Now That I Have Braces, What Can I Eat? - Montano Orthodontics of Bakersfield

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Remember to Visit Your Dentist Too! - Dr. Donald Montano, Bakersfield Orthodontist

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your regular orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

An Educational Experience for All

It was an event not to be missed! On December 2, 2008 Montano Orthodontics welcomed Dr. Ronald Goldstein, nationally recognized professor and lecturer. Dr. Goldstein’s lecture session covered the “Predictable Treatment of Discolored Teeth,” and how to better serve patients looking for a brighter, whiter smile.

This was a great opportunity for dental and orthodontic practitioners around the area to come and learn how to utilize various bleaching, bonding, laminating, and crowning techniques in order to effectively repair any level of teeth discoloration from mild to severe.

If you missed out on this one-of-a-kind event, don’t worry, you can still download FREE session notes from the lecture. Doctors who were able to attend the event not only took away valuable dental information, but also received 1.75 hours of CERP CE (continuing education) credits.

If you had a chance to attend this event, please leave us a comment to share some insight on what you took away from the lecture. Also, if you have any questions about teeth whitening, teeth whitening products, crowns, filling, braces, general oral hygiene, or would like to share with others a dental product that you have found to be effective, please leave us a comment! We’d love to hear from you.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

The Power of a Smile

Montano Orthodontics Presents: Dr. Ronald Goldstein

Donald R. Montano, DDS, MSD Presents
AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED
Dr. Ronald Goldstein
“Predictable Treatment for Discolored Teeth”

Can you really give your patients with discolored teeth the million dollar smile they dream of? Despite all the existing advances in conservative esthetic dentistry, the problem of successfully treating discolored teeth is still prevalent in the profession.

In a survey of patients, their most frequent complaint was their discolored teeth. Not by coincidence, this same study found that the dominant concern of dentists was the treatment of discoloured teeth.

Through maximum usage of bleaching, bonding, laminating and crowning, the dentist can alter virtually all discolouration aspects of the smile, ranging from mild to severe. However, knowing which treatment to use, when and where, is still a question of judgment. This course will highlight diagnosis and treatment of some of the major esthetic problems encountered, including treatment planning and step-by-step procedures to accomplish the most in the least amount of time. Dr. Goldstein will also present a new comprehensive approach to management of patients with discolored teeth.

Biography

Dr. Ronald Goldstein is currently Clinical Professor of Oral Rehabilitation at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, Augusta, Georgia; Adjunct Clinical Professor of Prosthodontics at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine; Adjunct Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and formerly a Special Lecturer in Esthetic Dentistry at Emory University School of Dentistry, Atlanta, Georgia, as well as former Visiting Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging and Continuing Education at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Dr. Goldstein has presented continuing education courses at more than twenty universities and lectured at over 400 dental meetings throughout the world.

He is a contributor to ten published texts and author of the text Esthetics In Dentistry, published by BC Decker. He is co-author of other texts, including Bleaching Teeth, Porcelain Laminate Veneers, Porcelain and Composite Inlays And Onlays, Complete Dental Bleaching, and Imaging in Esthetic Dentistry – all published by Quintessence Publishing. His best-selling consumer book, Change Your Smile, now in its third edition, is also published by Quintessence, and has been read by over l,000,000 people and has been translated into eight languages. He is past editor of the “In Practice” column of Contemporary Esthetics and Restorative Practice and past co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Esthetic Dentistry. He is also on the Editorial Boards of Dentistry Today, Inside Dentistry, and Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.

Dr. Goldstein served three years as resident dental consultant and produced over 70 consumer oriented programs on dentistry for the popular television show "PM Magazine." He has also been featured in over 50 dental video productions. His "Anterior Fixed-Restoration Esthetic Principles" made for the American Dental Association, was winner of the l982 John Muir Medical Film Festival Award for Dentistry.

Montano Orthodontics knows how to have fun!

October was full of fun and festivities at Montano Orthodontics. The month began with our Montano Orthodontics team fun day on October 12th at John’s Incredible Pizza. Our team and their families joined together that evening for some good food, the company of good friends and tons of exciting fun!

On October 25th we hosted our tenth annual Halloween Skating Party at Rollerama West. The skate party was a huge success with over 200 people dressed in costume and participating in the fun and games. Staff members, patients, and their families participated in a costume contest where our 6 grand prize winners each took home a 25 dollar gift card to the Valley Plaza Mall and a special bag of Halloween goodies.

October 30th got a little spooky with our team dress-up day! The entire team at Montano Orthodontics was in costume all day long. We had an office costume contest with three categories: funniest costume, scariest costume, and more creative costume. Our three winners all receive 25 dollar gift cards to the Valley Plaza Mall.

Be sure to check out all of our great pictures, and see for yourself why it is that Montano Orthodontics knows how to have fun!

Happy Birthday Dr. Montano!

“Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Dr. Montano;
Happy Birthday to you!”

November fourth was a big day at Montano Orthodontics! Dr. Montano celebrated his 49th birthday. Dr. Montano’s two young daughters brought in a homemade birthday card that our practice and all of our patients had signed, and we celebrated with a special birthday cake. Next time you see Dr. Montano be sure and wish him a happy birthday!

At Montano Orthodontics we all wish Dr. Montano a very happy birthday – and a great year!



Visit our MySpace page for more pictures!

Montano Orthodontics: Voted Best Family Orthodontist by Family Magazine!!

Welcome to the Future of Orthodontics!

Be Confident and Smile!

Ghosts, Goblins, and National Orthodontic Health Month!

Trick-Or-Treat! October is National Orthodontic Health Month! In honor of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, the American Association of Orthodontists has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips and treats for a ghoulishly good time!

BOO! Spooky recipes for a “braces friendly” Halloween


Frightfully Fabulous Cupcake Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup superfine sugar
2 cups cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can of chocolate frosting or store-bought chocolate mousse
1 container of whipped topping

Assorted “braces-friendly” candy pieces such as chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate bars and melt-in-your-mouth candies.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Fill a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and set aside.

Combine cocoa powder, water, and mix until smooth. Fold in mayonnaise. (Make sure cocoa mixture is not to hot to prevent breaking of mayonnaise). Add vanilla and whisk until smooth.

In mixer, combine sugar, cake flour, baking soda and salt and mix slowly until well incorporated. Add wet cocoa mixture, mix on medium-high until well blended. Scrape down the sides and blend for 30 seconds.

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 way full of batter. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool on rack.

Slice each cupcake in half, horizontally, and serve the halves with chocolate mousse or frosting, whipped topping, and assorted candy pieces. Kids build the sandwiches by spreading one-half of a cupcake with mousse/frosting or whipped topping, sprinkling on candy pieces and placing the other half of cupcake on top.


Halloween Safety Tips

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in


Visit our web site; and have a Happy National Orthodontic Health Month!

Patient Testimonials using Invisalign

Soreness And Loosening Of Teeth

A common occurrence in the first time orthodontic patient is soreness or tenderness of the teeth after bracket and wire placement. This will usually occur a few hours after your initial appointment. The forces from the wires and brackets create the much needed pressure on your teeth to allow them to move and straighten. This may make it difficult to eat and talk but discomfort should start to subside within a few days. Exactly when the discomfort will dissipate is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. If needed, rinse with warm salt water a few times daily, or in severe cases Tylenol or whatever you normally take for pain, can be used for relief.

Initially the braces may feel rough against the cheeks, lips and tongue. You may place wax around the bracket until the irritation disappears, or the mouth becomes used to the braces. Eventually once you get used to the braces and proper tooth alignment occurs, this will no longer be a concern. If you happen to need more wax than what we have provided at your initial visit we can furnish you with more at your next visit, or check with your local drug store for wax or silicon ear plugs.

It may come as a surprise to some but there will come a time when your teeth feel loose. That is because they are. This is nothing to worry about though, it is a normal process. The teeth must first loosen in their bone sockets so they can be moved. This will occur several times over the course of treatment. Once active movement has ceased the teeth will become rigid again in their new corrected positions.

Early Treatment Benefits For Children

The general consensus is that children have an orthodontic consultation by the age of seven. The permanent first molars and incisors have usually erupted by this time and the child can be evaluated for any overbites, cross bites, or crowding that may be present. Early orthopedic intervention guides growth and development, and may prevent serious problems that may require jaw surgery.

Advantages of early orthodontic treatment:

* Reducing treatment time
* Increase self-esteem early
* Shorten/improve second phase of treatment
* Possibly eliminate the need for future jaw surgery
* Avoid permanent tooth extraction
* Correct abnormal speech or swallowing problems
* Alleviate thumb sucking habits

Although early treatment can be a great preventative measure, it is never too late to improve your smile.

Halloween Skate Party!!!

Dr. Montano's

ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SKATING PARTY

Montano Orthodontics is inviting YOU and your Family and Friends

Where: Rollerama West
7850 Brimhall Rd.

When: Saturday October 25th
Time: 4:30 - 6:30pm

Come join the whole Montano
Orthodontic staff for Fun!

Costume Contest! Prizes and Fun & Games!

Toothbrush Trivia

Before the toothbrush was invented, many people actually brushed their teeth with sticks!

The first time in history that people actively cleaned their teeth was between 4000 and 3000 BC in ancient Babylon (the site where Iraq is now). The Babylonians used “chew sticks” – thin twigs or tree roots that were chewed at the end to loosen the fibers and then used like brushes.

Between 2000 and 1000 BC the ancient Chinese used similar twigs to clean their teeth. But the Chinese took it one step further and used twigs from trees with a nice smell. (Perhaps this was an early attempt at breath freshening?)

The next time you brush your teeth, take a moment to be thankful that you have a nice, clean toothbrush with soft bristles – instead of a stick!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You

You can feel it when you have a cavity. But unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you realizing it. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Because of this, it’s very important to watch for the warning signs of the disease:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling us. We can diagnose the problem, find out how far the disease has advanced, and start treatment.

The trend continues

The trend of adults getting braces is growing more and more evident as adult patients start blogging about their experience. The other day, I came across a very honest list of issues with braces that I think all adults should read. This is definitely not to deter you from getting braces... in fact, I view this as an argument for more advanced treatment through Invisalign. I'll let you be the judge:

A post bordering on TMI…

These lessons are probably not much different than those dealing with adolescent braces. However, I think the choice of foods and situations would be quite different.

1. Install a food disposal unit in your bathroom. Either that, or brush your teeth over the kitchen sink.
2. The Water Pic is the greatest invention ever. (I stopped short of using my pressure-washer for fear of removing gums and enamel.)
3. Pay attention to the “List of Foods to Avoid” that the orthodontist gives you.
4. To that list, add the following:
   • Sauerkraut
   • Pad Thai
   • Bacon Bits
   • Deep-Fried Pita Points
5. You have your choice of embarrassments during meals - picking your teeth or displaying a variety of cuisine every time you smile.
6. Between the foods you’re not eating and the amount of food that get stuck in your braces, you’ll start to lose weight.
7. Wax is your friend. However, remember to remove it before drinking hot coffee in the morning.
8. Advil is almost as friendly as wax.
9. Playing the trumpet isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Or, at least, no worse considering I hardly played it before braces.
10. Whistling is impossible.
11. People just aren’t very interested in (or sympathetic with) the problems you’re having with your braces.

More and More Adults Getting Braces

The AAO just released the news: the number of adults with braces has risen by 37% in the past 10 years! This is a huge increase. What people are attributing to this rise varies, but I have 3 ideas:

• More and more reality TV shows stressing the overall makeover
• The wide acceptance of cosmetic dentistry as more than just a "fad"
• The vast advances in orthodontic technology from Invisalign to SureSmile

Definitely with the ability to wear "invisible braces" it seems that the social stigma of wearing braces past college has gone away. We all want that perfectly healthy and straight smile, but many people don't realize that it's more than just cosmetics. Straightening your teeth can improve your oral health, and lead to a world of comfort in your jaw line. In fact, overly crowded teeth can cause headaches, mouth aches, and all these aches can easily effect the rest of your body. So, to ensure that you get the health benefits of a straight smile, don't let your age get in the way of your body's needs.

Chewing Gum and Gum Disease

Can chewing gum prevent gum disease? If you've watched TV anytime lately, you'll find that there are tons of commercials promoting gum and it's effects on health. What once started out as a candy has evolved now to something that "if eaten 4 times a day" can effectively whiten teeth. That quote comes from Trident.com. Trident, is the only over the counter gum approved by the ADA for improving oral health. Depending on the brand of Trident you chew, you can whiten and brighten your teeth, or (with their new brand) restore tooth enamel. The most important thing to note here is that this doesn't go for all gum. Gum is still a candy and, if it contains sugar, can do damage to teeth. The active ingredients of traditional gum may cause tooth decay and cavities. Chewing gum that is good for your oral health is the way to go. There's no difference in taste... in fact, why not chew the good kind of gum, it's certain to taste just as good AND improve your breath at the same time!

Patient Responses to SureSmile

As a SureSmile orthodontist in Bakersfield, I work with many patients who are trying to choose between Invisalign and SureSmile. Here's a video to help you decide:



Check back next week for a video about Invisalign.

Wearing Invisalign in Bakersfield California

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invialign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.

Improving on Orthodontics in Bakersfield

Orthodontics today is much different than it was years ago. With help from new technology like 3D imaging and robots, we can speed up your treatment time as well as ensure success! All this culminates to an amazing service we provide called SureSmile! To start, we take many photos of your mouth which is sent to our 3D imaging software. With a 3D image of your mouth, both the orthodontist and patient get to review what's working and what's not. We work together to create a custom treatment plan unique to your needs. What's the next step? A robot. View my last post to see exactly what I mean by a robot. The SureSmile robot shapes your wires to fit the plan, we put them on you, and then you get to let the wire start to work with the heat of your body! The benefits of SureSmile are many, but the most obvious include a shorter treatment time, fewer visits to the orthodontist, and more comfort than traditional metal braces. To learn more about this, get the info from a patient of SureSmile here. When you're ready to start your SureSmile treatment in Bakersfield, CA, give our office a call.

SureSmile in Action - State of The Art Orthodontics in Bakersfield, CA

We've blogged about SureSmile before, but today, we wanted to show it to you in action! Check out exactly how exciting it is when the expertise and experience of our Bakersfield orthodontist, meets the precision of a robot:

MySpace Contest... Winners to be annouced

Our MySpace contest was really successful! Over 35 of our local patients kept Dr. Montano as their top friend for 3 months, also many sent letters in about why they love Dr. Montano's office.

Check back for the winners of our contest!

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“I decided to become an orthodontist in the seventh grade when I had to prepare a career paper.” - Dr. Montano

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Do you want to be ......

• An Actor/Actress?
• A Veterinarian?
• A Race Car Driver?
• A Doctor?
• A Fireman?
• A Teacher?
• An Orthodontist?
  

Meet the Montano Orthodontics Team - Bakersfield, CA Orthodontist & Staff!

Following Dr. Montano’s lead, our team members are well-trained in state-of-the-art techniques and truly care for each and every patient. Our team is committed to ongoing education and regularly participates in advanced training, allowing us to offer the most advanced technology available in orthodontics today. SureSmile® allows us to create customized arch wires that will move your teeth to the desired position in less time than traditional wires. Invisalign® allows us to create clear trays for those who desire a beautiful smile but do not want the appearance of braces. We work as a team to create a relaxed, pleasant, and caring atmosphere where quality orthodontics provides the beautiful smile our patients are seeking.

Scheduling Coordinators:
Our Scheduling Coordinators are the first people you will speak to when you call our office and the first people to greet you when you visit us. They manage the appointment schedule and handle insurance, from determining the coverage available to filing your claims. You will find them very helpful with any accounting questions, emergencies that may arise, and any concerns that you would like to discuss.

Treatment Coordinators:
At your very first appointment with Dr. Montano, you will meet with one of our Treatment Coordinators. In addition to introducing new patients into the practice, Treatment Coordinators are involved in treatment planning with Dr. Montano and in consulting with patients regarding their care. Treatment plans and financial arrangements are among the responsibilities they share. Our Treatment Coordinators also have a great deal of experience in meeting patient needs, as well as in treatment management. Their genuine caring and excellent communication skills make them a valuable asset to the practice and to our patients.

Clinical Technicians:
Dr. Montano’s Clinical Technicians are dedicated to ensuring that your appointments run smoothly and on a timely basis. They are responsible for patient education when they are performing a procedure with Dr. Montano and for making your stay as comfortable as possible. Our clinical team is unsurpassed for their gentleness and attention to detail! Our clinical team is also specially trained in orthodontics and is licensed by the California State Board of Dental Examiners; additionally, they receive annual continuing education to update their orthodontic knowledge and techniques.

Orthodontic Laboratory, Radiographic, and Sterilization Technicians:
Dr. Montano’s Orthodontic Laboratory, Radiographic, and Sterilization team are dedicated to ensuring we have quality appliances, records, and instrument sterilization for our patients.

Our Orthodontic Laboratory Technicians are committed to providing you the highest quality orthodontic appliances using the latest techniques; additionally, they attend orthodontic courses to enhance their knowledge. They are also responsible for all the hundreds of clinical supplies that are necessary to care for our patients.

Our Radiographic Technician operates state-of-the-art digital radiographic equipment to provide you the latest in radiographic technology and the convenience of attaining your radiographic records in conjunction with your orthodontic appointment, thus saving you time.

Our Sterilization Technician is responsible for the cleanliness and organization of our instruments. She maintains the highest degree of sterilization by exceeding Dental Board sterilization guidelines. She also plays a key role in upgrading our sterilization procedures as new and improved techniques become available.

Mission Statement

Creating contagious enthusiasm one beautiful smile at a time.

Our Vision

To be a successful orthodontic team that enriches patients' lives by:

• Utilizing the latest technology
• Providing personalized care in a fun environment
• Being a caring professional team
• Providing the highest quality orthodontics

MySpace Contest! Win an iPod Video 30 gb or Nintendo Wii

At Montano office we have a wonderful contest that is going on!

First off if you haven't already find Dr. Montano on MySpace www.myspace.com/montanoorthodontics and request to be friends.

My Space Game!

Going on until May 19th in which patients can enter to win an iPod Video 30 gb or Nintendo Wii!

Patients can win one of two ways, either by placing Dr. Montano on their My Space top friends list for 3 months or by them telling us what they like best about Dr. Montano in a paragraph. For more details come on in and ask! We would love to have you visit.

What Sets our Bakersfield, CA Orthodontic Practice Apart From the Rest

There are many factors that set Dr. Montano's office above and beyond his competitors. You may already be aware of Dr. Montano's outstanding reputation and commitment to excellence, but did you also know that the level of technology in his office is unrivaled by any other office in Kern county? The reception areas are equipped with large flat panel televisions that display information about the office as well as new products and treatment options offered. Dr. Montano has the only office in Bakersfield with an on-site Radiographic and full service Orthodontic lab. All x-rays, photos, appliances, or repairs that may be needed during the course of your treatment can be completed in one convenient location. Since there are no additional lab or radiology fees, we are able to keep our fees at a reasonable rate. Being a digital office permits us to perform x-rays with the lowest amount of radiation possible and eliminates environmentally hazardous waste that traditional film-based products create. Dr. Montano is a nationally recognized expert in dentofacial orthopedics, thereby being able to balance facial features with an individual's smile.

A fully integrated computer system makes it possible to send appointment reminders directly to your e-mail. Every patient can access their appointment times, records, and account information from home. A large variety of treatment options ensure everyone has the opportunity to get the smile they have always wanted. Dr. Montano offers everything from conventional metal braces to clear braces to Invisalign®, and now SureSmile®. Dr. Montano is the only orthodontist in Kern County awarded the special distinction of Premier Provider by Invisalign year after year. He is also the only orthodontist in Kern County that utilizes SureSmile®, which is the most advanced 3-D computer imaging technology in orthodontics. SureSmile® technology allows Dr. Montano to create virtual treatment and individualized custom-made wires for each patient. It is a means of more personalized care while also shortening treatment time.

To keep things fun there is an incentive program that awards patients points for showing up to every appointment on time. After accumulating points patients can then redeem them for prizes. Periodically patients are able to participate in office games, which present the opportunity to win anything from iPods to movie tickets to gift certificates. The annual skate party allows Dr. Montano and his staff to show their appreciation for the patients, their parents, and any friends who may want to better their smiles as well.

Braces & Orthodontics for Children in Bakersfield, California (CA)

Few parents realize that their children can receive early orthodontic treatment to align their jaws and begin planning their child's facial growth. At our Bakersfield, CA orthodontic practice, we can consult with a parent about a child as early as seven years old about orthodontics and braces treatment. Our expert orthodontist and talented staff are skilled in orthodontics and braces treatment for children, adolescents, and braces for adults.

Early treatment benefits for children

Orthodontics for Children in Bakersfield, Califronia (CA)

The general consensus is that children should have an orthodontic consultation by the age of seven. The permanent first molars and incisors have usually erupted by this time and the child can be evaluated for any overbites, cross bites, or crowding that may be present. Early orthopedic intervention guides growth and development and may prevent serious problems that may require jaw surgery.

Advantages of early orthodontic treatment:

• Reducing treatment time
• Increase self-esteem early
• Shorten/improve second phase of treatment
• Possibly eliminate the need for future jaw surgery
• Avoid permanent tooth extraction
• Correct abnormal speech or swallowing problems
• Alleviate thumb sucking habits

Although early treatment can be a great preventative measure, it is never too late to improve your smile.