SCL provides affordable orthodontic program for children

You've done your taxes and 2009 proved to be a pretty bad year. Your tax return shows just how much less money your family earned, making the possibility of providing orthodontic treatment for your children this year even more distant.

Don't postpone braces for your children. If you had a bad economic year in 2009, you may now qualify for a nonprofit affordable orthodontic program. Smiles Change Lives (SCL) is looking for kids who desperately need, but whose families cannot afford braces.

"Getting braces with the help of Smiles Change Lives is the nicest thing anyone ever did for me," admits Charity, a recently approved SCL participant. "I'm starting to see her smiling again and interacting with her friends," shares Charity's mom. "It's a blessing that we found Smiles Change Lives when we did because I just couldn't afford the treatment after I lost my job a year ago."

SCL is seeking applicants nationwide who meet the following criteria:

• Ages 11-18 with documented good oral hygiene
• Have moderately to severely crooked teeth and/or misaligned jaws
• Taxable family income (line 43) is at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

As you complete your 2009 income taxes, note line 43 on Form 1040 and visit http://www.smileschangelives.org/qualify to see if you meet our financial qualifications.

"I have been a long-time SCL provider because they know how important a smile is to everyone," states Dr. Joe Hannah, an SCL provider from Kansas. "It's so rewarding to see the patients' reaction when we tell them, 'yes, you are going to have an ideal smile.' It is my pleasure to be an SCL partner."

SCL would like to serve thousands of children nationwide this year. To apply, please visit Smiles Change Lives at http://www.smileschangelives.org/apply. You may also call 888-900-3554 to obtain an application via mail. Information is also available in Spanish.

Smiles Change Lives (SCL) provides life-changing, essential orthodontic treatment to children from low-income families. Now with a national program, our vision is to provide access to braces for all youth suffering from crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. Since 1997, SCL has created more than 1,200 healthy smiles. With the support of 3M, our official orthodontic industry sponsor, SCL will be able to reach out to even more communities nationwide.