Fravel Brewer Orthodontics, photo by Roberto Gonzalez

Dr. Breck Brewer acknowledges that his career path might be a little unconventional, but it was the perfect way to satisfy both his drive to help others and the desire to serve his country. 

As he was preparing for the world beyond his undergraduate studies at Florida State University, the Central Florida native applied to dental programs and military branches simultaneously, ultimately being selected for a scholarship that paid for his dentistry education and set him up to work as a military dentist. 

“After going to dental school, I served as a general dentist for four years in the Army,” he says. “That’s when I decided I wanted to specialize in orthodontics, so I applied, and was accepted to, one of about 30 slots for an Army orthodontist.”

Dr. Brewer practiced orthodontics from Texas to Belgium for 12 years before deciding it was time to pursue private practice, bidding adieu to the Army with a handful of awards to his name and having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is thrilled to have spent the past three years back in Central Florida and working at Fravel Brewer Orthodontics, the reputation of which continues to impress him. 

“I joined an awesome, established orthodontic office,” he says. “My partner Dr. [William] Fravel has done some pretty amazing work for 30 years and hired a great team that places an emphasis on customer service and clinical results. They established a precedent that makes sure patients have a good experience from start to finish.”

And he’s delighted to spend his civilian life helping people and continuing to develop the relationships that, along with the exemplary services Fravel Brewer Orthodontics is known for, have been bringing patients back for generations. 

“We often have comments and reviews from parents who come in and say, ‘Oh, I got my braces done by Dr. Fravel,’” Dr. Brewer notes. “It’s a testament that they would seek out his office after all these years for their kids’ care, and it does give us a great feeling.” 

Throughout his career—and his own experience with braces—Dr. Brewer has seen just how much technology has changed the way patients can get the smiles of their dreams. And it certainly is something to smile about, as modern oral appliances aren’t nearly as uncomfortable as they used to be while also becoming increasingly noninvasive and able to achieve dazzling results faster.

“We still do traditional braces, but even those have come a long way from when I had them in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” he says. “The technology has improved so much that, instead of seeing patients every month, we see them every two or three months. Treatments are very efficient: We usually get things done in about a year and a half, rather than two, three or four years.”

With products like Invisalign enjoying increased popularity and “getting to a point where they’re just as good as traditional braces,” the practice has seen a significant uptick in adult patients. 

“Where it’s really picked up in the last few years is the clear-tray treatments,” Dr. Brewer explains. “Invisalign spurred a big increase in adult treatment—but I think the pandemic has been a little bit of a jolt, too, since people are seeing themselves on Facetime and Zoom, and wearing masks has people thinking that now is a good time to get some orthodontic work done.” 

In addition to helping patients one-on-one as every visit gets them a little closer to their goals for straighter teeth and a more comfortable bite, Dr. Brewer loves the community involvement and partnerships his practice is committed to. 

“Our profession lends itself to community outreach very easily,” he says. 

Its biggest program is the Smile for a Lifetime scholarship, awarded to 39 patients so far, which identifies students who need their teeth straightened but whose families can’t afford treatment. Fravel Brewer Orthodontics also works with the city of Ocoee and local organizations to sponsor events like the Chick-Fil-A Fun Run taking place this April.

The practice also endeavors to make the orthodontist office a less scary place with in-school education or visits from the on-staff tooth fairy or first-grade field trips to Fravel Brewer Orthodontics’ office.

“We’d have different science stations and activities relating to dental health,” says Dr. Brewer. “When those students come back to see us for treatment when they’re maybe 11 or 12, they always remember that field trip as a positive experience.” 

After all, an excellent patient experience is a big part of what Dr. Brewer loves most about his work.

“The best part of my job is working with an upbeat, energetic team who share the goal of working together to deliver great care, great results and great smiles to our patients,” he says. “It’s so fulfilling when people who get their braces off or finish their Invisalign look in the mirror for the first time and love what they see.” 

Fravel Brewer Orthodontics
1291 Blackwood Ave., Ocoee
(407) 656-0001
FravelBrewer.com