Amid the vibrant hustle at Iwo Road, Ibadan, 25-year-old Temi Okeowo paused at the entrance of a dental clinic, her heart beating with a mix of nervousness and excitement.
Yesterday marked the beginning of her journey towards a smile she had long dreamed of, one that would be shaped with the help of braces.
Temi’s decision was spurred by the growing trend of orthodontic treatments in Nigeria, with braces becoming increasingly popular among individuals of all ages seeking to improve their dental health and aesthetics.
As awareness grows about the importance of proper dental care and the availability of new orthodontic technologies, more Nigerians are considering braces as a viable option for correcting their misaligned teeth.
In Nigeria, access to dental health services, including orthodontic treatments, is a challenge due to the often inadequate and overstretched public facilities and costly private facilities, particularly in urban areas.
Oral health providers typically share space with other medical services within public hospitals, reflecting a focus on more centralised care. In contrast, private dental facilities usually operate independently, offering a different kind of patient experience.
This featured article explores the varied options and associated costs of braces in Nigeria as of 2024, providing essential insights for those considering this dental treatment.
As orthodontic technology advances, Nigerians now have access to a variety of braces options, each tailored to different needs, preferences, and budgets. The different types of braces available in Nigeria include:
Each type of brace has its own set of pros and cons, and the right choice largely depends on individual needs, financial considerations, and the specific recommendations of an orthodontist.
Average cost comparison between public hospitals and private dental clinics
Metal braces are primary options at public hospitals in Nigeria due to the expense of ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. Since public hospitals receive funding from the Federal Government, these cost-effective metal braces are the most accessible choice.
Public hospitals charge N350,000 at the minimum for services related to braces and N500,000 at the maximum.
Private hospitals, however, pay higher, ranging from N750,000 to N3.5 million.
The cost of braces often varies from one region to another within Nigeria. Urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt typically have higher pricing due to higher operational costs and the availability of more experienced orthodontists. In contrast, costs might be lower in smaller cities and rural areas, though options for advanced orthodontic care can be more limited.
Private dental facilities in Nigeria typically command higher fees compared to public hospitals. This price disparity stems from the fact that private clinics offer a diverse range of braces, in contrast to public hospitals which primarily utilise metal braces funded by the government. Moreover, private hospitals boast advanced equipment, further justifying their higher costs.
Private dental facilities in Nigeria typically command higher fees compared to public hospitals. This price disparity stems from the fact that private clinics offer a diverse range of braces, in contrast to public hospitals which primarily utilise metal braces funded by the government. Moreover, private hospitals boast advanced equipment, further justifying their higher costs.
Patients facing complex dental issues often incur expenses surpassing the average cost. This is due to the additional treatment required to address these complexities, which not only influences the duration of treatment but also contributes to the overall expenses incurred by the patient.
As stated, the type of braces chosen affects the cost. Metal braces are generally the least expensive, while options like lingual braces and clear aligners tend to be pricier due to their aesthetic advantages and advanced manufacturing processes.
Financing orthodontic treatments like braces can be a significant concern for many in Nigeria, where Naijaonpoint reports that the majority of patients pay out of pocket. To better understand the financial landscape and options available, Naijaonpoint consulted with several dental experts.
Many dental clinics across Nigeria offer flexible payment options to make treatments more accessible.
“Here, you can pay in instalments. As you come for your appointments, you can make partial payments until you complete your treatment,” explained a dental nurse from a teaching hospital.
Dental clinics in Nigeria occasionally offer discounts, particularly during special events like Dental Health Month.
“Our clinic sometimes runs discounts. Currently, we are offering a 10% discount to any patient who pays in full,” shared a representative from one clinic.
Insights from patients also shed light on the realities of obtaining braces in Nigeria.