An award designed to increase the awareness of the impact of orthodontic treatment on patients' lives has been set up by the British Orthodontic Society. The Against the Odds Specialist Smile Award enables patients to celebrate the successful conclusion of their orthodontic treatment by allowing them to describe why they have had treatment and what difference the outcome has made to their confidence and well-being.

Tracey Greenfield, winner of the BOS Against the Odds Specialist Smile Award, with (left to right) Dental Nurse Lynne Sidney, Dr Joel Levy and Dr Kim Mizrahi.

The first winner of the competition, sponsored by SDS Ormco, is Tracey Greenfield who has been happily smiling for the camera since her treatment was completed in time for her 40th birthday.

Ms Greenfield said she would never smile for photographs before her orthodontic treatment because she hated her misaligned teeth. A routine appointment some years ago with her dentist Dr Joel Levy of Redbourn Dental Practice in Redbourn, Herts started her on her long but rewarding course of treatment.

She was treated by orthodontic specialist, Dr Kim Mizrahi at his practice in Gant's Hill, Essex. In the winning account of treatment, Mr Greenfield said, “Over the last three years we have worked as a team. Dr Mizrahi was so committed to helping me that I was determined to be equally as committed. I now have a smile we are both proud of and I want to say thank-you for giving me back my confidence.”

Her prize was a holiday for two worth £700 and Dr Mizrahi was presented with the Against the Odds trophy at the British Orthodontic Conference.