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Gone are the days of messy and uncomfortable orthodontic impressions, thanks to the advent of digital orthodontics. Our office does not use any traditional dental impressions and all models of the teeth are taken digitally in a quick and comfortable fashion.

The Downside of Traditional Impressions

Traditional orthodontic impressions involve using a putty-like material placed in a tray that is then pressed into your mouth to capture the shape and size of your teeth and gums. While this technique has been effective for many years, it comes with several downsides:

1. Discomfort: Orthodontic impressions can be uncomfortable, causing gagging sensations and discomfort in some patients.

2. Messy: The putty used in impressions can be messy, leading to some patients feeling anxious or uneasy during the procedure.

3. Time-Consuming: Traditional impressions may require multiple attempts to achieve accurate results, which can be time-consuming for both the patient and the dentist.

4. Material Storage: Orthodontic offices need to store physical impression molds, which can take up valuable space and require maintenance over time.

Our Digital Approach: Say Goodbye to Impressions

At our cutting-edge orthodontic office, we have fully embraced the power of digital orthodontics. Instead of relying on traditional impressions, we use state-of-the-art intraoral scanners to capture highly detailed 3D images of your teeth and gums. These scans provide us with precise digital replicas of your mouth, enabling custom treatment plans with unmatched accuracy. We also use these digital impression to 3-D print models to fabricate retainers. 

Advantages of Digital Orthodontics

1. Comfortable Experience: With our intraoral scanners, you can bid farewell to the discomfort and gagging associated with traditional impressions. The scanning process is non-invasive and allows for a more comfortable experience during your orthodontic visits.

2. Time-Efficient: Digital scans significantly reduce chair time, as there is no need for multiple attempts to get an accurate impression. This means fewer visits to the orthodontic office and quicker treatment planning.

3. Enhanced Precision: The digital scans provide detailed and precise images, allowing our dentists to create custom restorations that fit perfectly and deliver optimal results.

4. Environmentally Friendly: By eliminating the need for physical impression materials, our fully digital approach contributes to a more eco-friendly orthodontic practice.

5. Improved Communication: Digital scans can be instantly shared and stored in our computer systems, facilitating seamless communication with our orthodontic laboratory partners if needed.

At our digital orthodontic office, patient comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. By embracing cutting-edge technology, we have eliminated the need for traditional impressions and the associated discomfort, mess, and inconvenience. Our intraoral scanners allow for a faster, more precise, and environmentally friendly orthodontic experience, leading to superior outcomes for our patients.

So, if you've been dreading the thought of orthodontic impressions, fear not! We see patients from Hernando and Citrus Counties in areas such as Spring Hill, Brooksville, Lecanto, Crystal River, Inverness, Beverly Hills and all surrounding areas. Schedule your appointment with us and experience the benefits of digital dentistry firsthand. Embrace the future of orthodontic care and let us take care of your oral health with our state-of-the-art, impression-free approach. Your smile deserves the best, and at our digital office, we're committed to providing you with exceptional orthodontic care, minus the impressions!

Braces have come a long way in the world of orthodontics. Gone are the days when braces were considered purely functional; today, they are a fashion statement! If you or your loved ones are about to embark on an orthodontic journey, you may be wondering if you can add a personal touch to your braces. The answer is a resounding YES! In this blog post, we'll explore the exciting world of colorful braces and how you can express your unique style while on the path to a beautiful smile. Check out some Examples Below!

Traditional metal braces have been the staple of orthodontic treatment for decades, and they continue to be an excellent option for achieving optimal teeth alignment.

Choosing Your Brace Colors

At our orthodontic office, we believe that each patient's smile is as unique as their personality. We offer a wide array of color choices for braces, allowing you to have some fun with your treatment while expressing your individual style. Here's how you can choose the color for your braces:

Explore a Rainbow of Colors: Today's braces come in various shades, ranging from classic colors like blue, red, and green to vibrant hues like neon pink, electric blue, and lime green. You can even choose seasonal colors to match your favorite holidays or events.

Mix and Match: Some patients get creative and mix different colors for a unique look. For example, alternating colors on each bracket can create a playful effect.

Consider Your Personal Style: Your braces can be an extension of your personality and interests. If you have a favorite sports team, you can opt for their team colors. Or, choose a color that complements your eye or hair color for a coordinated and flattering look.

Benefits of Colorful Braces

1. Personal Expression: Colorful braces offer a chance to showcase your personality and add a touch of fun to your orthodontic treatment.

2. Boost in Confidence: Embracing colorful braces can make the journey to a beautiful smile feel more exciting and enjoyable, increasing your confidence throughout the process.

3. Motivation for Oral Hygiene: Some patients find that having braces in their favorite colors motivates them to be extra diligent with their oral hygiene routine, as they want their vibrant braces to shine beautifully.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontic treatment doesn't have to be boring. With a wide range of colorful braces to choose from, you can make your smile journey uniquely yours. Express your individuality, showcase your style, and let your personality shine through your braces!

Ready to add some flair to your smile? Schedule a consultation with us, and together, we'll create a personalized treatment plan, complete with the colorful braces that best reflect your style. Get ready to embark on an orthodontic journey that not only transforms your teeth but also showcases the real you!

The short answer is yes! :-)

You have just finished with braces or clear aligners and unveiled a beautifully aligned smile. The journey may have taken some time and diligence and you may be wondering, "Do I need to wear retainers now that my teeth are straight?"

Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results from your orthodontic treatment. While braces have successfully shifted your teeth into their desired positions, it is important to understand that teeth have a memory of their own. Without the support of retainers, they will be inclined to revert to their original positions over time.

The initial period after braces are removed is particularly critical. Your teeth are still settling in to their new positions, and wearing retainers helps to solidify these changes. Our office will provide specific guidelines on how often you should wear your retainers to ensure your teeth remain in alignment. It is very common for their to be a period of time that you will be instructed to wear your retainers full time other than eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth when you first get your braces off.

As time progresses, the frequency that you are instructed to wear your retainers may change, allowing you to wear them less frequently. My favorite phrase for retainer wear is "Nighttime for a Lifetime!". What this means is that your should continue to wear your retainer to bed for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight.

Consistency is the key to wearing retainers. Skipping or neglecting to wear your retainers as advised can lead to gradual movement of your teeth. Think of your retainers as insurance for your investment in a straight and beautiful smile!

Here are a few reasons why wearing retainers is crucial

1. Preventing tooth movement: Your teeth may have shifted during orthodontic treatment, but without the support of retainers, there is a high risk that they will shift back to their original position.
2. Stabilizing the bite: Retainers not only maintain the alignment of the front teeth but also contribute to stabilizing the bite.
3. Post-orthodontic adjustment period: In the initial months after braces are removed, your teeth are still adapting to their new positions. Wearing retainers helps solidify the changes and ensure a lasting outcome.
4. Protection against clenching and grinding- clear retainers can provide protecting from the negative effects of the forces generated from clenching and grinding the teeth at night
5. Preserving your investment: Orthodontic treatment is an investment of time and resources. Wearing retainers diligently is a small but vital commitment to preserving the beautiful smile you have worked so hard to achieve!

Age: 12.5

Treatment Duration: 28 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, and peg lateral on upper left. 

Treatment Journey:

Our patients treatment plan involved upper and lower braces,the use of rubber bands, and restorative treatment of the peg lateral, by the talented Dr. Pichardo at Citrus Dental of Inverness. Treatment for this case took just over 2 years. 

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. The shape of the peg lateral incisor was improved through a wonderful restoration by the patient's general dentist. 

This case shows an amazing transformation and teamwork between myself as the orthodontist, the patient who did an amazing job wearing rubber bands, and the general dentist to restore an undersized tooth. 

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!

Dr. Strouse