Sport Your Smile Frank Mogavero, D.D.S.
By Shelley T. Hudson
One visit to Dr. Frank Mogavero’s San Clemente office and you’ll know it’s not the stuffy orthodontics practice you might remember from childhood. The waiting room is high-tech, with wi-fi, computer and homework rooms and even a Wii cave. The snow-surf-skate-themed décor is more than just a fun distraction; Dr. Mogavero is an avid snowboarder and sports enthusiast and he’s incorporated his passions into his practice.
Dr. Mogavero’s tricked-out office isn’t the only thing that keeps patients coming back. His 22 years in practice and his enthusiastic support of youth athletics have helped him acquire a loyal following in the community. Dr. Frank’s commitment and longevity have earned him the trust of an up-and-coming second generation of patients as well. Our cover mom, Lauren, perfected her smile with Dr. Mogavero when she was a student at Dana Hills High and now her daughter Taylor (pictured by her side) is enjoying the same personalized care.
The approach to children’s orthodontics at Dr. Mogavero’s office emphasizes early, pre-emptive treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an initial evaluation at age seven or eight is recommended. “Phase I or ‘interceptive treatment’ is often the most important phase,” asserts Mogavero. “By widening the jaws early for patients with crowding, an underbite, or a crossbite, growth can be modified to create a balanced profile and reduce the chance of extractions later.” Dr. Frank has treated countless patients with this type of problem and parents have seen the differences that early treatment can make. That’s why his biggest referral source is literally ‘word of mouth!’ The interceptive treatment phase lasts about a year; Phase II begins at about age 12. “It feels great knowing I helped create these great smiles and I see the confidence show through,” says Dr. Frank. One such happy patient is Chris Ashley, who was once teased for his overbite. His braces were removed just last month and his mom couldn’t be more pleased with the result. “I’ve never met someone more generous and loving,” Chris’s mom, Ida, says of Dr. Mogavero, “The change for my son has altered his whole perspective on life.”
Another primary focus of Dr. Mogavero’s work is the use of Invisalign appliances for the parents of his adolescent patients, along with other adults and teens who are seeking a more subtle approach to syncing their smiles. Dr. Mogavero is designated by Invisalign (invisalign.com) as the only Premier Preferred Provider and Teen Provider in the area. Invisalign products have revolutionized orthodontics and even those with complicated treatment plans can take advantage of the flexibility and aesthetic benefits offered by this modern alternative to metal braces. As the technology has advanced, costs have lowered and it has become the standard treatment for many patients. The Invisalign aligners are removable and don’t affect speech or cause inflamed gums like metal braces, so they are much more obscure and especially convenient. Adults who might never have considered orthodontics are now seeking treatment and are amazed with the results.
Community outreach has been an integral part of Dr. Mogavero’s business as well. His fifteen years of coaching youth soccer have kept him involved with kids for much of his adult life. His innovative mouth guard program for varsity football teams also helps carry on that tradition of local service. Dr. Mogavero is a supporter of the San Clemente Open Surf and Skate Contest and he sponsors 15 year-old pro skateboarder Mitchie Brusco, who is touted as a rising star in the sport. In fact, you can check out a video of Mitchie’s dare-devilish feats and clips of him receiving braces at Dr. Mogavero’s San Clemente office at www.syncyoursmile.com.
From the authentic Mammoth Mountain chair lifts to the doctor’s own photography capturing the drama of the X Games, Mogavero provides an experience like no other Orthodontist. You can schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Mogavero at his local offices in San Clemente or Laguna Niguel during the week and or catch him at his Mammoth Lakes location every other weekend.
San Clemente • 1031 Avenida Pico, Suite 101 • 949.373.3737
Laguna Niguel • 31371 Niguel Road, Suite F • 949.493.7300
Mammoth Lakes • 170 Mountain Blvd., P.O. Box 100, PMB 122 • 760.934.6699
www.SyncYourSmile.com