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.

Most people think of orthodontics as the path to a straighter smile. While aligned teeth certainly improve aesthetics and confidence, there’s a powerful and often overlooked benefit of orthodontic care—better sleep and breathing.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we go beyond cosmetic correction. Dr. Eric Strouse evaluates the full airway and facial structure as part of every treatment plan, because we understand that a properly aligned bite doesn’t just look better—it can function better too. From snoring and mouth breathing in children to poor sleep quality in adults, orthodontic treatment can have a meaningful impact on overall health.

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The Link Between Your Bite and Your Breathing

The position of your jaws, tongue, and teeth all play a role in how you breathe, especially during sleep. A misaligned bite or narrow upper jaw can contribute to:

• Obstructed airways
• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

When the airway is compromised, oxygen intake during sleep decreases. This can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even behavioral issues in children.

Orthodontics isn’t a replacement for a medical diagnosis or a sleep study, but in many cases, it’s a key part of the solution.

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Common Orthodontic Issues That Impact Breathing

1. Narrow Palate or Crossbite

A constricted upper jaw limits the space for the tongue and narrows the nasal airway. Expansion techniques—especially when done at the right developmental stage—can widen the upper arch, improve nasal airflow, and allow for healthier breathing patterns.

2. Retrognathic or Underdeveloped Jaws

When the upper or lower jaw sits too far back, it can crowd the airway space and push the tongue into the throat during sleep. Orthodontic treatment can guide jaw growth in children or coordinate with surgery in adults to reposition the jaws for better function.

3. Mouth Breathing

Prolonged mouth breathing often goes hand-in-hand with narrow arches, poor tongue posture, and open bites. This can be corrected with custom orthodontic care, myofunctional therapy referrals, and bite alignment.

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How Orthodontics Can Help

At Strouse Orthodontics, we take an airway-conscious approach to every case. We use digital 3D scans to assess more than just the teeth, we look at jaw width, tongue space, and nasal structure. Based on our findings, we may recommend:

• Palatal expansion to open nasal airflow and create room for the tongue
• Clear aligners or custom braces to move teeth and jaws into better positions
• Growth modification appliances for developing children
• Referrals for sleep studies or ENT evaluation, when appropriate

Dr. Strouse has successfully treated patients whose primary concern wasn’t their smile, but their sleep. Whether it’s a child who snores and tosses all night, or an adult struggling with chronic fatigue, a thorough orthodontic evaluation can be a critical step toward better breathing.

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It’s About More Than Just Straight Teeth

The goal of orthodontics is a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. But in many cases, correcting alignment and bite issues can also enhance airway health, sleep quality, and long-term wellness.

We believe patients deserve more than just straight teeth—they deserve a treatment plan built around total health and function.

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Schedule a Consultation Today

If you or your child snores, breathes through the mouth, or struggles with sleep, orthodontic treatment may help. Our team at Strouse Orthodontics will take the time to evaluate your bite, airway, and jaw structure—and give you honest guidance about what’s possible.

Call us at 352-688-0331 or book your complimentary consultation online at www.strouseorthodontics.com

We proudly serve families in Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding areas.

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.