Tatiana Williams was mauled by a dog when she was just four years old. Three rounds of surgery and 127 stitches to her face later, she was left scarred and traumatised. Throughout her childhood she was bothered by her teeth. They drew attention to the lower part of her face - the part of her that she struggled to cope with.

But her life has been turned around by having orthodontic treatment. She was so pleased with the outcome that she entered her story into the Against the Odds award run by the British Orthodontic Society's (BOS') Orthodontic Specialists Group - and won.

Tatiana describes how and why she began treatment at the age of 24: 'Before my first consultation with Dr Adil Mannan at The Orthodontic Practice at Battersea, I was apprehensive of having to wear braces for 18-24 months. Did I really want to draw more attention to my biggest insecurity? His incredible vision and reassurance allowed me to place my trust in him and accept that this was the best thing to do. The braces were fixed and no doubt, I was more self-conscious than ever before.'

With every visit, said Tatiana, Dr Mannan's continued motivation carried her through. By the time treatment was over, she could look in the mirror and not feel disheartened by her scars.

Dr Adil Mannan was delighted for Tatiana. 'I knew that orthodontics really could enhance Tatiana's life and I am so pleased to see that come to fruition. It always amazes me that someone who had such early-life trauma and has had to literally live with the scars, is so well adjusted, cheerful and full of joie de vivre.'

He added: 'I have to say that she was a fantastic patient. We talked through her understandable concerns and made sure she was involved at every stage of her treatment.'

There were two runners-up in the competition: Mr Juan Carlos Martinez from St Albans, Hertfordshire who was treated by Dr Garry Mancini of the Soho Orthodontic Clinic, London and Mr Cameron Law of Caterham, Surrey who was treated by Dr Georgina Cartwright of The Croydon Orthodontic Practice.

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