Frequently Asked Questions — Strouse Orthodontics, Spring Hill & Lecanto, FL
The questions below are the ones we hear most often from families across Hernando County and Citrus County. If you don't see your question answered here, call us at (352) 688-0331 (Spring Hill) or (352) 527-9927 (Lecanto) — or schedule a free consultation and ask Dr. Strouse directly.
How much do braces cost in Spring Hill, FL?
Orthodontic treatment at Strouse Orthodontics ranges depending on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment. Early Phase 1 treatment for children starts around $3,000. Limited treatment starts in the low $5,000s. Comprehensive braces or Invisalign® starts in the low $6,000s. Your exact investment is determined at your free consultation, where Dr. Strouse reviews your specific situation and walks you through all costs and payment options before you commit to anything. Read our full Spring Hill braces cost guide for more detail.
How much does Invisalign cost in Spring Hill or Lecanto?
Invisalign® is priced similarly to comprehensive braces at our practice — starting in the low $6,000s depending on case complexity. Most PPO insurance plans that cover braces will also apply that benefit toward Invisalign® treatment. We offer no-interest financing and flexible monthly payment plans at both our Spring Hill and Lecanto offices.
Does dental insurance cover braces in Florida?
Yes. Most PPO dental insurance plans include an orthodontic lifetime benefit, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Some plans contribute more. At Strouse Orthodontics, we accept all PPO insurance plans and verify your specific benefits before your consultation — so you know exactly what you'll owe out of pocket before making any decisions.
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Strouse can identify developing problems with the bite, jaw, or incoming permanent teeth — even while baby teeth are still present. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment. Many children are monitored and treated later. But catching certain problems early — like crossbites, narrow arches, or airway concerns — can significantly reduce the complexity and cost of treatment down the road.
What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment and does my child need it?
Phase 1 (also called early treatment) is orthodontic treatment for younger children, typically between ages 7 and 10, before all permanent teeth have come in. It addresses specific problems — crossbites, severe crowding, jaw discrepancies, or airway issues — that are easier and more effective to treat while the jaw is still growing. Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. Dr. Strouse will give you an honest recommendation at your child's evaluation. If Phase 1 isn't necessary, he'll tell you that too.
What is MARPE and who is it for?
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a minimally invasive orthodontic appliance that expands the upper jaw and nasal airway in older teens and adults whose growth is complete. Traditional palatal expanders work best in younger children — MARPE achieves the same result in patients who would otherwise require jaw surgery. It's particularly beneficial for patients with narrow arches, crossbites, crowding, or airway and breathing concerns. Dr. Strouse will evaluate whether MARPE is appropriate during your consultation.
Can adults get braces or Invisalign?
Absolutely. About one in four orthodontic patients is an adult, and that number is growing. At Strouse Orthodontics, we treat adults regularly at both our Spring Hill and Lecanto offices. Invisalign® is especially popular with adults because it's nearly invisible and removable — no one at work needs to know you're in treatment. Adult treatment timelines and costs are comparable to teen treatment, and most PPO insurance plans that include an orthodontic benefit apply to adults as well.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist offering braces?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completed two to three additional years of full-time residency training exclusively focused on moving teeth, correcting bites, and managing facial development — after completing dental school. A general dentist offering braces or Invisalign® has not completed this specialized training. In many cases, their orthodontic education consists of a short weekend course.
That difference shows up in the result. A general dentist typically submits your case to an outside lab and accepts whatever treatment plan comes back — with little to no customization for your specific bite, facial balance, or long-term stability. Bite correction, which is one of the most important outcomes of orthodontic treatment, is often not addressed at all.
Dr. Strouse is an orthodontic specialist who also lectures to orthodontic residents on advanced clear aligner techniques. Every treatment plan at Strouse Orthodontics is custom designed around your face, your bite, and your long-term health. Not a template. Not whatever the lab sends back. When the outcome matters — and it always does — the difference in training is meaningful.
Do you offer payment plans for braces in Spring Hill and Lecanto?
Yes. We offer no-interest in-house financing, a full-payment discount, a sibling discount when multiple family members are in treatment simultaneously, and a service professional discount for military, law enforcement, firefighters, and teachers. We also accept HSA and FSA funds, which let you pay with pre-tax dollars. Our financial coordinator goes over every option at your free consultation.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies based on the complexity of your case. Most standard comprehensive treatments take 18 to 24 months. Simpler limited treatments can be completed in as little as 6 to 12 months. Phase 1 early treatment typically runs 9 to 12 months. Dr. Strouse will give you a realistic timeline estimate at your consultation based on your specific situation — not a generic range.
Do you offer free consultations in Spring Hill and Lecanto?
Yes. Your initial consultation with Dr. Strouse is completely free and carries no obligation. He'll examine your teeth, take a digital iTero scan, and walk you through exactly what he recommends, why, how long it will take, and what it will cost. Most patients leave their first appointment with a clear picture of their options and their investment — before committing to anything.
Spring Hill: Call (352) 688-0331 or schedule online Lecanto: Call (352) 527-9927 or schedule online