Our Blog

Losing baby teeth is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s early years, and it’s the first step toward a lifetime smile. Many parents wonder: When should my child’s baby teeth start falling out? and When will their permanent teeth come in?

While every child is different, there’s a general timeline most children follow. Knowing what to expect can help you spot potential problems early. The ideal time for an initial orthodontic exam is age 7, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. This is when there is first a mixture of adult and baby teeth, and early issues can be spotted.

The Basics: Baby Teeth and Permanent Teeth
Children typically have 20 baby teeth (also called primary teeth) and will eventually have 32 permanent teeth (including wisdom teeth). The process of losing baby teeth and gaining adult teeth usually happens gradually between ages 6 and 12.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Most kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6 or 7, although some begin earlier or later. The order usually follows the same pattern in which the teeth came in:

Lower front teeth (central incisors): ages 6–7

Upper front teeth (central incisors): ages 6–7

Upper and lower lateral incisors: ages 7–8

First molars: ages 9–11

Canines: ages 9–12

Second molars: ages 10–12

It’s common for the lower front teeth to be the first to go, often with a little wiggle time before they fall out naturally.

When Do Permanent Teeth Come In?
Permanent teeth usually erupt shortly after their baby tooth counterparts are lost. The typical timeline is:

First permanent molars (behind the baby molars): ages 6–7

Central incisors: ages 6–8

Lateral incisors: ages 7–9

Canines: ages 9–12

First and second premolars: ages 10–12

Second molars: ages 11–13

Third molars (wisdom teeth): ages 17–21

By around age 12–13, most children have a full set of permanent teeth—except for wisdom teeth.

When to See an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean your child will start treatment right away, but it’s the best time to check that permanent teeth are coming in properly and that there’s enough space for them.

An orthodontic specialist like Dr. Eric Strouse at Strouse Orthodontics in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto, FL can detect:

Delayed tooth loss or eruption

Crowding or spacing issues

Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)

Impacted or missing teeth

Jaw growth concerns

Catching these issues early can make treatment simpler and help avoid more serious problems later.

Tips for Parents
Encourage your child to wiggle loose teeth gently—never force them out

Keep up with twice-yearly dental visits to monitor tooth health

Watch for adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth (shark teeth)

Contact an orthodontist if teeth seem significantly delayed or out of order

Bottom line: While every child’s timeline is unique, most will begin losing baby teeth around age 6 and have most permanent teeth by age 12–13. Keeping track of these milestones, and scheduling an early orthodontic checkup, helps ensure a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

Call Strouse Orthodontics at 352-688-0331 or schedule online at www.strouseorthodontics.com to book your child’s orthodontic evaluation. We serve families in Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding communities.

If you’re wondering “Which color braces is best?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions patients ask—especially kids and teens who are excited (and sometimes nervous) about getting braces.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we make it fun and easy to customize your smile with different braces band colors. Whether you want something bold, subtle, seasonal, or totally unique, the good news is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best color for braces depends on your style, goals, and personality.

Here’s everything you need to know when choosing the right braces color for you or your child.

What Are Braces Colors?
When people talk about braces colors, they’re referring to the tiny rubber bands—called ligatures or O-rings—that go around each bracket. These bands are changed at every adjustment appointment, so you’re not locked into one color for your entire treatment.

Braces colors are available in a wide range, including:

Classic colors: red, blue, green, yellow, pink

Neon and bright shades

Pastels

Metallic or glitter options

Clear or tooth-colored for a more discreet look

At Strouse Orthodontics, we carry a full selection of colors for patients to mix, match, and change as often as they like.

Which Braces Color Is Best?
The best braces color is different for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you choose:

1. Pick Your Favorite Color
   Simple, but effective. If you love purple, go purple. If blue is your go-to color, start there.
2. Complement Your Skin Tone
   Cool undertones: Try navy, silver, turquoise, or dark purple

Warm undertones: Go for gold, orange, teal, or olive green

Neutral tones like gray or clear work well for all skin types if you want a low-key look.

3. Match Your Personality or Interests
   Sports fan? Rep your team colors

Into holidays? Choose red and green for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween

Feeling fun? Try alternating colors or a rainbow look

4. Whiten Your Smile
   Dark colors like navy blue, dark green, or maroon can make your teeth appear whiter. Avoid yellows or light greens that might make teeth look discolored in contrast.
5. Go Clear or Subtle
   For a more discreet look, many teens and adults choose clear, silver, or tooth-colored bands. Just note that clear or white bands can stain if you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or tomato-based sauces.

Can I Change Braces Colors?
Yes—and often. You can change your braces colors at every visit, which is usually every 6 to 8 weeks. Some patients keep the same colors throughout treatment, but most enjoy switching things up.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we encourage our patients to have fun with it. Changing colors can help make orthodontic treatment feel more exciting, especially for younger patients.

Braces Colors for Adults
Adults often prefer subtle colors that blend in or look more professional. Common adult choices include:

Clear or pearl

Gray or silver

Navy blue or black (for contrast and clean appearance)

That said, there’s no rule saying adults can’t have fun too. We’ve had adult patients go with hot pink, bright teal, and even glow-in-the-dark options just for the experience.

Final Tips
When choosing the best braces color:

Consider your wardrobe, skin tone, and personal style

Don’t worry—you’re not stuck with one color

If unsure, ask us for a color wheel at your next visit

Still not sure? Neutral tones like navy, dark purple, or silver are always a safe start

Get Started With Braces in Spring Hill or Lecanto
Ready to start your smile journey? At Strouse Orthodontics, we make every part of your treatment—from appliances to color choices—customized to you. Whether you’re getting braces for the first time or helping your child choose the perfect color combo, we’re here to make it a great experience.

Call 352-688-0331 or request your consultation online at www.strouseorthodontics.com

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

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.