Burris and Montano Launch Smile For A Lifetime

Smile For A Lifetime, the foundation launched by Dr. Benjamin Burris and Dr. Donald Montano, seeks to inspire individuals to make a difference in their own communities. The Foundation provides orthodontic treatment to individuals who could not otherwise afford it. By investing in underprivileged children throughout the nation, the Foundation hopes that the children will in turn invest in their neighborhoods. At the annual Super Schulman Group meeting, Dr. Montano spoke about the Foundation to raise national awareness.

Comprised of prominent orthodontists and their practices, the Super Schulman Group aims to educate and inspire. Started twenty-five years ago by Bud Schulman, the group is an open forum for innovative ideas, such as the Smile For A Lifetime Foundation.

Benjamin Burris, Dr. Montano's partner in founding the organization.

Dr. Montano takes Smile For A Lifetime national at the Schulman Group Annual Meeting.

Dr. Montano Brightens the World One Smile at a Time

Dr. Montano partnered with Ben Burris from Arkansas to create the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to provide orthodontic treatment to well deserving patients who couldn’t otherwise afford it.

Committed to doing 24 cases next year alone, Dr. Montano said, “We’ve been fortunate. We’ve done well. I want to give back to the right kids, who, I hope, will give back to their community.”

Charitable work is nothing new to Dr. Montano. He has been involved with numerous causes ranging from cystic fibrosis, Couples Against Cancer, and CSUB wrestling to working with the Kern River Foundation to secure more than 900 acres of property.

“We see it (the good) when the braces come off,” said Montano, “People get teary-eyed when they see the change. A smile and confidence is the best gift you can give anybody.”

Check out Smile For A Lifetime Foundation for more information.

For the full story, go to http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/columnists/herb_benham/story/705154.html.

Montano Orthodontics Holds Conference for Dental Specialist

Montano Orthodontics held a conference in their office for Marcos Vargas, DDS. The presentation was attended by 27 local dentists. The presentation focused on the elements that allow cosmetic dentist practitioners to predictably obtain realistic restorations in daily practice.

This presentation is part of Dr. Montano’s continuing education and commitment to the community. By bringing Marcos Vargas to the community, he expanded the level of expertise for himself and other professionals in the area.

Vargas received his DDS in Lima, Peru. He attended a two year AEGD program at Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York and received a Certificate in Operative Dentistry and Master’s of Science from the University of Iowa where he is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Dentistry.

Montano Orthodontics Patient Reviews

Montano Orthodontics provides superior orthodontic care for children and adult patients in the Bakersfield community. Just see what their patients have to say!Dr. Montano is very friendly and very knowledgeable. He answers all my questions thoroughly. I made the right choice when I picked Dr. Montano as my daughter's orthodontist.
-Megan A.

I can tell Dr. Montano really cares about the outcome of my treatment. He is always friendly, cooperative, and helpful. He has made a very difficult and trying time in my life much easier to manage. I don't feel like I am going through it by myself because he has been there with me each step of the way. Thanks Dr. Montano!
-Nicola H.

Dr. Montano and his staff are very nice and the office is very clean! I recommended my friend Stephanie; she got braces a few weeks ago! I will continue to send my friends and family to Dr. M!
-Felisha M.

Dr. Montano is very knowledgeable, he treats everyone with kindness and respect, and he has a very good reputation in our community.
-Katie C.

I like Dr. Montano because I didn't have to go through surgery, I get a prize for being on time at the end, and I get to play arcade games while I wait.
-Kaitlin B.

I like how Dr. Montano is a down-to-earth cool guy and I love how fast my smile is improving!!!!!!!!
-Stephanie O.

The office is very modern and professional, Dr. Montano is extremely friendly and his staff is excellent.
-Michael M.

Gummy Tummy - Bakersfield, CA

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Montano Orthodontics!

$1.50 for a Cavity?? Dr. Montano Can Help!

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Soft Bread
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Sliced meat

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry? - Bakersfield, CA

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, contact us and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.