Brace gives teenager a new smile

Patrick says it has changed his life

An orthodontist from Derby has stepped in to help a teenager whose parents were prepared to remortgage their house to get his teeth straightened.

Patrick Schelts, 14, from Leicestershire, faced a four-year wait to see an orthodontist, but was already experiencing gum disease.

His parents were prepared to pay more than £5,000 for private treatment.

But John Serrano-Davey has now offered him NHS treatment after hearing his plight on BBC East Midlands Today.

So, after the family liaised with their own dentist, Patrick had four teeth out and new braces fitted.

"It's going to sort of change my life because it's a bit annoying not being able to smile all the time but now I smile a lot more and be a lot more happy all the time," he said.

His mother Jasmin added: "Patrick's 15 on Sunday so this is the best birthday present he could have had."

The teenager could now have perfectly straightened teeth in as little as 18 months time.