Anterior growth guidance appliances (AGGA), also known as osseo restoration devices, controlled arch braces (CAB) and advanced lightwire functionals (ALF) are orthodontic appliances used in the treatment of craniofacial pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), sleep apnea, and other related conditions. The use of these appliances has increased in recent years due to their purported benefits. However, there have been numerous reports of patients experiencing significant harm as a result of their use. Mainstream orthodontists have debunked their use as junk medicine. In this blog post, we will discuss our firm’s experience handling cases seeking damages for parties who have been injured through the use of AGGA, CAB, and ALF.
Background
AGGA, CAB, and ALF are orthodontic appliances that claim to stimulate bone growth in the maxilla and mandible, the upper and lower jawbones, respectively. These appliances were supposedly designed to correct malocclusions, which are dental misalignments that can cause various issues such as TMD and sleep apnea. The devices apply a constant low-level force to the teeth and surrounding bone, which proponents claim stimulates bone growth and helps to reposition the teeth. In fact, the literature demonstrates the fallacy of these claims. They do not stimulate bone growth; rather they combine to push teeth out of the supporting alveolar bone. The combination of AGGA and Cab has the effect of causing significant damage to the root structure of the teeth, leading to significant periodontal issues an ultimately causing teeth to fail and need to be replaced.
Despite the advertised benefits of these devices, there have been reports of patients experiencing significant harm as a result of their use. Some patients have reported pain, discomfort, and difficulty speaking or eating while wearing the appliances. Others have reported damage to their teeth, gums, and jawbones. In severe cases, patients have reported permanent damage to their teeth, gums, and jawbones.
Our Firm’s Experience
Our firm has represented a number of clients who have been injured through the use of AGGA, CAB, and ALF. These cases have involved a range of injuries, including pain, discomfort, and damage to the teeth, gums, and jawbones.
One of our clients, for example, experienced significant pain and discomfort while wearing an AGGA device. The pain was so severe that she was unable to eat or speak properly. In addition, the device caused damage to her teeth and gums, requiring extensive dental work to repair the damage.
Another client experienced permanent damage to her teeth and gums as a result of using an ALF device. The device was improperly installed, causing her teeth to shift and creating a misalignment that required extensive orthodontic treatment to correct.
In both of these cases, our firm was able to secure significant settlements for our clients, which helped to cover the costs of their medical treatment and other related expenses, as well as for their pain and suffering. We also worked to raise awareness of the risks associated with these devices, in order to prevent similar injuries from occurring in the future.
Lessons Learned
Our experience handling cases involving AGGA, CAB, and ALF has highlighted the importance of careful evaluation and monitoring of patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Patients should be informed of the potential risks associated with these devices and should be closely monitored for any signs of discomfort or injury.
In addition, orthodontists and other dental professionals should be properly trained and educated on the lack of peer reviewed literature on these devices, including proper monitoring protocols. This will help to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care and that the risks associated with these devices are eliminated.
Conclusion
The use of AGGA, CAB, and ALF devices has increased in recent years, as more patients seek treatment for craniofacial pain, TMD, and sleep apnea. While these devices are claimed to have the potential to provide significant benefits, they also carry significant risks. Our firm has represented a number of clients who have been injured through the use of these devices and has worked to raise awareness of the risks associated with their use. We hope that by sharing our experience, we can help to prevent similar injuries from occurring in the future and ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care possible, and gain appropriate compensation for those injured by this dental voodoo.
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