OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Thanks to Dr. Stevens at Braces Omaha, Ava Croom will soon have a smile she can be proud of. She was selected to receive a set of free braces and all of the follow-up dental care.
"A lot of people have lost their health insurance, they don't have the money for their kids to get braces and there are a lot of kids out there who want a nice smile," said Dr. Stevens.
So giving Ava the smile she wants is his goal.
"I didn't like smiling, because my smile was all over everywhere. It didn't look as good as other people's mouths, and I was very self-conscious about that,” said Ava.
Although the braces have yet to come off, Ava already feels a lot better about her smile.
Improving Ava's self-confidence level as she begins her journey in life is why Dr. Stevens chose to be a dentist.
"I smile a lot more and feel I can do anything," said Ava.
Other unexpected rewards come to the forefront as well.
"We need more kindness in the world and this is one way to do it. My whole team gets behind it, that's been one of the really encouraging things for me is to see how excited my office is about us giving something back to the community," said Dr. Stevens.
Soon Ava's photo will be added to the smiling wall of fame.
"Me and my mom were crying, we were so happy that he picked me," said Ava.
Those between 10 and 15-years-old can apply for the Smiling with the Stars program for free braces. Visit Braces Omaha’s website for more.
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