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

California State University Cuts 4 Sports Programs, and How It Affects Students

At Montano Orthodontics, we know that Bakersfield and the rest of California have been hit hard with budget crisis, and we've seen cuts everywhere, especially in education. At California State University Bakersfield, the athletics program is being hit especially hard, with four sports being cut by the end of the 2009-2010 season. Check out the full article in the latest issue of CSUB's The Runner. This is tough news to hear!

-Montano Orthodontics

Smile for a Lifetime Foundation and Ormco Partner to Provide Free Orthodontic Treatment to Underserved Kids in Need In Bakersfield CA

Smile for a Lifetime Foundation announced Tuesday it has signed an exclusive arrangement with Ormco Corp. to help deliver pro bono orthodontic treatment services to underprivileged children throughout the country.

Ormco, a leading manufacturer of innovative orthodontic appliances and supplies, will provide products free of charge to orthodontists affiliated with Smile for a Lifetime to treat underserved children. Smile for a Lifetime is a non-profit organization that works nationally with orthodontists to provide treatment scholarships to underprivileged children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford treatment.

"I'm thrilled to have such a well-respected company like Ormco understand the importance of giving," said David B. Carter, DMD, national president of Smile for a Lifetime. "They are giving back in so many ways: to the lives they will change by sponsoring this charitable foundation and to our profession by helping the public see us as not only health care providers, but also as health care givers. In this, and many other ways, Ormco continues to be a truly visionary company."

Ormco will donate a number of state-of-the-art appliances including the Damon® System, a combination of tie-less braces and high-tech memory archwires that help clinicians treat patients quickly and comfortably. Doctors also will have access to the Simpli5™ express aligner system through Ormco's AOA Orthodontic Laboratory, which manufacturers customized appliances.

In addition, Ormco manufactures Insignia™ advance smile design, a combination of 3-D digital treatment planning software and custom-designed brackets and wires tailored to a patient's specific dental anatomy.

With average treatment fees ranging from $5,000 or more, orthodontia can be financially challenging for many parents. Smile for a Lifetime helps build self-confidence, inspire hope and change the lives of children by providing scholarships for orthodontic treatment in communities around the country. Each year, Smile for a Lifetime reviews hundreds of applicants before selecting those who will receive treatment based on financial need, letters of recommendation, community involvement and special circumstances. To date, the organization has provided more than $2 million in orthodontic care for individuals who cannot afford treatment and may not have other opportunities to acquire assistance.

"Orthodontists affiliated with the foundation donate their services, while this new arrangement with Ormco ensures that the appliances they use will be available without any out-of-pocket expenses," said Dr. Carter.

"Ormco is a recognized leader in orthodontic supplies, ingenuity and education," said Dr. Donald Montano, a long-time Smile for a Lifetime provider and chapter leader in California. "I have been a long-time user of Ormco products and am very pleased to have their support. While I'm happy for their support, I'm also not surprised. It's what great companies do!"

"We are so proud to support the exceptional work that Smile for a Lifetime and their affiliated orthodontists around the country are doing to change the lives of children," said Ken Konopa, Ormco president. "A beautiful smile can literally transform the life of an individual, giving them the confidence they need to pursue their dreams. This isn't just about straightening teeth; it's about giving underserved children a chance at a happier, more successful future."

About Ormco

Celebrating 50 years of providing innovative products and services, Ormco helps orthodontists deliver exceptional clinical results in the least amount of time and with the greatest patient comfort. The company is a subsidiary of Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc., a leading manufacturer of a broad range of value-added products for the dental profession, including the specialty markets of orthodontics, endodontics and implantology, and a variety of infection prevention products for use by the medical profession. For more information, visit www.ormco.com.

About Smile for a Lifetime

Smile for a Lifetime Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that provides orthodontic care to individuals who may not have the opportunity to acquire assistance. Launched in 2008, Smile for a Lifetime Foundation aims to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations, and orthodontic needs. The Foundation sponsors the orthodontic care of hundreds of patients each year. For more information, visit www.S4L.org.

A Heartfelt Patient Appreciation Letter for Montano Orthodontics

At Montano Orthodontics, we love to make an impact in a patient's life, whether it is a new smile, renewed self confidence, or just a healthier bite! When we receive feedback from patients like the Kukula family, it makes all our work worthwhile! Be sure to check out the letter, included below:



At times it has felt like Dr. Montano’s office has been a home away from home. I have entrusted him and his staff with not only the care of my smile, but that of my whole family! We are a walking billboard for Dr. Montano’s great work.

Returning to Dr. Montano for each family member has been an easy choice. He and his staff are very friendly and make it a top priority to give thorough explanations of the treatment needed. Just like each member of my family is different, so was each of our treatment plans. Dr. Montano customized our treatment based on our individual needs.

Choosing Dr. Montano and his staff to care for my family was a “painless” decision, both literally and figuratively. I am happy to say we are all very pleased with our fantastic results!

Sincerely,

George, Jan, Geoff & Lauren Kukula

SureSmile – Robotic Braces Featured on the Science Channel

SureSmile’s high tech wires and innovative 3D scanner were featured on the Science Channel last year, and we have found the video on YouTube! The video does a great job of explaining how the system works, and what makes it so much more effective than traditional orthodontic treatment. Check it out, and let us know what you think!

--Montano Orthodontics

Photos from the 2010 SureSmile Conference

Earlier this month Dr. Montano and the clinical team at Montano Orthodontics attended the 2010 SureSmile Conference in Grapevine, Texas. While there, Dr. Montano gave a presentation about SureSmile to other orthodontists, the picture of which is displayed above. We have plenty of fun photos that we just posted on Facebook as well, including a sequence of shots of Dr. Montano riding a mechanical bull at the conference for 22 seconds!

Check them out and let us know what you think!

Montano Orthodontics, helping tackle sports injuries in Bakersfield

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why Montano Orthodontics is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Call us at Montano Orthodontics for an appointment to make a mouth guard for your child today. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or treatment at Montano Orthodontics.

The Benefits of Being a Schulman Study Group Member, from Dr. Montano

I'm looking forward to one of the most educational and fun weeks of my year. I'm not talking about vacation even though it will be somewhere nice. I'm talking about my annual trek to spend a week of learning and sharing with my colleagues in the Schulman Study Group (SSG). The SSG is one of the most highly regarded Study Groups in North America. It is limited to 125 of the best practices and is by "invitation only" and even then there is a waiting list. I was honored with this distinction 9 years ago and was elected to a 6 year term on the Board of Directors 4 yrs ago. We spend a week together every year learning from one another. Much of what we learn is shared with the orthodontic profession at our national meetings and in our professional journals. This is a demanding group that continually inspires its members to improve in all aspects of our professional and personal lives. Our motto is "SUCCESS THROUGH SHARING".

Last year I presented our newly launched Smile For a Lifetime Foundation on the first day of our meeting. The response was what I expected. Pure enthusiasm and support. Our goal of setting up 25 new Chapters by year end was surpassed with a year end tally of
44 chapters up and running! We have moved beyond that and are now in over 35 states. This, all in less than a year. I am so inspired by my colleagues in the SSG that we stay in contact throughout the year. These are some of the most innovative and technologically advanced orthodontists in North America. Last year's family vacation included a visit to an SSG orthodontist in Calgary, Canada.

Creating Self Confidence, Hope, and Changing Lives in Kern County

Leeann and Chelsey are two more children that have been selected for a Smile For Lifetime Orthodontic scholarship. With your help we can make another child’s dream come true. Please help us, help a child who is in need of a beautiful smile and self esteem boost. Please submit an application today, time is running out for our winter scholarship selection. Application information is at: www.montanosmile.com or www.s4l.org

Leeann Banks is a 7th grader at Compton Jr. High. She is another lucky recipient of braces through Smile for a Lifetime and Montano Orthodontics. Not only is Leeann an honor student who plays violin in the honor orchestra, she also likes to help her community by feeding the homeless and keeping her city clean by picking up trash. Leeann old us when she first started treatment, “thank you so much for choosing me! I am so tired of being made fun of, if it wasn’t for you I would of never gotten braces.” On her last visit she told us she is still excited to receive them but also glad she isn’t as sore anymore.
GiGi Maurer, Leeann’s 6h grade teacher tells us that, “Leeann is an academically impressive student whose self confidence will definitely increase because of the S4L program.” We know that with the help of a brilliant smile Leeann will strive to be the best that she can be.



Another deserving recipient of the Smile for a Lifetime scholarship is Linns Valley School Student Chelsey Vick. Chelsey is a loving and caring little girl who is involved in church and loves to sing gospel music. She has sang solo for the last 2 years in the Christmas Dessert production at Mt. Carmel Church in Glenville, CA. Chelsey was so excited to be chosen she said, “I’m getting my braces put on and no one will call me names anymore!”

Her mother told us that Chelsey would come home from school and tell her that she would cry at school because she was called names because of her teeth. “We are so thankful, we have prayed and prayed every night and this was an answer to our prayers, god will bless you for this,” Martha, Chelsey's mother tells us. Chelsey’s teacher has witnessed the thoughtless comments from other children, “Chelsey is a great child, having her teeth corrected would complete the beautiful picture she presents to the world.” We at Montano Orthodontics’ truly agree with her.

Invisalign Elite Premier Provider in Bakersfield, CA

While you probably know that we offer Invisalign at Montano Orthodontics, did you know that Dr. Montano is an Invisalign Elite Premier Provider? So what does this certification mean?

Dr Montano is specially trained in the Invisalign system of clear removable aligners, and has had extensive experience working with the system with his patients. Elite Premier Providers like Dr. Montano have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system, and are the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the entire country! After completing Invisalign treatment for hundreds of patients, Dr. Montano is the only doctor in the area with this distinction, and is also the only orthodontist in Bakersfield that offers Invisalign Teen, the aligner technology specifically designed for teenagers!
If you are considering the Invisalign system, give us a call at 661-665-7600 to schedule a free consultation. During this appointment we can work with you to determine if the Invisalign system is right for you!

With Montano Orthodontics, you have 24/7 access to your account

At Montano Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Bakersfield, CA.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your photos and x-rays at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients have to say about this service!

This service means that making and canceling appointments is much easier. I have yet to find that equaled in other services in Bakersfield. ~ Ashley K.

The service allows me to check my appointment times at my convenience not when the office is open. I am also able to view past pictures from point 0 to the present and see the progress that I am making towards having the smile that I want. ~ Renee R.

I like the fact that I am able to go online and check appt date and time. I am one that is always online so this is a big convenience for me. ~ Lauren M.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at 661-665-7600 if you have any questions!

Interview with Inga Barks

AM 1180 Kern News Talk Radio host Inga Barks recently visited us at Montano Orthodontics to begin orthodontic treatment for her twin boys Sam and Josh. She shared a few details about their experience with Dr. Montano and the team, along with the SureSmile system. Check out the interview below, and stay tuned for more news from Inga, Sam and Josh at Montano Orthodontics!

Why did you choose Montano Orthodontics?

We originally chose Dr. Montano because we were referred by our dentist. But it was the consultation that sealed the deal. We saw photos, we were given options, Dr. Montano visited with me and the boys personally, and didn't even seem to mind answering all of their "14 year old" questions.

What did you think about your exam experience? Was it thorough? Did Dr. Montano answer all of your questions about your boy's treatment?

He answered every question. What was great was that we left feeling that we were the only patients he has (or the most important ones). :)

What do you think about the Technology SureSmile? What do your boy's think about SureSmile?

Sam and Josh are identical twins and both have some unusual challenges. Both have baby teeth that are buried in their gums and growing in the wrong direction. Both have very overlapping teeth. I don't mind saying, they are good looking boys, but they are very aware of their mangled smiles. I don't remember being "excited" about getting braces. Sam and Josh are extremely excited about the fact that they will ultimately have great smiles and healthy teeth in less time by utilizing the SureSmile process. And I am personally amazed at how far we've come since I had my braces!

What do your boys think about the games in the office?

Anytime a child puts down their text messaging or iPod Touch to play in your arcade, you KNOW you've got a terrific facility!!!

Another Beautiful New Smile Made Possible by the Smile For a Lifetime Program

Kaelan Baumgardner, a 10 year old at Columbia Elementary School, received his Smile for a Lifetime scholarship this month. When Kaelan’s mother found out he was chosen she was so excited she went to school and announced it to Kaelan’s entire class. His entire class congratulated him. Kaelan tells us that, “having a new smile means that no one will be able to call him names like, Sponge Bob any more and he will have more friends.”

We are told that he is a wonderful young man with a huge heart who always has an interesting story about his Lego structures or favorite TV show. Kaelan does not let his slight misfortunes hold him back. He is always ready to offer assistance to other students in need. He also joins in school activities such as running for student council and participating in oral language activities. Kaelan’s father said, “He had God on his side, so he couldn’t lose.” William Jager, principal at Columbia elementary school told us, “Kaelan’s great attitude and happy disposition could only be enhanced by a beautiful new smile.”

The Smile for a Lifetime program chooses individuals who are good students, citizens, and are in need of financial assistance for orthodontic treatment. To learn more about the Smile for a Lifetime program, head over to the Montano Orthodontics web site.