SureSmile on CNN!

Does the thought of having braces for two whole years bring you down? Our team at Montano Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment. But you’re in luck, because Dr. Montano specializes in SureSmile, robotic braces that have revolutionized the industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth almost 40 percent faster than traditional braces.

That means less time in braces, fewer office visits, less discomfort and ultimately greater results for you, the patient - all thanks to SureSmile's stunning technology.

Last Month, CNN's very own Dr. Sanjay Gupta filed a short report on SureSmile, which is becoming quite popular with our patients. We encourage you to check out the video and let us know what you think! Give us a call to learn more about SureSmile or to find out if you might be a candidate.

Montano Orthodontics Wants You To Smile!

It's June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Montano and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) while in orthodontic treatment to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there's more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps that can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call at 661-665-7600! Also, don’t forget about our Share A Smile contest to win an iPad. You can see all the details by clicking here!

-Montano Orthodontics of Bakersfield, CA

May 2010 Faces 'n Braces

Montano Orthodontics is pleased to announce, Smile for a Lifetime Foundation’s Kern County Regional Chapter’s selection of 7 more candidates for the new year, making a total of 26 new smiles being created! Smile for a Lifetime is growing Nationally as well with over 44 chapters in 27 states and still growing. Smile for a Lifetime will donate over 2.2 million dollars in orthodontic value in the coming year.



A big congratulations to Kylie Armer, our first Bakersfield Chapter recipient to have her brace’s removed! Take a look at the video above, or head to our Facebook page for all the photos!


Congratulations to Hunter Witcher, our newest S4L scholarship recipient from Bakersfield Christian High School. Hunter is a kind and loving individual, who is also a good student. He is involved with his church youth group, and plays football and baseball. His cousin wrote to us, “Hunter is very self-conscious of his smile. He has a great personality and an amazing sense of humor, but doesn’t always smile to the fullest due to his teeth.” Hunter tells us, ”I was excited and relieved. Even though teeth seem like a small thing in life, it can really effect how someone feels about themselves.” Hunter has the determination to accomplish his goals and to overcome any obstacles placed in his way. Hopefully with the help of S4L and Montano Orthodontics, the beautiful new smile he will receive can help him hurdle any more obstacles that come his way.

Leeann Banks of Compton Jr. High received her braces in December of 2009 and a difference in attitude and appearance is already apparent. When we first received Leeanns application she told us, “ I’ve been getting made fun of because of my teeth, people call me names.” Her 6th grade teacher informed us that, “She is an academically impressive student who has a bright future in whatever career path she chooses. Her self-confidence will increase with S4L’s community program.” when talking with Leeann at her last visit there is a definite change, you can see a young girl with more confidence. Leeann now tells us, “I am so happy this happened to me! I have made more friends with my new found confidence.” We know a brilliant smile gained through S4L will help Leeann strive to be the best she can be!

You can check out the entire Smile For a Lifetime May Newsletter by clicking here

Share your Smile to win an Apple iPad at Montano Orthodontics!

7 Ways to Enter Our Drawing to Win

-Place a review on: Google, Yelp or Yellow pages - 1 entry for each

-"Like" Montano Orthodontics on Facebook or update your status on our Facebook Page - 1 entry

-Post video testimonial on Montano Orthodontics Facebook 2 entries

-Written testimonial on Montano Orthodontics Facebook - 1 entry

-Send in a video testimonial to montanosmile@arrival.net for us to post- 2 entries

-Sign up to use the patient login features on our web site - 1 entry

-Refer a friend to the office - 2 entries

Please send an email to montanosmile@arrival.net and let us know which tasks have been completed and we will enter you into the drawing. Be sure to include your name!
Drawing takes place August 30th Good Luck!

Give us a call at 661-665-7600 if you have any questions!

Invisalign Teen Treatment in Bakersfield, CA

Invisalign Teen has become a popular treatment here at Montano Orthodontics because it provides an option for younger patients to achieve a straight, healthy smile, without anyone noticing! Unlike traditional metal braces, teens using the Invisalign Teen system can remove their aligners, allowing them to eat just about anything without worrying over damaging or breaking their braces. This also makes teeth easier to clean than with traditional braces. There are many advantages to using this revolutionary new system, but there are several things for parents to remember when considering their options for orthodontic treatment.

For example, the costs of Invisalign vary depending on your teen's specific case, but can often be comparable to treatment with traditional metal braces. At Montano Orthodontics we strive to make orthodontics affordable to everyone, and will determine the cost for your teen during the initial complimentary consultation. We will also assess your teen's eligibility for treatment with Invisalign Teen at this time.

Dr. Montano is an Elite Premier Provider of Invisalign, meaning that he is one of the top orthodontists in the country using the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen systems. Call our Bakersfield office at 661-665-7600 to set up your complimentary consultation with our office.

8th Grader Madison Ives the Latest Recipient of Free Orthodontic Treatment with Smile For A Lifetime

A local girl who thought she'd have to wait years to get the smile she'd always wanted, was grinning from ear to ear Tuesday night. The "Smile for a Lifetime" program has presented the gift of free orthodontics to 28 deserving kids in our community and on Tuesday, 8th grader Madison Ives found out she's next.

It's safe to say Madison Ives smiles a lot. A friendly eighth grader and class treasurer, her teachers say she's well known and liked around campus. "Her smile is very engaging right now, but because her teeth are crooked, I know that sometimes she smiles with her mouth closed, and I know that she would love to always smile with her mouth open," said Madison's math teacher Ms. Rodriguez.

Ms. Rodriguez nominated Ives for "Smile for a Lifetime." "Smile for a Lifetime" is a foundation that provides free braces and orthodontic work to deserving kids.

"I was kind of surprised, I kind of knew, I was thinking it was for me, but I didn't want to get my hopes up or I didn't want to be selfish," said Ives. But those who know Ives, the youngest of seven kids, will tell you she's anything but selfish.

"I have to get a lot of work done since I'm a dwarf and I have a smaller mouth. I've really wanted them for a long time, just my parents don't have the money right now," said Ives.

The foundation is only a few years old, and Dr. Donald Montano in Bakersfield started volunteering his services last year. So far they've helped about 28 kids in our community. "She'll probably have the braces on within the month. She'll probably get an appointment next week and she's ready to go," said Dr. Montano.

Ives has become more confident over the past few years, but even now you can tell she still tries to hide her smile. But with a little help, she won't have to anymore. "That's amazing how, one person like me gets a lucky chance to have a beautiful smile," said Ives.

If you want to nominate a deserving kid for smile for a lifetime, head the Montano Orthodontics web site.

Celebrities get braces, too!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed the films Minority Report, Austin Powers Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. Even movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Montano. Check out a list of other celebrities who’ve benefited from orthodontic treatment here, courtesy of ABC News.

At Montano Orthodontics, we are working with a local celebrity to Bakersfield, radio personality Inga Barks. Check out the story of her sons’ experience at Montano Orthodontics that we posted a few months back! If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give us a call!

665-7600 or request an appointment at www.montanosmile.com