Are you interested in knowing how much do braces cost in Nigeria? If so, then this page is for you. Feel relaxed and make sure you read the article to the end.
Braces are dental devices used to correct poor alligned teeth. You’d probably need braces if you have teeth that are too crowded, gappy and protruding in a bad way.
Braces are dental devices worn to align poorly grown teeth. Wearing braces applies force and pressure on the teeth and as a result, move it to the desired position. The four basic components that are used in making braces are the brackets, bonding material, arch wire, and ligature elastic. The teeth normally moves when the arch wire pressurizes the brackets and teeth. At times, the use of springs or rubber bands to put more force in a specific direction.
Braces are predominantly worn by kids with dentition problems such as crowded or protruding teeth. Nowadays, the demand for braces is on the increase due to the fact that adults are always conscious of their dentition. Although our main focus on how much it would cost one to acquire dental braces will be explained, lets look at why these braces are needed in the fiirst place.
Why Do We Need Dental Braces?
There are many benefits derived in wearing braces among which are:
Dental braces can straighen crooked teeth, close gaps that develop between the teeth and help better teeth spacing. Bracing reduce cavities and periodontal diseases. They also make the teeth easier to floss, improve the chewing of food and of course self confidence by giving one a nice dentition and overall oral health.
Would You Encounter Any Problems Wearing Braces?
Yes! Wearing braces is not really as easy as it seems. Braces may be quite discomforting and painful. There could be problems adjusting to life on braces. They can equally cause wear and tear on the toothbrush. The dental discomfort obtained with the wearing of braces determines in most cases some degree of root resorption.
How Much Can It Cost To Acquire Braces In Nigeria?
In situations where there is no health insurance schemes, acquiring braces can take a toll on one’s finance. Dental braces prices can be quite expensive, but that should not scare anybody that wants it. The treatment options could be dependent on some factors. A lot factors go into orthodontic treatment besides the cost of braces themselves.
READ ALSO:NCAT APPLICATION FORM
The cost of fixing dental braces in Nigeria is quite expensive as it is not also covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Fixing dental braces in Nigeria cost around N250,000 to N350,000 Naira.
In the USA, Canada and UK, fixing dental braces cost around $5,000 – $10,000 if you have to pay out of pocket.
Care of Dental braces
After you have had your teeth braces fixed, avoid foods like pop corn, chew gums, chocolate and hard candy that can easily get stuck(trapped) between the braces and your gumline.
While you have braces, you will need to visit the orthodontist(dentist) for an adjustment every 8 to 10 weeks. Your orthodontist will check to make sure that you’re maintaining your oral health and taking care of your braces well as instructed.
Why do people wear braces on their teeth?
Dental braces are devices used to correct crowded or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw known as malocclusion.
Types of dental braces
Traditional wired
Gold plated stainless steel
Ligual braces
Titanium
Customized orthodontic treatment system
Progressive, clear removable aligners
Who fixes braces for teeth?
A dentist trained in orthodontics – a specialist in the treatment of teeth mal-occlusion and mal-alignment.
Complications and Risks
You will not feel pain during installation of braces. But wearing and getting used to braces is not a pain free process as many think. While the actual fitting rarely hurts, the new sensations and pressure against your teeth will cause soreness and aching. You may experience sores on the inside of your gums and lips, because the mouth is simply not used to having so much metal or plastic close to the tissues. All of these painful side effects should subside after a couple of weeks. Your dentist will prescribe appropriate painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac to help with the pains.
Steps in Fixed Braces Treatment
First Visit:
X-rays, photos and impressions for plaster study models of your teeth are taken. Your orthodontist will plan your treatment using these records. Very often, permanent teeth are removed when they are crowded and there is not enough space in the jaws for all of them. The extractions are done just before or just after the fitting of your braces.
Second Visit:
Your orthodontist will explain the treatment plan and the braces suitable for your condition. Before braces are fitted, separators (small plastic ‘doughnuts’) are placed between your molars for a week to create spaces for the molar bands.
Third and Fourth Visits:
Bands are cemented and brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth.
Subsequent Visits:
(Every 4 to 8 weeks) Adjustments are made to the braces by way of wire-changes, adding springs, elastics or other accessories.
NOTE: Accessories are necessary to make your braces work. Elastics are often used to get your upper and lower teeth to bite together properly. Facemasks, headgear or biteplates are sometimes used with fixed braces. It is very important to use all accessories exactly as you have been told, if not, progress of the treatment stops and may in some cases, reverse.
When treatment is completed:
Your fixed braces will be removed at a debanding appointment, followed by removal of cement and the polishing of your teeth. Moulds of your teeth in their new positions are taken to make retainers. After your braces are removed, you will need retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions for the next few months.
How long does treatment take?
The normal period of treatment with fixed braces is two to three years. You will need to make time every 4 – 8 weeks to visit your orthodontist regularly if you wish your treatment to finish well and on time.
