At least twice per year, we get very excited here at SCL: when it’s time again for our semi-annual Smile Story contest! We invite SCL participants who recently either began treatment by receiving their braces or completed treatment by having their braces removed to submit a questionnaire and photos telling us the story of their own smile. During the contest, opening our daily mail delivery becomes a treat!
In their own words and images, these kids capture why SCL’s mission of providing access to orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families is so important–life-changing, in fact. Over and over, we read the themes of burgeoning confidence, heightened self-esteem, heart-breaking bullying ended, improved oral health, and tons of reasons to smile more.
Thirty-nine kids entered November’s contest, and one girl and one boy were each selected to receive the prize of a Sonicare Diamond Clean Rechargeable Toothbrush generously donated by Philips Sonicare through sales representative Ed Kressin.
Congratulations to this round’s winners, Odalis and William!
Writes Odalis: “I’ve always taken good care of my teeth, brushed and flossed, but most of my baby teeth didn’t fall out until I was in my teens. It wasn’t something I could control so my teeth became very crooked. Now that I have braces, I’ll be more confident to face the world!”
William’s comments include: “I’m generally a very happy person. In everything I do, I try doing it with a positive attitude. I would never show my teeth though while smiling or even laughing. It was very sad for me. But that’s all over now. No words can express my appreciation.”
Thank you to Ed and Philips Sonicare for rewarding our deserving winners! And thank you to all the participants who put time and effort into sharing their Smile Stories with us—we’d love to keep learning about how your lives are progressing with your new smiles! Updates vie mail or e-mail as well as photos are always welcome.