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.

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!

SMILE CARDS at Montano Orthodontics!

Dr. Montano and his team would like to announce winners of the SMILE CARDS contest. Congratulations to the following patients:

Carlos Jimenez, who won 3rd place and a $125 visa card.
Jessica Barnes, who won 2nd place and a $150 visa card.
Gloria Cotter, who won 1st place and a $300 visa card and told us “Oh my God! I tell everyone about your office, It's the best!”

For more patient photos, please visit our brand new Facebook fan page!

For more details on the SMILE CARDS contest or our future contests call or email us today! While there, become a "fan" of Montano Orthodontics!

Montano Orthodontics Hosts Continuing Education Lecture

http://www.montanosmile.com/meet-dr-montano.php and Montano Orthodontics hosted a dental continuing education lecture featuring Dr. Terrell Pannkuk.

The lecture addressed tools available and the latest technology to help determine when to extract teeth and when to save them.

Dr. Pannkuk demonstrated actual challenging cases that highlight difficulties and help evaluate the long term effects.

Montano Orthodontics regularly hosts continuing education courses to spread information about the latest in technology and the field of orthodontics.

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.