From Dorchester to Cambridge and Quincy, many Boston-area families face the same challenge—braces are needed, but the cost is too high.
Smiles Change Lives partners with orthodontists in the Boston area to help eligible children receive care at a reduced cost.
Low-Cost Braces Options in Boston area
We help bridge the gap between need and affordability, making orthodontic care more accessible.
Eligibility Requirements for Assistance with Braces
To qualify for the Smiles Change Lives Program, children must:
- Be 7-18 years of age;
- Have good oral hygiene and no unfilled cavities;
- Have a moderate to severe need for braces;
- Not be wearing braces currently;
- Family must meet the SCL financial guidelines (varies by geographic region); and
- Be willing to pay the non-refundable $30 (USD) application fee and then once the child has been accepted and matched with a provider willing to treat, the non-refundable $650 (USD) required financial investment (per child).
We work with families across the greater Boston area to help determine eligibility and guide them through the process.
Local Communities Around Boston We Serve
- Boston
- Cambridge
- Quincy
- Wattham
- Woburn
- Lynn
- Brockton
- Framingham
- Surrounding suburbs (Bridgewater, Braintree, Norwood, Walpole, Marlborough, Sudbury, Needham, Revere, and Peabody to name a few)
Don’t Assume It’s Out of Reach
A Story Behind Every Smile
“As a single mother of two, I had no idea how I would be able to afford braces my daughter desperately needed. The severity of her teeth went far beyond cosmetic. She was bullied, teased, and humiliated because of her extreme overbite and bucked teeth. She covered her mouth when she smiled, held her head down, and often came home crying. From the day she got braces she is so happy, doing well in school, and has a confidence that will carry her far in life.” – Mandy
There may be options available for your family.
How the Program Works for Boston Families
- See if you qualify for the program.
- Submit an application.
- Get matched with an SCL participating orthodontist near you.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Are there low cost / free braces programs in Philadelphia?
While fully free braces are rare, programs like Smiles Change Lives make treatment significantly more affordable for qualifying families.
How much do braces cost through this program?
Costs are reduced compared to traditional orthodontic care and vary based on eligibility.
How long is the wait in the Boston area?
Wait times vary. Some families are placed quickly depending on provider availability in their area.
Do I need insurance?
No, you don’t need insurance. In fact, most families we serve do not have orthodontic coverage.
Why Families Trust Smiles Change Lives
- 20,000+ children served nationwide
- 750+ participating orthodontists
- Trusted nonprofit since 1997
Get the Help Your Child Needs Today
Answer the questions below to see if your child qualifies for assistance with the cost of braces in Boston
Map of SCL Providers in the greater Boston area
Smiles Change Lives works with the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists), and has been endorsed as the preferred access to care program by several state orthodontic associations.