Get started toward a beautiful smile today!

We’re excited to tell you that Dr. Montano now offers Invisalign Teen—the clear alternative to braces—now for teens! This revolutionary new product can straighten your child’s teeth without the hassle, discomfort, and embarrassment of traditional braces.

Invisalign Teen’s clear aligners are virtually invisible. Even better, they’re removable. This means teens can eat whatever foods they want, and brush and floss with ease! And, maybe best of all, they don’t involve any metal or wires. Invisalign Teen aligners are made from a lightweight plastic material, and they fit precisely on the teeth—almost like a glove.

Most teens have a non-stop lifestyle, and sometimes, they lose things. Including aligners! But with Invisalign Teen, that’s no problem. If you lose your aligner, just let the doctor know ASAP, and he or she can have a replacement sent to you quickly.

Invisalign Teen is clear, comfortable, and virtually invisible.

For more information on Invisalign Teen, contact Dr. Montano today!

Montano Orthodontics Hosts Dr. Ron Jackson

On October 20, Montano Orthodontics hosted a meeting titled, "Replacing Congenitally Missing Laterals in Young People." The meeting was presented by Dr. Ron Jackson, who has published many articles on esthetic, adhesive dentistry and has lectured across the United States and abroad.

During the meeting, Dr. Jackson discussed conservative, durable and esthetic techniques for replacing missing incisors when implants are contraindicated or not desired by the patient.

Dr. Jackson also discussed the need to understand clinical situations where implants may not be the best method for replacing missing incisors, having the appreciation for an interdisciplinary approach when replacing congenitally missing lateral incisors in young people and the need to be able to conservatively and predictably replace missing laterals using bonded fiber reinforced indirect composite.

Dr. Montano and staff were extremely happy to have Dr. Jackson speak. In attendance were all local Bakersfield dentists.

Dr. Jackson, who has a private practice in Middleburg, West Virginia, is a Fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, a Diplomat in the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry and is the Director of the Advanced Adhesive Dentistry and Anterior Direct Resin programs at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Take Dr. Montano's soda POP QUIZ!

Dr. Montano wants to know, where does all that soda pop go?

On average, the typical person consumes over 50 gallons of soda pop per year! The amount of acid and sugar found in a can of soda can cause serious tooth decay and lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss!

We at Montano Orthodontics know that you don’t want to lose your teeth, so take the soda pop quiz, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association, and learn more about how to keep your smile healthy.

It’s a fun interactive quiz, so enjoy... and happy Wednesday!

Dr. Montano’s Annual Halloween Skating Party

It's that time of the year again! Don't miss Dr. Montano's annual Halloween Skating Party on October 31st from 10AM to 12PM. We will hold the event in the Rollerama West on 7850 Brimhall Rd. We will also be awarding prizes for the best costume in each age group. Don't miss it! Check out a few photos from last year's event on our Facebook page!

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Montano Orthodontics

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Montano will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

More About Orthodontics From Dr. Montano

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Montano took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Montano Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.