What are Fravel Dollars? Fravel Dollars are our way of rewarding our patients for cooperation in maintaining their healthy smiles. At every appointment, you can earn up to three (3) Fravel Dollars by doing three simple things: (1) be on time for your appointment; (2) make sure that your teeth are super clean; and (3) try not to have anything loose or broken. Our Fravel Dollar store has a great selection of goodies that you can buy with your dollars, so check out our store and start saving for that special reward. You’ve earned it!
What are Colors? Can I have them? Colors are fun little elastic rings that fit over your braces. They act as a bumper to help keep your braces feeling smooth. We have a large rainbow of colors to choose from, and they will be changed at every appointment. And yes, you can have colors, too, providing your hygiene is always good!
What will my braces look like? At Dr. Fravel’s office, you can choose the type of braces that best suits your lifestyle! Metal braces, when kept sparkling and clean, can be thought of as jewelry for the teeth. With this option, you can personalize your braces with your choice of school, sports, seasonal or simply your favorite colors. Ceramic (clear) braces are a first choice for our adult patients and some of our younger patients who are active in modeling and the movies (Dr. Fravel’s future stars). This option provides an almost invisible way to achieve that beautiful smile, while maintaining your professional image. Gold braces are an option to express that unique and distinctive personality that is yours alone.
Invisalign Our office now offers the Invisalign system, which can be an alternative to braces for some patients with full adult dentition and complete jaw growth. The system uses a series of clear orthodontic aligners that are virtually undetectable to other people. The aligners are more comfortable to wear than traditional braces and can be removed for eating and brushing. As an orthodontic specialist certified in the Invisalign program, I would be pleased to talk with you at your initial evaluation and help determine if you are a good candidate for this new computer enhanced technology.
Will I have to wear rubber bands (elastics)? While everyone’s teeth are different, most every patient will wear these elastics at some time in their treatment. Whether you are wearing them to close space or to correct your bite, good cooperation is so important. Poor elastic wear can lead to extended treatment time, so be sure to wear them as instructed. We also have elastics in some bright, fun colors.
Foods to Avoid Your braces are very strong, but they are not indestructible. You should take special care not to eat the wrong foods. We will provide you with a list of foods not to eat. The list consists mainly of foods that are hard, sharp, sticky and crunchy. Foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard chips, raw carrots, caramel and other chewy candies will loosen your braces. Continuous breakage will result in extended treatment time, so be selective about the foods you eat. When playing contact sports, we recommend wearing a mouth guard. Be sure to ask at your next appointment about having one fit. As far as playing a musical instrument, there are no restrictions.
Sterilization
You can rest assured that our office follows strict, up-to-date OSHA sterilization guidelines.. We frequently attend continuing education seminars on sterilization in the dental office. Our entire staff is educated and informed on any changes and additions needed to stay current with sterilization procedures. Please feel free to ask any questions or share your concerns with our office.
