Kids all over the world get braces on their teeth every day. Braces help straighten teeth to improve how they look and work. But did you know that braces are generally $4,000 to $8,000 and that insurance typically doesn’t cover the cost? So what if a child should get braces but their parents can’t afford them?
In this video, you’ll meet eight female orthodontists in St. Louis, MO who are using their abilities, talents and kind hearts to give free braces to kids who couldn’t otherwise afford them. These orthodontists are working through a national nonprofit organization called Smiles Change Lives.
Smiles Change Lives matches qualified children — who want to get braces today — with caring orthodontists willing to provide this treatment. Each family must agree to abide by the program’s rules and contribute a set amount to be approved for the program. Smiles Change Lives then uses these funds to recruit more doctors who are willing to treat more children. Since 1997, Smiles Change Lives orthodontists have treated more than 12,000 children across the country.
Today, more than 50 kids in St. Louis have received free braces through Smiles Change Lives. Thanks to these eight generous local orthodontists, many more families have a reason to smile today.
