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

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.