Got questions? We’ve got answers.
At your free consultation, Dr. Montano will explain the entire braces process from start to finish, along with the cost of braces or invisalign.
Montano Elevated Ortho serves Bakersfield, Delano, Tehachapi, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, Arvin, Lamont, and other surrounding communities.
Montano Elevated Orthodo has a long-standing reputation for “Creating Bakersfield’s Most Beautiful Smiles.” The experience and results patients receive at Montano Elevated Ortho is second to none. The treatment process is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, with the goal of providing a treatment process that is as comfortable as possible, resulting in a beautiful, confident new smile that harmonizes with the rest of your unique facial features.
It is important to evaluate a child's teeth at age 7 because 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. By seeing them this young, an orthodontist can determine if early orthopedic intervention is needed to guide the growth of the jaws which may prevent serious problems that could require jaw surgery if treated at a later age.
Some advantages of early orthodontic treatment for children include reducing treatment time, increasing self-esteem early, shortening/improving the second phase of treatment, possibly eliminating the need for future jaw surgery, avoiding permanent tooth extraction, correcting abnormal speech or swallowing problems, resolving airway issues, and alleviating thumb sucking habits.
Braces move and align teeth over time by applying force and pressure with a series of brackets, wires, and elastics.
Reducing treatment time, alleviating thumb sucking habits, the possibility of avoiding jaw surgery or permanent tooth extraction, and preventing more serious health problems down the line that might require surgery.
For improved smile aesthetics, improving overall oral health, eliminating uneven wear on teeth, reducing symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), reducing or stopping breakdown or loss of teeth and bone that supports the teeth.
There are many different types of braces available, including metal braces, ceramic braces & clear braces.
Metal braces are the most common type of braces made of high-grade stainless steel and allow for exceptional precision and accuracy in straightening teeth. They come with the option of adding elastic ligatures (“donuts”) to hold the archwires in place in single or multi-colors.
Unlike traditional ceramic brackets that are opaque and colored to mimic a particular tooth shade, Inspire Ice braces are crystal clear and virtually disappear regardless of the shade of your teeth. They are the lowest profile ceramic brace on the market and are manufactured with an innovative boron tumbling process that provides a smooth surface to enhance patient comfort.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having your first orthodontist appointment at the age of seven to discover and treat potential issues before they become a larger problem in the future.
Braces for teens can correct bite issues, eliminate crowding or spacing of teeth, promote the long-term health of teeth and gums, transform the look of gummy smiles, properly align protruding “buck” teeth, and alleviate breathing and other airway problems.
Having braces as a teenager means you’ll be undergoing orthodontic treatment during a natural period of extensive physical growth. During this important time, your orthodontist can use your braces to help guide your facial development, resulting in a natural, ideal smile that takes into account the shape and structure of your face. Positive self-esteem is crucial during teenage years, and a winning smile that is properly aligned will give any teen the confidence they need as they grow into productive young men and women.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear and removable aligners to straighten teeth.
Invisalign aligners are discreet, comfortable, and removable, so you can eat and drink what you want, brush and floss with ease, and undergo treatment without the metal and wires associated with braces.
You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, gradually moving your teeth until they are straightened to the final position prescribed by your orthodontist.
Invisalign treatment typically takes between 12-18 months, but it can vary based on individual cases.
You should visit your orthodontist about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Yes, Invisalign offers a solution for teens who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces.
Invisalign for teens uses the same technology as the adult version but with special features like compliance indicators, which help ensure that the aligners are being worn properly.
During your Invisalign consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth, take x-rays and photos, and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you.
Invisalign aligners are made with 3-D computer imaging technology and are precisely calibrated to fit your mouth at each phase of the treatment.
Invisalign aligners are clear, comfortable, and removable, unlike traditional braces, which are noticeable and can cause discomfort.
You should clean your aligners daily by brushing them gently with a toothbrush and mild soap. You should also avoid eating and drinking anything other than water while wearing them.
Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day, only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.