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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Dr. Montano and team want to know: What are you up to in December?

We're almost half-way through December, and, believe it or not, almost in full holiday mode! So Dr. Montano and the team at Montano Orthodontics want to know: What are you doing this month? Any big plans during your winter break? Anything exciting in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how!

Have a great rest of the week!

--The team at Montano Orthodontics

Montano Orthodontics November 2009 Newsletter!

Wondering what's going on with Montano Orthodontics lately? Wonder no more! Here is our November 2009 Smile for a Lifetime newsletter, ready for your enjoyment!

Let us know what you think! We'd love to hear from you, our amazing patients!

--Dr. Montano and the Montano Orthodontics team

SureSmile goes on ABC's "The Doctors"

On a recent episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. Did you know Montano Orthodontics offers SureSmile as well? Give us a call and ask!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are the winners of the "Where is Your Montano Orthodontics T-Shirt?" contest!

Montano Orthodontics is proud to announce the winners of our "Where is your Montano Orthodontics T-Shirt?" contest. The goal was to obtain photographic proof of all the places the contestants wore their t-shirts.

Taylor Sanders won 1st place, and won a Nintendo Wii!!

Sarah Ciota won 2nd place, and won a Sony PSP!!

For more pictures, head over to our Facebook page!

--The team at Montano Orthodontics

Smile for Life with Montano Orthodontics!

Montano Orthodontics is pleased to announce, Smile for a Lifetime Foundation’s (S4L) Kern County Regional Chapter has chosen
8 more candidates for the year, making a total of 13 news smiles
being created this year thus far! Congratulations to Ashley Moreno
and Elyssa Thompson. Both recipients received their braces this
month.

Ridgeview High School student Ashley Moreno receives her braces.
Ashley is a talented young lady who loves to sing but is embarrassed
to because of her teeth. She has shared on several occasions
that she does not like her smile, so she chooses not to as often as
she would like. Since Ashley has been chosen she has told us she
believes that "this opportunity will really affect my up-coming years
in high school and help me with my self-confidence." Her mother
says "she feels blessed to know there are those who can help give
children a greater confidence in themselves." With the help of S4L
and Montano Orthodontics, Ashley will glean a smile as beautiful as
the rest of her.

Elyssa Thompson a 10 year old Valley Oaks Charter School student
earns a Smile for a Lifetime scholarship. Elyssa stays busy with
Awanas, Bobby Sox softball, and playing the violin. Her counselor
and Resource teacher have noticed Elyssa changing from a confident
and outgoing individual to someone who retreats from speaking.
They have also noticed that when she does speak she covers
her mouth with her hand. Elyssa says she hides her mouth because
of her "Buck teeth." Her mother told us, "my daughters confidence
is going to explode now that she has been chosen. It's such a miracle,
like someone was watching over her." Soon Elyssa will be able
to talk and smile without hiding all she
wants with the help of S4L and Montano Orthodontics!