Unlike a pony or a trampoline, getting braces has never really been something kids asked for while writing letters to Santa, but most kids need some sort of orthodontic treatment at some point in their lives. Dr. Brian Bragassa at Peachtree City Orthodontics makes having braces cool.
Brian had extensive orthodontic treatment, wearing braces and headgear from 8 - 10 years old and then a 2nd round of braces at 14. “As far as orthodontics goes, I was a hot mess.” Both of his orthodontists had built great businesses and were so kind and knowledgeable, and so good at what they did that it intrigued him. “They made it possible for me to have a confident smile. When anyone asks me why I became an orthodontist, it’s because they changed my life,” Brian remarked. “My dad always encouraged me to be entrepreneurial and own my own business and I thought, ‘I could do this.’”
Before starting college, Brian was considering being either a physician or a dentist but wasn’t quite sure which would be the best choice. After serving on a mission trip where he got to work with both medical and dental teams providing services to the underserved, dentistry was the clear winner. The dental work he got to contribute to allowed him to work with his hands. “I’ve always been good at working with my hands and dentistry was the perfect blend of engineering and science. I’m engineering smiles, essentially.”
In the summer of 2006, just before starting dental school, he decided to apply for the Health Profession Scholarship with the Air Force and started Officer Training School. He became reserve status for 4 years during dental school, then went on active duty and served in the Air Force as a dentist. In 2015, Brian started his orthodontic residency at the University of North Carolina. When that was completed, Brian and his wife Michelle, who grew up in Peachtree City, decided to move their young family here to start his business.
Brian feels that spending time with and educating his patients and their parents is the most important part of his business. “Taking the time to talk to parents about their child’s needs, I feel, makes them feel valued. And they are.” Most conditions that may require orthodontics start around 7 years of age. Dr. Bragassa and his team offer a 7-UP Club where they start seeing kids at 7 and can make a plan to condition the orthodontic health of their patients at an early age. Brian believes that conservative intervention at an early age is important.
“Don’t underestimate the power of a smile. A confident smile is going to help your self-esteem, it’s going to open doors. People benefit from orthodontics, of course, because it will help you maintain a healthy bite, but the main reason orthodontics is key is that it helps you have a confident smile.”
Brian and his wife, Michelle, and their entire team of professionals, consistently give their time and resources to the community and feel that giving back is important. They have volunteered at places like Midwest Food Bank and regularly support another local nonprofit, Harts of Teal, which provides ovarian cancer early intervention education. “The cool thing is we want to become more and more a part of our community. The rewarding aspect to me is to give back. I mean, we’re building batting cages at Peachtree City Little League. My kids play there and they asked me for help and I’m like, ‘sure’! I love being part of this community.”
To learn more about Dr. Bragassa, go to peachtreecityorthodontics.com or call 770-487-5505 to schedule a consultation.