A teenage victim of bullying who was tormented over “Bugs Bunny” teeth has had life-changing orthodontics treatment.

Katharine Highfield, from Coulsdon, was victimised because of her teeth until an orthodontist changed her life and subequently won a national award for the amazing impact the treatment has had on the teen. 

The judges of the British Orthodontic Society’s Against the Odds Award said: “She went from being called Bugs Bunny and having people talking behind her back to feeling able to audition for a role in the school play.”

The teenager is no longer afraid to smile.

She said: "Before I had braces I didn’t have the confidence to smile or even really be seen in front of people I didn’t know at school."

Your Local Guardian:

Orthodontist Georgina Cartwright won this year's award

Katharine, 15, thanked Georgina Cartwright, from Croydon Orthodontic Practice, for the treatment and for being “really nice and supportive”.

She said: “I have found the whole treatment has made me a much more comfortable person and I am no longer afraid of the way I look.”

Ms Cartwright was runner up for the award last year.

Georgina says: “I am delighted to win this award and so happy to have made a difference to Katharine.

“She has been a fantastic patient.”

The award will be presented to Ms Cartwright in February 2017.  

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