By Emeka Aginam

The Managing Dentist of Choice Dental Lagos, Dr. Sade Akiode, has raised an alarm over what she described as misaligned, crowded or crooked unsightly gaps between teeth and missing teeth said to be on the increase among Nigerians. Orthodontics is the treatment that help move teeth that are crooked or do not fit together properly.

Akiode, who spoke to journalists at the weekend during the ongoing Orthodontic training organised by Progressive Orthodontic Seminars of United States of America in collaboration with Choice Dental Lagos said that the capacity building is to create awareness using one of the most advanced orthodontic tools to provide patients with the highest level of orthodontic treatment aimed at giving patients the best treatment.

The trainees, dentists, she said would be equipped with high-tech orthodontic software (IPSoft), lifetime instructor support, Progressive Orthodontic classes , lifetime free retake, and a library with hundreds of orthodontic cases and videos.

At the end of the extensive training according to her, the participants would have learnt how to use computerized orthodontics to provide the most effective and detailed diagnosis and treatment.

“There are several reasons why some people’s teeth become crooked, overlapping, or misaligned. Some jaws are too small for the number of teeth, which crowd the teeth. In some cases, it is hereditary. Other causes are ill-fitting dental crowns, fillings and dentures.

Early loss of Baby or Adult teeth with holes instead of saving them by doing Root Canal treatment could cause the remaining teeth to shift or drift she said. Also in children, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond the age of three, or prolonged use of feeding bottle may be contributory.

With misaligned teeth, keeping teeth clean and chewing become challenging. Misaligned or crowded teeth may lead to loose teeth (from loss of bone supporting teeth), gum disease (gingivitis), holes in the teeth, lack of confidence in speaking and smiling, and mouth odour. Gum disease can affect overall general health. It has been linked with Diabetes, Stroke, Heart disease, Pancreatic cancer and Pregnant woman delivering low birth weight (small) babies!

“The trained dentists will be provided with the most advanced orthodontic tools to provide patients with the highest levels of orthodontic treatment. Instead of a one size fits all approach used in typical straight wire appliances, the Progressive Orthodontic customizes your braces and wire”, she explained.

She said that since the braces will be specifically made for each patient, faster and more effective treatments could be expected.

“Choice Dental is your first choice when it comes to receiving state-of-the-art dental care in Lagos. Here we care for each and every patient with the utmost consideration and respect.

“We offer a wide range of services including General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Invisalign, Cosmetic Dentistry, Full mouth rehabilitation, Dental Implants, and of course Preventive Care.

“As a family friendly dental practice, we are always happy to treat children to ensure that they grow up with healthy, happy smiles” she explained.

According to Akiode who has been preaching dental care among Nigerians since she returned from practicing dentistry in Los Angeles, California “We assembled a team of dentists, hygienists, and nurses who are passionate about providing superior dental treatment.

“They are highly educated and extensively trained through continuous education to offer you the treatment you need and deserve. Emphasis on early initial comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning to prevent expensive future dental treatment is practised with the help of visiting foreign trained dentists while paying attention to details.

“We are all working together to make the world a little better through improved dental health, one smile at a time. It really means a lot to us when we see our patients smile again”.