African woman with a radiant smile
🌍 Proud member of the West African Association of Orthodontists (WAJO)

A Stunning Smile
Your Journey Begins Here!

Transform your smile with Nigeria's national association of orthodontic specialists. Personalized care for every smile.

The Power of Orthodontics
Transforming Smiles, Changing Lives!

Orthodontics is a highly specialized dental field focusing on facial growth and correcting teeth and jaw misalignments.

Discover Orthodontic Excellence

Get to know your National Association today. Fewer than 40 orthodontists serve over 170 million Nigerians β€” help us change that.

🌍 Discover WAJO Explore Treatments β†’
2004Founded
WFOAffiliated 2006
<40Orthodontists nationally
<40Orthodontists nationally
Patient Education

Start Your Journey to a Radiant Smile

Discover the power of orthodontic excellence β€” explore the treatments our specialists provide across Nigeria.

01Smiling Black woman showing teeth braces

Braces

Traditional braces gently guide teeth into their ideal position over time. Is it necessary for me to get braces?

Learn more β†’
02Person holding a clear aligner

Clear Aligners

Near-invisible aligners offer a discreet way to straighten teeth. Is clear aligner treatment right for me?

Learn more β†’
πŸ’¬

Not sure which?

Contact a qualified NAO orthodontist today for a personalized assessment and start your journey.

Contact us β†’
Voices of NAO

Here is what patients & members have to say!

❝
"My daughter can smile again"

Through NAO's outreach programme, my daughter received a free screening and subsidised braces. The transformation in her confidence has been incredible β€” thank you to every member who volunteers.

AOAdebola O.Parent, Lagos
❝
"The conference was world-class"

The Annual Scientific Conference brings together the best minds in Nigerian orthodontics. The sessions on digital treatment planning changed how I run my practice.

CNDr. Chidi N.Member, Abuja
❝
"Proudly WAJO region"

Being part of NAO connects me to the West African orthodontic community and the World Federation of Orthodontists. It is an association that genuinely advances the specialty.

FBDr. Fatima B.Consultant Orthodontist, Kano

We are Proud Members of :

πŸ… World Federation of Orthodontists πŸ… West African Association of Orthodontists (WAJO) πŸ… Nigerian Dental Association πŸ… Nigerian Medical Association
NAO 2026 Β· Lagos

20th AGM & Scientific Conference β€” 28–30 Sept 2026

360 Degree Orthodontics: Experience, Ethics & Excellence β€” Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos. Registration opens soon; contact us to be notified.

Contact Us β†’
Dental care professionals
Home Β· About NAO

About the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists

A passionate team of professionals committed to transforming lives through exceptional orthodontic care β€” creating smiles that last a lifetime.

Our Story

From an idea in Toronto to a national association

The concept of a national association for orthodontic specialists originated from Nigerian Orthodontists who attended the 101st Annual Conference of the American Association of Orthodontists in Toronto, Canada, in May 2001. In April 2004, the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists (NAO) was officially founded, with Prof M.C Isiekwe, a pioneering orthodontist in Nigeria, nominated as its inaugural president.

May 2001Idea born at the 101st AAO conference, Toronto, Canada
April 2004NAO officially founded β€” Prof M.C Isiekwe, inaugural president
April 2006Affiliation established with the World Federation of Orthodontists
TodayFewer than 40 orthodontists serving 170M+ Nigerians β€” and growing
Smiling African woman β€” the heart of our mission
Aims & Objectives

What drives the association

  • Facilitating improved communication and collaboration among orthodontists, institutions, and other professional entities.
  • Safeguarding the specialty's interests and the well-being of its members.
  • Articulating viewpoints on all proposed legislation that impacts the practice of orthodontics.
  • Cooperating with analogous organizations, locally or internationally, that share similar objectives.
  • Offering advisory support to the Nigerian Dental Association, the Nigerian Medical Association, panels, government and non-governmental entities and agencies.
  • Advancing orthodontic education, research and training across Nigeria and West Africa.
Your Smile Journey Starts Here

Ready for orthodontic treatment?

Crooked, crowded or protruding teeth affect more than your confidence β€” they impact your oral health too. NAO connects you with qualified specialist orthodontists across Nigeria for braces, aligners and full smile makeovers. Book a consultation today.

Explore Treatments β†’ Find an Orthodontist β†’
Professional African man portrait
Home Β· WAJO

West African Association of Orthodontists

The regional umbrella body advancing orthodontic practice, training and collaboration across West Africa.

Regional Body

Uniting orthodontists across West Africa

WAJO brings together national orthodontic associations across the West African sub-region β€” including the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists β€” to raise standards of orthodontic care, harmonize training, and advocate for the specialty at the regional and international levels.

Working in concert with the World Federation of Orthodontists, WAJO supports member associations in professional development, scientific exchange and public oral-health advocacy.

  • Harmonising orthodontic training standards across West Africa
  • Facilitating regional scientific conferences and knowledge exchange
  • Supporting member associations in public-awareness campaigns
Orthodontic consultation in a modern clinic
Get Involved

NAO is a proud WAJO member

Connect with the West African orthodontic community through the association.

Visit WAJO Journal β†— Contact NAO β†’
Smiling African woman with a radiant smile
Home Β· Treatments

Orthodontic Treatments

Explore the treatment options our specialists provide β€” and find out which one is right for you or your child.

Smiling Black woman showing teeth braces
01 Β· Braces

Braces

Traditional braces gently guide teeth into their ideal position over time. They remain one of the most reliable and affordable ways to correct crowding, gaps and bite problems in children and adults.

  • Best for: complex crowding, bite correction, growing patients
  • Duration: typically 18–24 months
  • Ask yourself: Is it necessary for me to get braces?
Person holding a clear aligner
02 Β· Clear Aligners

Clear Aligners

Near-invisible aligners offer a discreet way to straighten teeth. Removable for eating and brushing, they fit comfortably into adult lifestyles while delivering predictable results.

  • Best for: mild-to-moderate alignment issues, aesthetics-focused adults
  • Duration: typically 6–18 months
  • Ask yourself: Is clear aligner treatment right for me?
Orthodontist performing an appliance adjustment on a patient
03 Β· Archwires

Archwires

Archwires apply the gentle, controlled force that moves teeth along the treatment plan. Your orthodontist selects and adjusts the wire at each visit to keep treatment on track.

  • Best for: all fixed-appliance treatments
  • Frequency: adjusted every 6–10 weeks
  • Ask yourself: Is archwire treatment necessary for me?
Clear retainer on gloved hands
04 Β· Retainers

Retainers

Retainers keep your new smile in place after active treatment. Faithful retainer wear is what makes your orthodontic results last a lifetime.

  • Best for: everyone after braces or aligners
  • Duration: nightly wear, long-term
  • Ask yourself: Is a retainer necessary for me?
X-ray of mouth and jaw
05 Β· Orthognathic Surgery

Orthodontic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery corrects severe jaw discrepancies that cannot be resolved with appliances alone. Your orthodontist works with a maxillofacial surgeon to plan and deliver coordinated care.

  • Best for: severe skeletal jaw discrepancies
  • Care team: orthodontist + maxillofacial surgeon
  • Ask yourself: Do I need orthognathic surgery?
Personal Assessment

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Contact a qualified NAO orthodontist today for a personalized assessment.

Contact Us β†’
Dental practice consultation
Home Β· Conference

20th AGM & Scientific Conference 2026

360 Degree Orthodontics: Experience, Ethics & Excellence β€” Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos Β· 28–30 September 2026.

Dr Onyinye Umeh
Dr Onyinye Umeh β€” Chairman, LOC "On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, I invite you to Lagos 2026. With the theme 360 Degree Orthodontics: Experience, Ethics & Excellence and sub-theme African Smiles, African Solutions: The Journey so far, we promise three days of world-class science. Our hands-on Laser in Orthodontics pre-conference workshop is not to be missed." β€” with Dr Funto Ayenakin, Secretary, LOC.
Conference venue dental clinic πŸ“ Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos

🎟️ Registration Fees

CategoryEarly (till Aug 15)Late (till Sept 15)Onsite
Consultant₦100,000₦115,000₦125,000
Resident Doctor₦75,000₦80,000₦90,000
Technologist / Therapist / Nurse₦60,000₦70,000₦75,000

Pre-Conference Workshop β€” Laser in Orthodontics (hands-on & live sessions): Doctors ₦25,000 Β· Technologist/Therapist/Nurse ₦20,000. Payment: NAO Fidelity Bank β€” 5600256454 (kindly send payment evidence).

Register for NAO 2026

Fill in the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Early-bird fee (till Aug 15):₦100,000
⚠️ Please fill in your name and a valid email.
βœ“

Registration Received!

Thank you! We'll contact you shortly.

Smiling African woman
Home Β· Blog

NAO News & Insights

Advocacy, awareness and the latest from Nigeria's orthodontic community.

African woman smiling
Advocacy

120 million Nigerians have poor dentition, says NAO

The association decries the dearth of orthodontic professionals serving over 200 million people, and calls for urgent investment in the specialty.

Read article β†’
African man portrait
Policy

Call to include orthodontics in National Health Insurance

NAO advocates NHIA coverage to expand access, build smiles and self-confidence, and enhance psychosocial well-being for millions of Nigerians.

Read article β†’
African man smiling portrait
Education

Public education on orthodontic care

President Modupe Adeyinka emphasises the need for awareness about the specialty and early intervention β€” ideally between ages seven and nine.

Read article β†’
Stay Updated

Follow the association's work

From outreach programmes to policy advocacy β€” there's always something happening at NAO.

Get in Touch β†’
Woman smiling warmly
Home Β· Contact

Contact Us

Start your journey to a radiant smile β€” reach out to the association today.

πŸ“ž
Phone+234 818 442 4505
βœ‰οΈ
Emailcontact@nao-ng.org
πŸ“
AddressLagos, Nigeria Β· nao-ng.org
πŸ•Opening Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 - 17:00
Saturday9:30 - 17:30
SundayClosed

Send Us a Message

Questions about treatments, membership, or the conference? We'll reply within 24 hours.

⚠️ Please fill in your name, a valid email, and a message.
βœ“

Message Sent!

Thank you! We'll get back to you within 24 hours.