Brave schoolgirl wins dental competition
A schoolgirl who has battled health problems since a very young age has won first prize in a dental competition.
Katie Irvine was awarded first prize in the Against the Odds competition, which is supported by the British Orthodontic Society.
Katie has battled a series of health problems since she was very young; at the age of three she underwent double mastoid surgery and she struggled with hearing problems until the age of 11 when she was fitted with a visible hearing device. Katie also suffered from kidney reflux, which meant that she wasn’t able to sleep over at friend’s houses. Her health problems caused her to suffer from a lack of confidence and she become withdrawn and quiet.
Katie also had prominent front teeth, which often made her the subject of nasty comments from her peers and her crowded teeth made her self-conscious about smiling in public.
At the age of 11, Katie was referred to an orthodontic practice in Musselburgh and Dr Mustafa started a course of orthodontic treatment to straighten her smile. During the treatment period, Katie started to gain in confidence and she now has a smile she feels proud to show off.
Katie’s bravery has won her the Against the Odds prize, which is designed to show the amazing effects orthodontic treatment can have.
Katie said that she can hide the scar on her chest and her hearing device but she could not hide her teeth and this made her very self-conscious; now, after treatment, she is full of confidence and she cannot stop smiling.
