Who Will Win $50,000 of Smiles?

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$50,000 of free dental work is no small thing to give away. But when two local orthodontists, Dr. E. Glenn Glassman and Dr. Christine Brinley, took into account the state of the economy and the fact that October is National Orthodontic Health Month, they jumped at the chance to do just that.

So instead of just giving away free braces to people already coming to their OrthoCare offices, they decided to ask children to write a 100-word essay stating why they should win. The goal of the contest is to help as many children as possible, especially those who might not otherwise be able to afford to fix their pearly whites.

One of the young St. Louisans who has written Dr. Glassman and Dr. Brinley for a chance to win a metal mouth has kindly shared the essay she submitted with ToastedRav.

Hello my name is Cimani and I am 12 years old. I attend Crestview Middle School. I am also in the seventh grade. I do after school curriculum activities at school, Girls Scouts, and at Girls Inc. I volunteer at Girls Inc. on Saturday’s for Saturday Sessions. I was one of the Strong, Smart, and Bold honorees in 2007. I am co-captain for my step squad/team. (Alternative dance) I have a problem with my teeth and that is because people talk about my teeth and how they are not straight or how I have gaps and my mother (Crystal Lumzy) took me to the dentist and they told me in 2005 that I needed to get braces. I have always wanted braces since I was little looking in the mirror seeing how big my teeth looked. I thought that I would look much better in them and that I would have perfect teeth when I get them off. My family and I would appreciate it very very much. I said that because I do want to have people talking about my smile not my teeth all the time cause you can’t all ways hide you feelings when you are mad or sad when someone talks about you. I want to have some one appreciate all of me once in a while and not just stare at how big my gap is in the front of my smile. So I pray that you pick me for a chance to get braces, because I know my mom can’t afford them, it’s only been 3 years since she said not yet – I’m hoping that will change soon.

I'm no stranger to dental work myself. As a kid, I had braces twice, and even suffered through head gear (stop laughing at me!). But before I went through all of that, I was extremely self-conscious about my smile, just like Cimani and many children in the area in similar situations.

"Not only will it help her in the future as far as having straight and ungapped teeth, but I know Cimani's personality shines and with the braces helping her feel better about her self and her smile, she will not be ashamed to let everyone see the Cimani we all know and love," says her mother, Crystal.

If you know a child who could benefit for this rare chance to get their smile fixed for free, please encourage them to send their 100-word essay, along with their name, the name of the parent or guardian, how they heard about the contest and a phone number or email address where they can be reached. Essays should be mailed, along with a non-returnable facial picture, to: c/o Dr. Glenn Glassman, 7711 Bonhomme Ave, #400, St. Louis, MO 63105. The deadline is at the end of November, at which time a panel of judges comprised of orthodontic physicians and behavioral therapists will review the essays and make a selection.