By DANJUMA AMODU
A foremost Nigerian orthodontist, Emmanuel Olubusayo Ajayi, has urged Nigerians to embrace orthodontic care, stressing that treatment delivers benefits beyond straight teeth, including better health, confidence, and quality of life.
Ajayi, Consultant Orthodontist and Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Benin, made the call on Friday during the global observance of World Orthodontic Health Day 2026, themed “Beyond Straight Teeth.”
Ajayi, also a pioneer Nigerian Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists, said orthodontic care influences how people chew, breathe, speak, and smile, while improving oral health, facial balance, self-confidence, and long-term wellbeing.
“Orthodontic problems which are prevalent in our society do constitute a great concern,” he said. “The inability to chew food without difficulties, breathe normally, communicate orally, pronounce words correctly, and smile with a pleasing facial appearance will definitely impact productive social interactions, self-esteem, overall health, and wellbeing.”
He noted that orthodontic problems remain prevalent in society and can negatively affect social interaction and self-esteem when left untreated.
Ajayi advised Nigerians seeking treatment to consult qualified dental surgeons who have completed specialised postgraduate and residency training in orthodontics at recognised university teaching hospitals. Specialist orthodontists typically undergo three to six years of postgraduate training, he noted.
Ajayi cited studies showing that properly aligned teeth contribute to facial aesthetics and improved oral function. He said treatment with braces, aligners, removable appliances, and other mechanotherapies enhances both appearance and health.
He said the annual World Orthodontic Health Day, led by the World Federation of Orthodontists, provides an opportunity to educate the public that orthodontics — a sub-specialty of dentistry — delivers benefits far beyond cosmetic tooth alignment.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Straight Teeth,” underscores the broader impact of orthodontic treatment on oral and facial health, Ajayi said.
