Long term sustained treatment by a team of medical and dental professionals. The patient comes first! Each case is a special project and we are committed to seeing it through!
NokutulaNokuthula Magwaza grew up in Kwamashu. She is currently studying final year majoring in Management and Industrial Labour Studies at UKZN. She was referred to the Wentworth Foundation by the King Edward Hospital approximately fifteen years ago. She was born with Cleft Lip / Palate.
|
SameshanSameshan Naidoo wants to be a motivational speaker to help others and educate the public on Cleft Lip/ Palate. Sameshan says that if he didn’t have the help from the doctors he may not have been as successful today. Sameshan qualified in 2015 as a lawyer.
|
ZamavusoZamavuso was born with Cleft / Lip Palate and was referred to the Wentworth Foundation approximately fifteen years ago. She has been undergoing long term treatment at the Wentworth Foundation and Zamavuso says that she foresees herself becoming a criminologist one day.
|
Picture Above: In October 2013 a set of twins was born at a Provincial Hospital in KZN. One of the twins was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Due to lack of awareness and knowledge about cleft lip and palate the mother eventually took the baby who was not facially deformed and left the hospital, abandoning the baby with the cleft lip and palate. Social beliefs and superstitions often influence the mother or parents. Mothers are often overwhelmed and fearful. Without the proper education they don’t know that most of these conditions are treatable. Because of the lack of government facilities and resources they are often left feeling hopeless. A baby with a facial deformity is often considered by certain communities to be a stigma and treated as such.
The SMILE FOUNDATION contacted the Wentworth Foundation about the baby that was left behind. An impression of the baby’s mouth was taken and a feeding plate was made by the Wentworth Foundation. The feeding plate prevents milk from escaping through the nose and ears and makes feeding easier. It also prevents infection. Due to the feeding plate the baby is also able to gain weight steadily. This is a very important if not critical requirement before any operation can be performed.
This baby will require surgeries and treatment and rehabilitation by a team of medical and dental professionals from birth to early adulthood. The Orthodontist is often the gatekeeper or the team member that oversees and guides the process.
The SMILE FOUNDATION contacted the Wentworth Foundation about the baby that was left behind. An impression of the baby’s mouth was taken and a feeding plate was made by the Wentworth Foundation. The feeding plate prevents milk from escaping through the nose and ears and makes feeding easier. It also prevents infection. Due to the feeding plate the baby is also able to gain weight steadily. This is a very important if not critical requirement before any operation can be performed.
This baby will require surgeries and treatment and rehabilitation by a team of medical and dental professionals from birth to early adulthood. The Orthodontist is often the gatekeeper or the team member that oversees and guides the process.
Zafer before, during and after...