It is a project that is empowering children with low self esteem all caused by bad teeth. Smile for a Lifetime just began a second round of free dental and orthodontic services for these kids, changing lives one tooth at a time.
Kaelan Baumgardner is the latest scholarship recipient for Smile for a Lifetime. "My mom told me and I was so excited because two of my most favorite people in the school chose me. It's awesome!" said Kaelan Baumgardner.
Kaelen is the 15th local student to benefit from Smile for a Lifetime, a project started by Orthodontist Doctor Don Montano in Bakersfield.
The program solicits applications from local schools and selects students who excel academically, are good citizens and are in need of financial assistance to help give them back their smiles.
"I think it's great. We're real fortunate he was picked. It's going to change our life big time," said Brian Baumgardner, Kaelan's dad.
Kaelen is a ten-year-old student who's classmates and counselors nominated him to receive the free dental and orthodontic work, thanks to local doctors donating their services.
"Well he has a very short jaw and that's what is creating most of his overbite. His upper teeth are out and he can't close his mouth," said Dr. Montano. "That's a jaw developmental problem and continuing to bite like that causes the front teeth to move out farther and puts him at most risk for breaking some teeth, and more importantly, it's embarrassing for him.
"So we have some appliances that will help guide his jaw growth, so that we can normalize the jaw, so later he will be more straightforward and we can line up the rest of the teeth," said Dr. Montano, who founded Smile for a Lifetime.
"Well I just feel so lucky, because when I get my braces more people will want to be my friend," said Kaelen Baumgardner.
It will be a few years before Kaelan actually receives his braces, but no doubt worth the wait for a young man who has earned his smile!
"I'm looking forward to, like after I get my braces on, a lot of people will say wow, that's nice and I'm just so excited," added Kaelen with big smile.
Dr. Montano had hoped to grow the organization to 25 chapters by the end of this year, today there are 40 chapters across the nation.
If you would like more information call (661) 665-7600 or log on to
www.s4lfoundation@arrival.net.
