Smiles Change Lives (SCL), a nationwide program that provides access to orthodontic treatment to children from low-income families, is expanding its service areas into 10 new states and regions.

SCL, which is supported by 3M, its official orthodontic industry sponsor, is currently seeking low-income children, ages 11-18, with severely crooked teeth and misaligned jaws who need assistance in getting orthodontic treatment.

SCL’s growth is possible due to the efforts of dedicated orthodontists nationwide who are working to establish SCL programs in their communities and give low-income children something to smile about. These orthodontists agree to treat qualified, motivated SCL patients in their offices. The time and talent that these caring orthodontists invest in each SCL patient creates a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime!

“I’ve been so pleased with this program. Every SCL patient assigned to my practice has been a pleasure. I’ve had moms in my office in tears when I put their child’s braces on,” said Dr. Randall Markarian of St. Louis, an SCL program leader, in a recent press release. “With SCL, I know that I’m helping the kids who need me the most.”

According to SCL, families that turn to it for assistance cannot afford the average cost of braces for their children. With the current economic downturn, more families now qualify for SCL due to a change in the program’s financial guidelines, which include a broader spectrum of low-income families.

SCL is actively seeking qualified applicants in Missouri; Minnesota; Kentucky; Long Island, N.Y.; Virginia; Florida; San Diego; Colorado; North Carolina; Massachusetts; Wisconsin; New Jersey; Illinois; Philadelphia; Kansas and Texas. SCL plans to expand into more states and regions in 2010.

The organization was founded in 1997, and since then it has assisted more than 1,200 patients.

Orthodontists who wish to get involved or get more information are invited to contact the organization at (888) 900-3554, info@smileschangelives.org, www.smileschangelives.org.

Patients who are interested in SCL are encouraged to visit www.smileschangelives.org/qualify to determine if their families meet the financial guidelines. Families interested in applying can review program guidelines and download an application at www.smileschangelives.org/apply.