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    Smiles Change Lives

    July 14, 2010
    Smiles Change Lives to help provide braces for children returning to school.

    KANSAS CITY, Missouri--Don't wait until school starts to begin planning your child's orthodontic care. Think you can't afford it? Think again.

    Even in today's tough economy, families have an option for providing orthodontic treatment to their children.

    Smiles Change Lives is a nationwide nonprofit organization that helps children who desperately need, but whose families cannot afford, braces.

    "SCL is a tremendous resource for working families who want their children to have a healthy and attractive smile," stated Dr. Kelly Toombs, SCL provider and founding orthodontist from the Kansas City area.

    "I've been treating SCL patients since the program began in 1997 because I know the transformation that orthodontic treatment can create for a child. I'm adjusting not only a child's teeth and bite, but I'm also giving them a better chance at a successful future," added Dr. Toombs ,who has treated more than 50 SCL patients.

    SCL is seeking applicants nationwide who meet the following criteria:

    Ages 11-18 with 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

    "We hear over and over again that kids are reluctant to go back to school in the fall because they know their peers will start teasing them again about their teeth," shared Andrea Umbreit, director of marketing and communications for Smiles Change Lives.

    Many families are not able to provide orthodontic treatment without some assistance.

    "Wouldn't it be a great feeling if that same child who was being tormented could now go back to school, with braces and a new sense of self-confidence?" added Umbreit.

    SCL would like to serve thousands of children nationwide this year.

    "Don't give up on braces for your child," Dr. Toombs added. "Smiles Change Lives is a program that works miracles for kids and families. I've seen it happen."

    For more information, visit www.smileschangelives.org or call (888) 900-3554.

    To read more about Smiles Change Lives, go to Smiles Change Lives.

    To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.