In May, 2011, orthodontist Dr. Sandra Hernandez from Apple Orthodontix in Irving, TX asked the students at the Sam Houston Middle School if they wanted free braces.  If they did, they had to submit an essay explaining why.  And then if they won, they had to give something back—80 hours in community service.

Two of those students, Aldana Medina and Carlin Johnson, wrote very convincing essays, and they have recently been fitted with their braces. Here are some excerpts from their essays.

Aldana wrote, “I’m a thirteen year old girl who is responsible and willing to do anything for my braces so I can finally turn my ugly teeth into pearly whites. To take care of them, I would brush my teeth after every meal and then floss. I would not eat sticky or hard candy. Corn on the cob and some meats would also be crossed out of my menu. In other words, I’ll do anything I need to take care of them.”

Carlin wrote, “If I do get the chance to get free braces, I will take good care of them because braces need a lot of care and work. I’ll keep them clean by flossing them every day, and brushing my teeth when I wake up and go to sleep.  I’ve always wanted braces, but I never get a chance to get them because they are too expensive. I really hope I can get this because I am willing to work for them.”

We caught up with Carlin, now a ninth grader at MacArthur High School in Irving, right after her appointment with Dr. Hernandez on 8/29.  She said she was feeling “a little sore, but good.  My braces don’t hurt as might as I thought they would.  I want to thank Dr. Hernandex for this opportunity to get free braces.  I’m grateful to her for choosing me. Now I’m looking for a place to do my community service.  I’d like to read to children.”

Congratulations to both girls, and good luck with your braces.  We’ll be checking in with you periodically to see how your community service and your smiles are progressing.