From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Consultant orthodontist and Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Benin, Emmanuel Olubusayo Ajayi, has advocated that Nigerians embrace the multiple benefits of straighter, healthy teeth and confident smiles by learning about the life-changing benefits of orthodontic care.
In a statement to mark the World Orthodontic Health Day with the theme, “A World of Smiles,” Ajayi noted that many people are deprived of quality social life and smiles because of orthodontic challenges:
“Orthodontic problems are of public health importance, and do constitute a great concern as regards the inability to chew food without difficulties, communicate orally and pronounce words correctly.
“It also affects the ability to breathe normally and smile without pleasing facial appearance, and this will definitely affect productive social interactions and quality of life of individuals. It is, therefore, obvious that one can not be truly healthy without good oral health and smiles.”
He stated that irregularly arranged teeth, crooked teeth, crowded, misplaced, unerupted or blocked-out teeth, spacing of teeth, protruding teeth, upper or lower jaws that are too far forward or back, upper and lower teeth that do not meet in front or back with gap in-between them or teeth which are abnormally related and oral habits amongst other myriads of occlusal anomalies can be treated by a Consultant Orthodontist who are primarily Dental Surgeons, but had undergone at least 3 three to six years of Post-graduate Master programme and or Residency training at the University Teaching Hospital.
Ajayi, the pioneer Nigerian Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) noted that research has shown that the mouth is the most assertive facial feature, and the dental appearance is a determining factor in the overall facial aesthetics of an individual.
He further stated that research continues to show that well-aligned teeth are linked to enhanced oral function, improved self-esteem, and a lower risk of developing certain dental or jaw-related problems.
Ajayi thus emphasized that a well aligned teeth and beautiful smile will enhance oral function, boost confidence, transform lives, support a positive self-image, and contribute to a better quality of life of all Nigerians.
He also advocated uptake of orthodontic treatment that is being provided by the Consultant Orthodontists in various dental facilities throughout the federation.