University of Otago oral sciences senior lecturer Dr Adith Venugopal recently received the prestigious Lee Graber Orthodontics Changing Lives award from the World Federation of Orthodontists for treating a Cambodian woman who had a severe skeletal and dental malocclusion (misalignment).
"All her teeth stuck out and the gums showed completely.
"Her lower jaw jutted out, and her lips were absolutely incompetent — that meant she could not close her mouth at rest.
He said the misalignment caused her to have trouble breathing, eating and speaking.
"She had trouble doing things that normal people do.
"She was also bullied throughout her teenage years and adulthood because of the way she looked.
"She did not smile much because her natural smile was not very aesthetic."
Dr Venugopal said because her condition was so serious, the first choice of treatment was usually major oral and maxillofacial surgery.
But the woman could not afford it.
"So we managed it orthodontically — with braces, small screws inserted into the bone, and anchors to move the bones and teeth accordingly.
"It was a little complex, but we got a result that was almost as good as a surgical result would be.
"It took about three and a-half years, but it saved her about $30,000."
He said while it was great to be recognised by his orthodontic peers, the woman’s new smile was the best reward an orthodontist could get.
"In the end, when we got the braces off and we removed the screws, I was really ecstatic.
"This was not just about getting a good smile — it was about her getting her self-confidence back.
"That was very rewarding."
He said he conducted the treatment while working in Cambodia, and presented the woman’s case at an orthodontics conference, where it was chosen as a finalist for the international award.
"Once you are selected, the patient is interviewed to identify how the treatment has changed their lives."
Based on his work and the major difference it made to his patient’s quality of life, he was named the winner.
Dr Venugopal will officially receive the Lee Graber Orthodontics Changing Lives award at the American Association of Orthodontists annual meeting in Philadelphia, next year.
"I’m very grateful to be receiving this acknowledgement," he said.
"It means a great deal to me."
