Samaritan builds new smiles for two learners

Two Louis Trichardt High School learners suffered from such bad malocclusion that it inhibited them from interacting socially with their peers until an orthodontist took pity on them and decided to help.

Malocclusion is the misalignment of teeth or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches, can involve overcrowding of teeth in the mouth and is very often hereditary.

Gr. 12 learner, Tsholofelo Moletsane (18), and gr. 8 learner, Angel Lourens (14), said they couldn’t interact with others and they were laughed at and teased by their schoolmates. They also suffered from mouth sores and it was difficult to eat.

Orthodontist, Dr Phumudzo Machaka, from the Makhado Medical Centre said he was deeply touched when he saw these bright young schoolgirls suffering in this manner. He decided to help them free of charge.

“The usual price for malocclusion treatment is R15 000 upwards. I used standard brackets using the MBT technique. The two should come every month for check-ups. It can take six months or two-years for the teeth to be in good shape. Malocclusion is most often hereditary, which means the condition is passed down through families. Childhood habits such as thumbsucking, tongue thrusting and prolonged use of a bottle can also be a factor,” he said. “Malocclusion can be fully treated when a child reaches the age of 12 years,” he added.

Both the Lourens and Moletsane families thanked Machaka and the teachers of Louis Trichardt High School for bringing their daughters’ confidence back.

Both girls are now well on their way to being able to give charming smiles while interacting with their classmates without any hesitation.