Smiles Change Lives in Bellevue
Dr. Wallace W. Wong, Orthodontics is proud to participate in Smiles Change Lives (SCL), a program that helps children from low-income families in Bellevue, WA and beyond receive the orthodontic treatment they need. It is estimated that about 20% of American children live with moderate-to-severe malocclusions, and many would not receive care without assistance.
Request an AppointmentHelping Children Access Orthodontic Care
Smiles Change Lives serves kids who experience the social, emotional, and physical effects of dental problems such as crooked, missing, broken, and impacted teeth or misaligned jaws. Many of these children have difficulty speaking and chewing. Others live with ongoing discomfort or are targets of teasing and bullying. Orthodontic treatment can improve not only their oral health but also their self-esteem and confidence.
Interested families can learn more and start the application process at www.smileschangelives.org/apply.
About Smiles Change Lives
The Virginia Brown Community Orthodontic Partnership was established in 1997 as a community-based program to help children from low-income families, whose self-esteem was likely affected by crooked teeth, receive orthodontic treatment. Now known as Smiles Change Lives, it has grown into an international organization with close to 750 participating orthodontists, and more than 6,000 children have received life-changing orthodontic treatment through the program.
SCL uses a unique model that matches children who need orthodontic treatment with caring orthodontists willing to provide it. Each family agrees to follow the program’s rules and contribute a set amount to SCL. Those funds are used to recruit more doctors to treat more children, so each family truly “pays it forward.” By helping their own child, they make it possible for the next child to receive care. Since the program began, more than 99% of approved children have successfully completed treatment.
How the Program Works
SCL is looking for youth who meet the following criteria:
- Are between the ages of 10 and 18
- Have no more than four baby teeth and no unfilled cavities
- Have good dental hygiene
- Are not currently wearing braces
- Meet the SCL financial guidelines
- Are willing to follow the SCL program rules and make the required financial contribution
Children accepted into the program may receive treatment such as traditional or clear braces, followed by retainers to protect their results. Families with younger children may also benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation at our office.
How to Apply
SCL has openings to serve qualifying children across the United States and Canada. To apply for assistance, please visit www.smileschangelives.org/apply. For more information about the program, visit www.smileschangelives.org.
To learn more about our commitment to the community, visit our mission page or call (425) 746-7126 with any questions.
Smiles Change Lives FAQs
What is Smiles Change Lives?
Smiles Change Lives is a nonprofit program that connects children from low-income families with orthodontists who provide treatment at a reduced cost.
Who qualifies for Smiles Change Lives?
Children ages 10 to 18 with no more than four baby teeth, no unfilled cavities, good hygiene, no current braces, and who meet SCL financial guidelines may qualify.
How do families apply for Smiles Change Lives?
Families apply directly through the Smiles Change Lives website at smileschangelives.org/apply.
Does the family pay anything for treatment?
Yes. Each approved family makes a set financial contribution to SCL, which helps fund treatment for additional children.
Does Dr. Wong participate in Smiles Change Lives?
Yes. Dr. Wallace W. Wong, Orthodontics is proud to participate in the Smiles Change Lives program in Bellevue.
How successful is the Smiles Change Lives program?
More than 99% of children approved for Smiles Change Lives have successfully completed their orthodontic treatment.