A winning smile
Carly Pink has won the 2009 British Orthodontic Society ‘Against the Odds’ competition.
The award is in recognition of patients who have recently undergone orthodontic treatment, in order to elevate awareness of the benefits of orthodontic treatment on patients’ lives.
After deciding not to undergo orthodontic treatment as a teenager due to fear at what bullying this may cause, Carly has since come to regret her decision.
“One day I looked in the mirror and just broke down in tears”. So affected by the state of her teeth and the fear of bullying orthodontic treatment would cause, Carly was at one time being prescribed anti-depressants.
While talking to people Carly would often cover her mouth with her hand, afraid that others would judge her as the bullies had in her younger years.
Once Carly decided she would undergo treatment it still took all her nerve to go to her first appointment: “The day I went to my appointment I felt sick and embarrassed because I had to let someone see my teeth”.
Carly was given fixed braces by her orthodontic specialist, Dr Michael Cheung, of Maple House Orthodontics in Slough, until both were happy with the state of her teeth.
Carly has since found her confidence to have reached new heights. “I wish I could see the bullies from school and just smile at them”.
A £750 travel award courtesy of Ormco was given to Carly. The competition is judged by a panel of orthodontic specialists, as well as a journalist from The Sunday Times and a professor of psychology.
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