How Elevated Ortho in Bakersfield Helps You Prevent Cavities and Gum Disease with Orthodontic Treatment

The Hidden Health Benefits of a Well-Aligned Smile
Elevate Your Smile!
At Elevated Ortho, we believe a straight smile is more than just a confidence booster—it's a foundation for lifelong health. Led by
Dr. Don Montano, with over 35 years of orthodontic experience, our Bakersfield-based practice is committed to helping you improve the look of your smile and the health of your gums and teeth. Through personalized
braces and
Invisalign® treatments, we help you prevent cavities and gum disease by improving oral hygiene, correcting bite issues, and making dental care easier. Let's explore how aligning your smile can elevate your overall dental health.
Table of Contents
Welcome to Elevated Ortho
Why Straight Teeth Matter for Oral Health
How Orthodontic Treatment Prevents Cavities
Aligners and Braces: Which Protects Best?
Braces Care Tips for Cavity Prevention
Improved Gum Health Through Alignment
Preventing Tooth Wear and Jaw Problems
The Connection Between Bite and Oral Hygiene
Long-Term Benefits of an Aligned Smile
Dr. Montano's Approach to Whole-Health Smiles
Our Community Trust: 5 Stars and 835+ Reviews
Your First Step Toward Better Oral Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Elevated Ortho
Here at Elevated Ortho in Bakersfield, we're more than an orthodontic clinic—we're your partners in achieving a healthier smile for life. Led by
Dr. Don Montano, who brings over three decades of expertise to every patient, we focus on the aesthetic and health benefits of orthodontic care. We proudly serve the Bakersfield community with advanced treatments like
braces and Invisalign®, and we're dedicated to providing a personalized, education-focused experience for every patient. With over
835 five-star reviews, our patients consistently trust us to deliver excellent care that goes beyond just straightening teeth.
Why Straight Teeth Matter for Oral Health
Straight teeth aren't just for looks—they are critical in maintaining good oral hygiene. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, it becomes difficult to brush and floss effectively. This creates the perfect environment for plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. At Elevated Ortho, we've seen time and time again how properly aligned teeth make it easier to clean every surface, helping patients maintain healthier smiles for the long term. Straightening your smile isn't just cosmetic—it's a preventive step for lifelong dental health.
How Orthodontic Treatment Prevents Cavities
Cavities form when food particles and plaque sit on your teeth too long, especially in hard-to-reach places. When teeth are misaligned, there are more nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide. That's why orthodontic treatment at Elevated Ortho is about more than aesthetics. We eliminate those tricky areas by straightening your teeth, making it easier to clean thoroughly and consistently. Whether you're using braces or aligners, the outcome is the same: a smoother surface that's easier to brush, floss, and protect from decay. The result? Fewer cavities, better checkups, and more confidence in your daily oral care routine.
Aligners and Braces: Which Protects Best?
We often get asked which treatment—braces or aligners—is better for oral health. Both have advantages, and at Elevated Ortho, we help you choose the one that fits your lifestyle and health goals. Invisalign® aligners are removable, allowing for easier brushing and flossing. That's a big plus when it comes to cavity prevention. On the other hand, braces can be more effective for complex alignment issues and reduce grinding and wear that harm your teeth. Whichever path you choose, our team guides you every step of the way, ensuring your smile gets the protection and care it deserves.
Braces Care Tips for Cavity Prevention
Wearing braces doesn't have to mean battling cavities. With the right habits, you can keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment. We recommend brushing after every meal, using floss threaders or water flossers to clean between brackets, and choosing cavity-fighting toothpaste. At Elevated Ortho, we provide detailed instructions and ongoing support to help you maintain excellent hygiene. Our team also offers check-ins and educational tools tailored to your needs. Staying committed to your hygiene during braces will help you reveal a straighter, healthier smile when the brackets come off.
Improved Gum Health Through Alignment
Gum health often improves dramatically with orthodontic treatment. Crowded or tilted teeth can cause the gums to recede or become inflamed. When we align your teeth, we're also helping your gums follow a healthier contour around each tooth. Proper alignment reduces the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease, which are major causes of tooth loss in adults. At Elevated Ortho, we look at the whole picture—not just how your smile looks, but how it functions and stays healthy for years. Your gums will thank you.
Preventing Tooth Wear and Jaw Problems
Misaligned teeth don't just affect your smile—they can cause serious wear and tear. When your bite isn't balanced, certain teeth take on more pressure than others. Over time, this can lead to chipping, enamel erosion, or even jaw pain and TMJ disorders. At Elevated Ortho, we carefully evaluate your bite as part of our comprehensive treatment planning. Whether we're recommending braces or Invisalign®, the goal is the same: to create a well-balanced bite that functions properly and protects your teeth from damage. Preventing wear now means fewer restorations and less dental work later on.
The Connection Between Bite and Oral Hygiene
Your bite plays a bigger role in your hygiene than you might think. When teeth don't line up correctly, they're harder to clean thoroughly, especially in the back, where crowding often occurs. This can lead to plaque buildup, quickly becoming cavities or gum problems. At Elevated Ortho, we align your smile with precision so that every tooth is easier to reach, brush, and floss. A healthier bite leads to better daily cleaning, fewer cavities, and fresher breath. It's a full-circle benefit: form meets function for total mouth wellness.
Long-Term Benefits of an Aligned Smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your future. Beyond the boost in confidence, an aligned smile brings lasting health benefits. When your teeth are in the right position, you're less likely to develop cavities, gum disease, and dental injuries. You'll also experience fewer headaches and jaw issues, and your dental cleanings will be quicker and more effective. At Elevated Ortho, we don't just straighten teeth—we set you up for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles. The payoff continues long after your last aligner or the day your braces come off.
Dr. Montano's Approach to Whole-Health Smiles
Dr. Don Montano has been transforming smiles in Bakersfield for over 35 years. His philosophy? Treat the smile, protect the health. Every patient at Elevated Ortho receives a personalized plan built around long-term wellness, not just cosmetic results. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including digital scans, to understand how your teeth, gums, and jaw work together. From there, we build a plan that improves your bite, simplifies oral care, and enhances dental health. This whole-health approach is why our patients trust us to deliver more than just straight teeth—they trust us to deliver smiles that last a lifetime.
Our Community Trust: 5 Stars and 835+ Reviews
We're proud of the results we deliver—but even prouder of the trust we've earned. With over
835 five-star reviews, our Bakersfield community knows Elevated Ortho stands for quality, integrity, and genuine care. Patients of all ages share how their experience with us went beyond expectations, from smoother appointments to results they love seeing in the mirror. Whether it's your child's first time in braces or your own journey to a healthier smile, we're here with support, clarity, and commitment at every stage. Your confidence in us means everything, and we work hard daily to keep it.
Your First Step Toward Better Oral Health
Ready to improve more than just your smile? At Elevated Ortho, we're here to help you prevent cavities, protect your gums, and feel great every time you look in the mirror. We start every treatment with a detailed consultation, including a 3D scan and a personalized plan from
Dr. Montano himself. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign®, we guide you through each step with care, expertise, and a commitment to your long-term health. When your teeth are aligned, your whole mouth benefits. So don't wait—let's elevate your smile and health today.
📞 Call us: 661-665-7600
🌐 Visit us: elevatedortho.com
📍
Location: Bakersfield, California
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can braces help prevent cavities?
Yes! Braces align teeth so you can clean them more effectively, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and decay.
2. Are aligners better than braces for gum health?
Aligners can be removed for easy cleaning, supporting better gum hygiene. Both options improve gum health by aligning the teeth.
3. How long does it take to see oral health benefits?
You may notice easier cleaning and fresher breath within weeks. Long-term benefits grow throughout your treatment.
4. What age should my child get evaluated?
We recommend an orthodontic screening around age 7. We treat patients of all ages, including adults!
5. What makes Elevated Ortho different?
We combine decades of experience with a whole-health approach focusing on aesthetics and long-term dental wellness.
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