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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.

If you're searching for an orthodontist with payment plans near me, you're not alone.

Orthodontic treatment is a big decision—not just for your health and smile, but also for your budget. At Strouse Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality orthodontic care, no matter their financial situation. That’s why we offer custom, interest-free payment plans designed to make braces or clear aligners affordable for every family.

Whether you’re in Spring Hill, Lecanto, or nearby communities, our team is here to help you understand your options and create a plan that fits your lifestyle.

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Why Do Payment Plans Matter?

Orthodontic treatment is often an investment of $5,000 to $7,000 depending on the complexity of the case. For many families, paying this amount upfront may not be realistic.

Flexible payment options allow patients to:

• Start treatment sooner
• Stay within their monthly budget
• Receive the best possible care from a specialist without sacrificing quality

When done right, orthodontic financing helps you or your child get the smile you deserve without financial stress.

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What Kind of Payment Plans Does Strouse Orthodontics Offer?

We’re not a corporate chain with one-size-fits-all policies. We’re a locally owned practice that believes in customized care—and that includes how you pay for it.

Here’s how we make treatment more accessible:

1. Interest-Free In-Office Financing

We offer in-house payment plans with no interest, no hidden fees, and no third-party credit checks. You can spread the cost of treatment over time—often up to 24 months—with a manageable monthly payment.

2. Flexible Down Payment Options

We work with you to determine a reasonable down payment based on your needs. In some cases, we can start with as little as $500 down, depending on the treatment and your insurance coverage.

3. Automatic Monthly Payments

For convenience, we set up automatic monthly drafts from your credit card or bank account, so you don’t have to worry about mailing checks or missing payments.

4. Family Discounts and Insurance Coordination

We offer multi-family member discounts and take care of all insurance paperwork. Our goal is to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

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Why See a Specialist?

Some general dental offices offer orthodontic treatment, but they are not specialists. Dr. Eric Strouse is a board-certified orthodontist who has treated thousands of cases, from simple to highly complex. He also lectures on clear aligner therapy and is known for delivering exceptional results in both braces and aligners.

Choosing a specialist means:

• Better results
• Faster, more efficient treatment
• Fewer complications
• Personalized monitoring throughout your care

With our flexible payment plans, you can access top-tier care without financial barriers.

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Serving Spring Hill, Lecanto, and Nearby Communities

If you’re in Hernando or Citrus County and searching for braces or clear aligners with a payment plan, we’re here for you.

Our two convenient locations in Spring Hill and Lecanto make it easy to get started—without driving far or navigating a corporate-run experience.

We treat children, teens, and adults, and consultations are always free.

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Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve been looking for an orthodontist with payment plans near me, your search ends here.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we combine expert care with flexible financing that fits your life.

Call us today at 352-688-0331
Or schedule online at www.strouseorthodontics.com

We proudly serve Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding Florida communities.

Summer is a time for sunshine, fun, and plenty of snacks. But if you or your child wears braces, not every summer treat is safe for orthodontic appliances.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we want to make sure your treatment stays on track while you enjoy your vacation. Damaged brackets or bent wires can delay your progress, so knowing which foods are safe (and which ones are not) is key to avoiding unwanted setbacks.

Here’s your go-to guide on what to enjoy and what to avoid when it comes to summer snacking with braces.

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Do: Choose Cool, Soft Treats

Some of the best summer snacks are perfect for braces. Look for cool, soothing options that are easy to chew and won’t put stress on brackets or wires.

Braces-friendly summer snacks include:

• Soft-serve ice cream or frozen yogurt without hard toppings
• Fruit smoothies made with banana, berries, or yogurt
• Popsicles or ice bars that are not too hard or sticky
• Applesauce, pudding, or dairy-free yogurt
• Watermelon (seedless and cut into small bites)

These options are not only safe but can also help soothe the mouth after an adjustment.

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Don’t: Eat Hard or Sticky Foods

Certain summer favorites may seem tempting, but they can easily damage your braces. Avoid anything that is chewy, crunchy, or sticky.

Snacks to avoid while wearing braces:

• Corn on the cob (cut the kernels off before eating)
• Hard chips, pretzels, or popcorn
• Chewy candy like taffy, caramels, or fruit chews
• Ice cubes or frozen fruit that hasn’t thawed
• Lollipops or jawbreakers
• Nuts and seeds

Even a single bite of the wrong snack can pop off a bracket or bend a wire, which could delay your treatment and require an emergency visit.

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Do: Get Creative with Healthy, Braces-Safe Foods

With a little creativity, you can still enjoy delicious and fun summer snacks that won’t interfere with your orthodontic care.

Smart snack ideas for summer with braces:

• Smoothie bowls with soft toppings like sliced bananas or nut-free granola
• Pasta salad with soft-cooked vegetables
• Soft tortilla wraps filled with turkey, avocado, or hummus
• Seedless melon kabobs
• Cooked vegetables or soft fruit slices kept chilled for a refreshing bite

You can even freeze grapes or banana slices, just make sure they thaw slightly before eating to avoid biting into anything too hard.

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Don’t: Forget to Brush After Snacking

Summer usually comes with more snacking, sweets, and drinks. If you’re not keeping up with your oral hygiene, that can quickly lead to plaque buildup and tooth staining around brackets.

Summer hygiene tips for braces:

• Carry a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss picks with you
• Brush after meals and snacks whenever possible
• If you can’t brush, rinse thoroughly with water
• Limit sugary drinks like soda or sports drinks that can weaken enamel

Staying consistent with brushing and flossing is one of the best ways to protect your smile during treatment.

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Stay on Track and Enjoy Your Summer

A few smart choices can help you avoid broken brackets, unnecessary appointments, and delays in your treatment. Our team at Strouse Orthodontics is here to help you make this your healthiest and happiest summer yet.

If you have questions about what you can eat or need help with your appliances, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Schedule Your Summer Appointment Today

Summer is a great time to get started with orthodontic treatment or schedule a checkup before the back-to-school rush. We offer personalized care for patients of all ages in a fun, family-friendly environment.

Call us at 352-688-0331 or schedule online at www.strouseorthodontics.com

We proudly serve Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding Florida communities.