Leading orthodontist, Dr Amy Shumbusho has urged Nigerians to move beyond viewing dental treatment as merely cosmetic, stressing that orthodontics plays a critical role in overall health, confidence, breathing, sleep, and quality of life.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Shumbusho said many Nigerians still associate dental visits with pain and cosmetic procedures, while overlooking the broader medical importance of oral healthcare.
“Orthodontics is healthcare, not just vanity,” she said.
Shumbusho explained that many oral health conditions remain undetected because patients often visit the dentist only after experiencing severe pain or complications.
“People tend to come to the dentist really when they have pain,” she stated.
According to her, delaying treatment often leads to more complicated procedures, greater discomfort, and higher medical costs.
“When you come at that stage, it’s definitely more work for you,” she said.
She emphasized that oral health problems can also affect several other aspects of physical wellbeing beyond teeth and appearance.
“There are so many silent killers,” she noted.
Shumbusho explained that conditions such as gum disease, poor jaw alignment, and bite problems can affect sleep, breathing, and overall body health.
“That can affect your breathing… a dentist can actually diagnose that,” she said.
She also clarified the distinction between general dentistry and orthodontics, noting that orthodontists undergo several additional years of specialised training.
“An orthodontist has done extra five to six years specialisation,” she stated.
According to her, orthodontic care focuses not only on straightening teeth but also on jaw function, facial balance, and long-term oral health.
“It’s really specialised,” she said.
Shumbusho raised concerns over the severe shortage of orthodontists in Nigeria, describing the gap as a major public health challenge.
“We have one orthodontist for literally two million people,” she said.
She said that the shortage has placed enormous pressure on both public and private dental institutions trying to meet rising demand.
“My colleagues are there and we see how sometimes we can’t cope with the demand,” she stated.
Addressing the growing popularity of veneers and cosmetic dental procedures, Shumbusho warned against reducing dental care to aesthetics alone.
“We need to go beyond just vanity and cosmetic,” she said.
According to her, professional dental practice should prioritise preserving healthy teeth rather than unnecessary cosmetic alterations.
“Enamel is gold for me,” she stated.
She explained that ethical practitioners often decline unnecessary cosmetic procedures if they may compromise long-term oral health.
“Sometimes I reject and decline treatment,” she said.
Shumbusho also emphasized the emotional and psychological impact of orthodontic care, especially for children and adults struggling with self-confidence because of dental appearance.
“I have some adults who are not able to smile,” she stated.
She further said that oral healthcare should be more accessible through increased insurance coverage, public awareness campaigns, and stronger public-private partnerships.
“Oral health connects your overall body,” she said.
According to her, poor oral health has already been linked to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges.
“Even mental health has been linked to oral health,” she added.
Shumbusho concluded that orthodontics and oral healthcare should be treated as essential medical care rather than luxury cosmetic services, stressing that greater awareness, improved access, and preventive treatment are necessary to improve both physical and emotional wellbeing in Nigeria.
By Ojo Triumph
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