Embracing the Difference

Embracing the difference

James McAuliffe was devastated when he discovered he would not develop his most visible adult teeth. X-rays showed that four upper front teeth were missing and when his milk teeth fell out he would be left ‘Bugs Bunny-like’ with two front teeth in splendid isolation. Now the young man’s journey has won him first prize in a national competition which was created to illustrate the power of orthodontic treatment to change lives.

Against the Odds was conceived by the British Orthodontic Society, which represents the dental specialty of orthodontics; the science and art of correcting irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. The entries to the competition were judged by Professor Tim Newton - Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry and Head of Oral Health Services Research at the King’s College London Dental Institute and a leading orthodontic specialist, Dr Les Joffe.

James’ treatment coincided with a move to senior school and he was incredibly self-conscious about his appearance - especially his teeth. Understandably, this made him feel ‘different’ and he lacked the confidence to smile or even talk very much. As James’ entry explained “I didn’t want to be seen as the ‘geeky’ or ‘nerdy’ one among my new school friends.”

To give him immediate confidence, James’ specialist orthodontist, John Costello created a temporary removable retainer brace which had four false adult-sized teeth fixed to it. The false teeth were shaped in such a way that they slotted over James’ milk teeth and gave him the appearance of a complete row of teeth so he looked like any normal 11 year old with a retainer brace.

James wore the retainer for a year during the day and had a headbrace at night which was designed to make more space for restorative dentists to fit replacement front teeth. In due course his teeth were in the right position to have fixed braces fitted and by this stage James was even more aware of how he looked, so it was very important to continue to make it appear that he had a full set of adult teeth. John created an orthodontic appliance with a fixed plate which was moulded to the top of James’ mouth, which again had temporary false teeth affixed to it. This gave James the appearance he sought.

Eventually with his natural teeth in the right position and firmly settled, James had a bridge fitted to allow permanent replacement teeth to be fitted. This completed the streamlined appearance of his upper teeth allowing him to smile naturally for the first time in years.

Psychologist Professor Tim Newton commented “James’ story from ‘geeky’ adolescent to confident young man illustrates what modern orthodontic treatment can achieve, but not only for young people, we also had incredibly moving entries from older people too, the oldest well into her ‘50s, which just shows that it is never too late”.

James was treated by Dr John Costello at Total Orthodontics in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. His entry won him £750 worth of travel vouchers thanks to the support for the competition from orthodontic company SDS Ormco.

View James in the Gallery

 

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