Trust gives teen a reason to smile

Shiquitta Mitchell with her mother Tamara, after receiving her new braces from orthodontist Dr Phil Green.

Hamilton teenager Shiquitta Mitchell is about to receive life-changing orthodontic treatment.

The 17-year-old is a recipient of braces from the Wish For a Smile Trust, which is administered by the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO).

A limited number of patients are accepted into the subsidised programme as the selection process follows strict criteria. In order to qualify a child must have a severe orthodontic problem, significant family financial hardship and a genuine commitment to comply with their treatment plan. In return the child must complete 20 hours of voluntary work in their local community.

Shiquitta will pay it forward to the community by volunteering for 20 hours at the Waikato SPCA. She is passionate about animals and is very excited to have the opportunity to assist this worthy cause.

Hamilton orthodontist Dr Philip Green fitted Shiquitta's braces last week and will provide her ongoing orthodontic care. The option to treat Shiquitta at no cost to the Wish For A Smile Trust was taken by Dr Green.

Shiquitta was diagnosed with a lack of space in her upper and lower jaws resulting in severe overcrowding and a discrepancy in her bite. This causes her lower teeth to bite into the roof of her mouth making eating difficult and painful.

Shiquitta's orthodontic treatment plan requires the removal of four small teeth to create space and improve her bite pattern. Braces will be used on Shiquitta's upper and lower teeth about 21-24 months followed by 12 months of supervised retention. This will involve using an upper removable retainer with an upper and lower bonded retainer to help prevent unfavourable tooth movements.

Dr Green said overcrowding was a common problem and in some cases extractions were necessary but not in all.

"Shiquitta's problem is both functional and cosmetic, and has caused her various physical and social difficulties," Dr Green said.

Shiquitta said the pain caused by her teeth was the major factor that convinced her she needed braces.

"I don't really want to have braces, I just want the pain to go away," she said.

Shiquitta's mother, Tamara Mitchell, said she had always been concerned about her teeth and knew the problem would only worsen with time.

"Most children ask for braces for cosmetic reasons, but Shiquitta never asked because she wanted to have straight teeth, it was because she was in pain," she said.

"I had exhausted every option trying to find out how I could get her the treatment she needed because there was no way we could have afforded it."

Tamara said she felt "helpless" to do anything about Shiquitta's teeth before hearing about Wish for a Smile, and was thrilled to have the chance for her daughter to receive specialist treatment.

Shiquitta is a self-confessed car junkie and hopes to become an automotive mechanic when she graduates next year. She is currently completing her secondary study by distance education with 'Te Kura-a Tuhi' - The Correspondence School.

Dr Green said as specialist orthodontists, all NZAO members see the benefits of orthodontic treatment everyday.

"Straight teeth dramatically improve an individual's self-esteem and confidence as they progress into adulthood and their future career," he said.

The Wish For a Smile Trust was established in 2011 and relies on the support of orthodontists around the country, who donate their equipment, materials, expertise and time. Treatment is provided by qualified, registered specialist orthodontists only.

To access the full criteria, information and application forms for the Wish For a Smile Trust, please visit www.orthodontists.org.nz/wishforasmile.