SCL offers nonprofit orthodontic program for children and adolescents

There are two months until the April 15 tax deadline, and if your family has experienced a decrease in income due to the economic downturn, you may now qualify for a low-cost nonprofit orthodontic program. Smiles Change Lives (SCL) is looking for kids from low-income families who need braces.

"She comes home crying about the teasing. I would just like her to have a nice smile, without her covering her mouth all the time." -- Carol, mother to 12 year old Samantha

In the United States there are 43 million youth who need, but whose families can't afford, braces. Unfortunately, in this economy, a lot of families have had to postpone orthodontic treatment for their kids. That means for kids like Samantha, their smile continues to be a source of embarrassment and discrimination.

SCL is seeking applicants 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 is at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

If you're a parent whose child needs braces, this economy might seem an unlikely one to pursue orthodontic treatment. 2009 signaled a decreased income for a lot of families who previously may not have qualified for financial assistance. SCL wants to assure families that if their income decreased in 2009, they may be able to take advantage of this nonprofit affordable program. As you file your 2009 taxes, note line 43 on Form 1040 and visit http://www.smileschangelives.org/qualify to see if you meet our financial qualifications.

Dr. Frank Egan, one of SCL's partner orthodontists from Long Island, NY, is a strong supporter of SCL's program. "If we can just connect with the kids who need braces but can't afford to have them," says Egan, "then we'll be able give them a running start for the future."