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Over the last decade clear aligners such as Invisalign have gained immense popularity as a discreet and effective orthodontic appliances. Many individuals contemplating improving their smile and bite with orthodontics wonder “Can my regular dentist do Invisalign?”(or any Orthodontic treatment for that matter) While it is true that legally dentists can offer clear aligners, the stark reality is that not all providers are created equal when it comes to understanding orthodontics. 

Clear aligners are an appliance that can be used for orthodontic treatment(to straighten teeth and correct a patient's bite). The success of Invisalign treatment hinges on the proficiency and experience of the practitioner. Here is the candid truth: your dentist may legally offer clear aligners, but without extensive expertise, they may be charting uncharted territory. 

Whether braces or clear aligners are used, orthodontic treatment requires a nuanced understanding of tooth movement, biomechanics, occlusion, growth and development, tooth eruption and comprehensive treatment planning. One red flag to here from a provider is that a dentist states they are “certified in Invisalign” or that they now have new technology to do Invisalign. Clear aligners are not new technology, and Invisalign has been available since the late 1990’s. This is a common phrase used by general dentists to lead unknowing patients to believe they are on the leading edge and experts on orthodontics. The truth is dental school has very limited to no orthodontic training with most programs have nothing more than a few lectures on Invisalign and no hands on training, let alone starting and finishing a case or any fundamental knowledge in orthodontics.

Orthodontic specialists go on to a 2-3 year ADA approved residency program. All Orthodontists are dentists first, and out of 100 dental school graduates only 6 go on to become orthodontics because of the competitive nature. In these residency programs, orthodontists become experts on the skills required to manage tooth movement and guide growth and development while treating hundreds of cases. In practice, orthodontists focus on straightening teeth and correcting bite issues all day, every day.

Opting for clear aligners or braces from an under qualified dentist could lead to suboptimal results, prolonged treatment times, and extensive complications down the road. Most times, dentists will focus on straightening the front teeth that a patient sees and will not address and bite issues. They may not tell you, or even be aware of bite or occlusion issues you may have. A bad bite can lead to many dental problems down the road such as tooth wear over the entire life, TMJ discomfort, and a smile that does not last a lifetime. 

Orthodontists are experts at using both clear aligners(Invisalign) as well as braces, expanders, jaw surgery, and various appliances and are specialists in straightening the teeth and correcting bite issues.

So what should you consider when contemplating orthodontics?

1. Inquire on their specific training and experience in orthodontics and if they are actually an orthodontist. Have they gone to an ADA and CODA approved residency program?
2. Ask if they are confident they can provide the same level of orthodontic care of a licensed orthodontist.
3. Ask to see some cases they have treated that are similar to yours to see before and after photos. Make sure that you are shown the issues, if any, with your bite and how they plan to be addressed. An orthodontic specialist will be better equipped to handle the complexities of treatment.

Having a general dentist perform orthodontics is similar to a general physical doing plastic surgery. While maybe it can legally be done, do you want to risk it? If you needed a knee or hip replacement and your general physician told you they recently got certified in the procedure, you would be skeptical and would would to see an orthopedic surgeon with the expertise and experience to complete the procedure. Just as a cardiologist will have a lot more specialization when it comes to heart conditions than a general physician, the same holds true with teeth and orthodontics.

Remember, while your dentist can legally offer and deliver clear aligners, seeing a provider that completed an orthodontic residency and is best way to ensure your orthodontic care is completed by a real orthodontist. Why risk the health and esthetics of your teeth as well as your money by seeking treatment from a provider with less education, knowledge and training?

Nestled along the serene Nature Coast of Florida, Crystal River isn't just a scenic gem—it's home to a vibrant community we are privileged to serve at Strouse Orthodontics. At our orthodontic practice, we're more than just dental professionals; we're your neighbors, friends, and partners in achieving the smiles you've always dreamed of. Join us as we explore the unique charm of Crystal River and how our local orthodontic practice is making a positive impact on the community.

Crystal River takes pride in being the home of the stunning Three Sisters Springs and Crystal River Preserve State Park, where manatees seek refuge in the warm waters. Known as the "Manatee Capital of the World," Crystal River offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Crystal River is celebrated for its scalloping season, where locals and tourists alike embark on exciting underwater adventures to harvest the delectable bay scallops. This annual tradition adds a culinary delight to the city's vibrant tapestry, bringing people together to savor the treasures of the Gulf. Beyond its aquatic treasures, Crystal River captivates with its historic charm, vibrant community spirit, and a plethora of recreational activities, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking a perfect blend of nature, history, and local warmth. As your trusted orthodontic provider, we are committed to helping you achieve a smile that matches the radiance of Crystal River's landscapes.

Our commitment to Crystal River goes beyond just the confines of our practice. We actively participate in local events, sponsor community initiatives, and collaborate with schools to promote oral health awareness. By being an active part of the community, we strengthen our bonds and create a positive impact on the lives of Crystal River residents.

While we celebrate the uniqueness of Crystal River, our orthodontic practice brings world-class expertise to your doorstep. Dr. Strouse and our team of skilled professionals combines local warmth with global knowledge, ensuring that you receive the best possible orthodontic care without having to travel far. Our office utilizes both braces and Invisalign, for you to achieve a smile to be proud of, in a way that best fits your lifestyle! Your smile journey is our priority, and we are dedicated to providing top-notch treatment right here in Crystal River.

We understand the diverse needs of Crystal River families, and we are committed to making orthodontic care accessible to all. Our practice offers flexible payment options, family-friendly scheduling, and affordable treatment plans, ensuring that every member of the Crystal River community can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Age: 15.5

Treatment Duration: 20 months 

Before Treatment:

This patient came to our office looking to improve the crowding of her teeth. Before treatment she had a narrow smile, severe overbite, severe crowding, class 2 bite (when the upper jaw and/or teeth are ahead of the bottom jaw and/or teeth), narrow arches, retroclined (leaning back) incisors and a posterior crossbite on the right side.

Treatment Journey:

Our patients treatment plan involved upper and lower braces,the use of rubber bands, and anterior bite turbos. Anterior bite turbos are small ramps bonded to the inside of the upper front teeth(seen in blue here). They prevent the top teeth from excessively overlapping the bottom teeth. They are used to prevent breakage of the lower braces as well to allow the teeth to move more freely and for bit correction. Treatment for this case took just over a year and a half.

After Treatment:

In this amazing transformation we were able to correct all of the pre-existing orthodontic concerns, improving the overbite, correcting the class 2 to a class 1 proper bite, eliminating the crowding, aligning the midlines, and widening and broadening the smile. Our awesome patient was extremely diligent using the prescribed rubber bands. Treatment was completed in just 20 months.

Orthodontics can not only play a pivotal role in optimizing both oral health and functional well-being, but more importantly can elevate one's self-confidence. Our practice is committed to serving patients of all ages and embraces the belief that it's never too late to embark on the journey to your dream smile.

We invite you and your family to reach out to our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. Allow me the privilege of discussing the orthodontic solutions tailored to your unique needs. Your journey to your dream smile begins with an orthodontic specialist! We see patients from Hernando and Citrus County in areas such as Spring Hill, Brooksville, Crystal River, Lecanto, Beverly Hills, Inverness, and all surrounding areas.

Dr. Strouse

Orthodontic treatment is a transformative journey that can lead to a stunning and confident smile. For those seeking to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues, orthodontics offers a promising solution. However, many people wonder about the duration of the process before they embark on this life-changing path. In this blog post, I will delve into the factors that influence the length of orthodontic treatment and provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect on this exciting journey to a perfect smile.

Factors Influencing Treatment Duration

1. Complexity of the Issue: The severity of the orthodontic problem plays a significant role in determining how long the treatment will take. Minor alignment issues might only require a few months of treatment, while more complex cases may extend the duration to several years.

2. Patient's Age: Age can also impact the length of treatment. Younger patients with developing jaws and teeth might see faster results as their bones are more responsive to movement. However, advancements in orthodontic technology have also made it possible for adults to achieve excellent results with proper treatment.

3. Type of Orthodontic Appliance: There are various orthodontic appliances available today, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. The type of appliance chosen can influence the treatment timeline for the given case.

4. Patient's Cooperation: The success of orthodontic treatment is greatly dependent on the patient's cooperation. Adhering to the orthodontist's instructions, attending regular check-ups, and maintaining good oral hygiene all contribute to achieving optimal results in a timely manner.

Estimated Treatment Durations for Different Appliances

On average orthodontic treatment can be anywhere from only a few months to as long as 1-3 years, it depends on your specific case. An average orthodontic case lasts somewhere between one(1) and two(2) years. 

Embarking on orthodontic treatment is an investment in both time and effort, but the results are undoubtedly worth it. The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on various factors, including the complexity of the issue, the chosen appliance, the patient's age, and their cooperation during the process. Remember, each individual's case is unique, and I will provide a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Before beginning any orthodontic journey, schedule a consultation with our office. It is important to see an orthodontic specialist for orthodontic needs.  I will thoroughly assess your case and provide an estimated treatment duration. Keep in mind that the length of treatment is only a small part of the bigger picture - the lifelong benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile are what truly matter. So, embrace the process, follow your orthodontist's guidance, and soon enough, you'll be flashing that stunning smile you've always dreamed of!

In short, treatment time depends on the severity of the issue. Most comprehensive orthodontic cases take 1-2 years, while minor or limited cases can be as short as a few months. We see patients from Hernando and Citrus County in areas such as Spring Hill, Brooksville, Crystal River, Lecanto, Beverly Hills, Inverness, and all surrounding areas. Schedule your consultation today!