

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a beautiful, healthy smile! But to get the best results (and avoid unnecessary trips to the orthodontist), it’s important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Certain foods can damage your braces, slow down your progress, or make keeping your teeth clean more difficult.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we want to make your treatment as smooth as possible, so here’s what you need to know about eating and drinking with braces.

Foods to Avoid with Braces
Braces are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can break brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in places that are hard to clean. To keep your treatment on track, here are some foods you should avoid:

1. Hard Foods
   These can break brackets and wires, leading to unexpected trips to the orthodontist:

• Nuts
• Hard candies
• Ice cubes (chewing on them)
• Raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)
• Popcorn (kernels can get stuck and damage braces)

2. Sticky & Chewy Foods
   These foods can pull on your braces, get stuck, and make cleaning difficult:

• Gum (even "sugar-free" varieties)
• Gummy candies
• Chewy bagels and tough bread
• Caramel and taffy

3. Crunchy Snacks
   

• Chips (opt for softer alternatives like baked chips)
• Pretzels
• Granola bars(unless they’re soft and not too sticky)

3. Sugary Foods & Drinks
   While sugar doesn’t directly harm your braces, it increases the risk of cavities, especially since braces make cleaning your teeth a little trickier. Limit:

• Soda and sports drinks
• Candy
• Sugary juices
• Energy drinks

  If you do indulge in sweets, brush and rinse your mouth afterward to keep your teeth clean.

What Can I Eat with Braces?
Good news—there are still plenty of delicious foods you can enjoy while wearing braces! Here are some braces-friendly options:

✅ Soft Fruits & Vegetables – Bananas, berries, steamed veggies, avocados
✅ Dairy Products – Yogurt, cheese, soft cheeses, milk
✅ Soft Grains – Pasta, rice, soft bread, pancakes
✅ Protein Options – Eggs, fish, tender chicken, tofu
✅ Soft Snacks – Smoothies, applesauce, pudding

What About Drinking with Braces?
Drinks can affect your braces just as much as food! Here are some things to keep in mind:

Avoid sugary and acidic drinks like soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices. These can cause cavities and weaken your enamel.
Limit coffee and tea to prevent staining.
Stick to water as much as possible—it keeps your mouth hydrated and helps rinse away food particles.

Final Tips for Eating with Braces
Cut food into smaller pieces – This makes it easier to chew without putting too much pressure on your braces.
Chew with your back teeth – Avoid biting directly into hard foods.
Brush and floss after eating – Keeping your teeth clean is even more important with braces!
We’re Here to Help!

At Strouse Orthodontics, voted the Best Orthodontist in Hernando County for the last 4 years, we want your braces journey to be as smooth as possible. If you ever have questions about what you can or can’t eat, feel free to ask! And if something happens—like a loose bracket or wire—give us a call, and we’ll help you get back on track.

Ready for a straighter smile? Schedule an appointment with us today!

This may seem like something silly to write about, but the truth is many people don't know the difference between a dentist and orthodontist and even more don't know what an orthodontist is at all.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, often referred to as malocclusions. Simply put, they are experts in making sure your teeth and jaw are in the right place. All Orthodontists are also dentists because they had to go to dental school before their advanced specialty training. However dentists are NOT orthodontists. While a general dentist handles routine dental care, like cleanings, fillings, and check-ups, an orthodontist is trained to address more complex issues, such as:

Braces and Clear Aligners: Orthodontists use braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign), and other appliances to correct misaligned teeth and bites.
Bite Problems: They treat overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, which can affect not only your appearance but also your ability to chew, speak, and maintain oral hygiene.
Jaw Alignment Issues: Orthodontists address problems related to jaw alignment and growth, which can cause discomfort, speech difficulties, and aesthetic concerns.
Tooth Movement: They guide the movement of teeth for patients of all ages, ensuring that each tooth finds its ideal position within the mouth.

The Rigorous Training of an Orthodontist
Becoming an orthodontist requires years of specialized education beyond general dental school. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes:

Bachelor’s Degree: Orthodontists start with a four-year undergraduate degree, typically in a science-related field.

Dental School: After completing their bachelor’s degree, they attend dental school for four years to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. This training covers general dentistry practices, including oral health, tooth care, and basic dental procedures.

Orthodontic Residency: After dental school, aspiring orthodontists must complete an additional two to three years of full-time training in an orthodontic residency program. These programs are rigorous and very challenging to be accepted to. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there is 1 residency spot open for every 15 applicants. Graduating in the top percentage of your dental school class is the best way to win a spot in an orthodontic residency. During orthodontic residency, they study advanced topics, such as:

Growth and Development: Understanding how the teeth, jaws, and facial structures grow and develop over time.
Biomechanics: Learning how to apply forces to move teeth efficiently and safely.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Gaining expertise in diagnosing complex dental and skeletal problems and creating customized treatment plans.
Orthodontic Appliances: Studying the design, application, and management of various orthodontic devices, such as braces, aligners, and retainers.
Jaw and Bite Issues: Training in managing severe malocclusions and jaw discrepancies, often requiring interdisciplinary care or surgical intervention.

Dentists and Orthodontics: Common Myths and Misconceptions
Many people are unaware that general dentists do not receive specialized training in orthodontics during their dental education. This lack of training can lead to misconceptions, often perpetuated by marketing phrases like:

“Certified in Invisalign”
“Certified in Orthodontics”
“I work with Invisalign”
These phrases can be misleading. Here’s what they really mean:

“Certified in Invisalign” simply means that the dentist has completed a short, typically weekend-long course offered by Invisalign to familiarize themselves with the product and how to click submit on a case. In fact research has shown that 95% of Invisalign submissions by general dentists are approved without any specific requests or modifications to the case(no changes in tooth position, or how the teeth move). This does not equate to the extensive training and experience an orthodontist has in diagnosing and treating complex cases.

“Certified in Orthodontics” is a misleading term because there is no legitimate certification for general dentists to become "orthodontists." The only true certification in the field comes after completing a dedicated orthodontic residency program and, optionally, board certification.

“I work with Invisalign” often means that the dentist has taken a weekend course or virtual course to be able to pay Invisalign to use their product. This would be similar to but they may not have the expertise to handle more complicated malocclusions or underlying jaw issues.

The Importance of Seeing an Orthodontic Specialist
Orthodontic treatment is not just about straightening teeth—it’s about understanding the complex relationship between your teeth, jaw, and overall facial structure. Here’s why you should see an orthodontist for your orthodontic needs:

Specialized Expertise: Orthodontists have extensive training specifically in tooth movement and jaw alignment. They are equipped to handle complex cases that go beyond the scope of general dentistry.

Comprehensive Treatment Plans: Orthodontists can create personalized treatment plans that address the root cause of your dental issues, whether it’s a misaligned bite, overcrowded teeth, or jaw discrepancies.

Advanced Technology and Techniques: Orthodontists use state-of-the-art technology and techniques, such as 3D imaging and digital treatment planning, to ensure precise and effective care.

Long-term Health Benefits: Proper alignment of your teeth and jaws can prevent a range of issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorders, and even digestive problems caused by improper chewing.

Choosing the Right Orthodontist
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, it’s crucial to choose the right specialist for your needs. Here are some tips:

Verify Credentials: Make sure your orthodontist has completed a certified orthodontic residency and is licensed by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

Check Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from previous patients to gauge their satisfaction and experience.

Consultation and Treatment Planning: A reputable orthodontist will offer a comprehensive consultation, including digital scans, X-rays, and a detailed treatment plan.

Transparency in Treatment Options: Your orthodontist should explain all available treatment options, the expected duration of treatment, and the associated costs.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we are committed to providing the highest level of care with a personalized approach to each patient. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Conclusion
Orthodontists are highly trained specialists who dedicate years to mastering the art and science of tooth movement and jaw alignment. While general dentists play an essential role in your oral health, complex orthodontic issues should be managed by an orthodontist. Don’t be misled by marketing jargon—always seek a consultation with a certified orthodontist to ensure you receive the best possible care for your smile.

If you have any questions or are considering orthodontic treatment, contact us at Strouse Orthodontics today. Let us guide you on the path to a healthier, more confident smile!