Lawsuit Information Center
There is a new lawsuit involving the promotion and use of a dental device known as the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA). The lawsuit contends that the AGGA, which was marketed as a non-surgical solution for correcting dental, facial, and airway abnormalities, lacks scientific backing and has not been proven safe or effective for adult patients.
The core of the allegations centers on the assertion by the defendants that AGGA could induce substantial alterations in the adult nasomaxillary complex, including advancing the maxilla forward significantly, through mechanical force and bone growth stimulation.
Plaintiffs challenge these claims as unfounded and in direct conflict with established medical understanding, asserting that the device may, in fact, cause harm by displacing upper teeth from their sockets and leading to severe dental and skeletal issues.
Highlighting the marketing strategies employed, AGGA lawsuits detail how dental professionals were targeted through educational seminars and promotional materials that touted the benefits of AGGA without providing sufficient evidence of its efficacy or safety. It is further alleged that these marketing efforts did not adequately disclose the potential risks associated with the device, particularly for adult patients, and that the device was distributed and utilized without necessary regulatory approvals or clinical trials to verify its claims.
News & Updates:
May 8, 2024: Two new AGGA product liability lawsuits were recently filed in federal court in Indiana. The first case was filed by a California man who claims that the AGGA caused him to suffer tooth root, bone density loss, loose teeth, and gum damage. The lawsuit claims that the injuries caused by the AGGA are permanent. The second lawsuit was filed by a woman from Croatia who had the AGGA implanted in October 2020. Her lawsuit claims that defects in the AGGA caused acute pain and gum problems, and that her pain continued even after having the device removed.
What is the AGGA?
The AGGA is a fixed dental orthodontic device made out of metal wire and plastic, similar to a retainer. It is sometimes given to patients in lieu of jaw surgery. The device is attached to the upper teeth and roof of the mount. It is supposed to use mechanical force while simultaneously stimulating a nerve to promote bone growth in order to remodel the jaw.
What the AGGA Appliance Lawsuit Is Really About
Imagine you go to a dentist because you want to improve your smile or fix some dental issues without undergoing major surgery. Many of us have been in this spot.
A dentist enthusiastically recommends a new special device called the AGGA, promising it can fix your problems by moving your jaw and teeth in a way that improves your facial structure, breathing, and overall dental health. It is hard not to get excited about a new solution to a problem that has been beating you down. You are told that this device is supposed to be a non-surgical way to make big changes in how your mouth and face look and function.
However, after using this device, instead of getting better, things turn out worse. People start experiencing serious problems like their teeth moving in ways they shouldn’t, causing pain and damage to their gums and bones in the jaw. It turns out, the device doesn’t work as promised for adults, and it can even cause permanent damage.
The lawsuit was filed by individuals who used the AGGA and ended up with serious dental problems. They are suing the dentist who created the AGGA, the companies that make and sell it, and a dental lab involved in its distribution. They claim that these parties falsely advertised the AGGA as safe and effective without proper scientific proof and without warning them about the potential risks and damages it could cause.
In simpler terms, the lawsuit is about people being hurt by a dental device that was supposed to help them but ended up causing more harm. They’re taking legal action because they believe the people and companies behind the AGGA misled them about how safe and effective the device was, and now they want compensation for the harm and losses they’ve suffered.
Injuries and Damages in AGGA Appliance Lawsuit
The plaintiffs report suffering from a range of injuries and damages as a direct consequence of the AGGA treatment. These injuries include but are not limited to, significant bone and nerve damage, root resorption (a condition where the roots of the teeth are gradually destroyed), severe gum disease, and substantial bone loss around the upper back molars. Additionally, plaintiffs have experienced heightened tooth sensitivity, issues with their bite alignment, and other irreversible dental and facial damage. These physical ailments have led to considerable emotional distress, financial burdens due to ongoing and future medical treatments, and a notable decrease in the quality of life.
The legal claim emphasizes the negligence on the part of the defendants in failing to properly research, test, and disclose the potential risks associated with AGGA. It accuses them of prioritizing profit over patient safety and well-being, misleading both dental professionals and patients about the device’s safety and efficacy. The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages for their injuries, including coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic losses incurred as a result of their AGGA treatments.
How Does the AGGA Cause Injuries
AGGA often leads to tooth movement or shifting, a prevalent dental issue. The appliance’s action on the jaw can result in the upper teeth drifting away from the alveolar bone, leading to harm to the adjacent tissues. Consequently, individuals may experience loosening or forward flaring of their teeth, necessitating eventual extraction. In severe instances, the extent of tissue and healthy bone damage may preclude patients from undergoing dental implant procedures to address the issue.
Who is Eligible to File an AGGA Lawsuit?
Our firm is currently accepting AGGA lawsuits from individuals who meet certain criteria. To have a valid AGGA claim, prospective claimants need to be able to show that they received an AGGA device and that they regularly wore it for at least 6 months. Claimants will also need to show that after wearing the AGGA for 6 months they suffered one of the following injuries:
- Tooth loss (particularly upper teeth)
- Tooth damage
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Gum or tissue loss
- Bone loss in the tooth socket
- Facial disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Corrective surgery
Potential Settlement Value of AGGA Cases
It is way too early to say for sure what the potential settlement value of AGGA lawsuits could be. This litigation is in the very early stages. However, we can provide an educated guess based on settlements in prior cases involving similar injuries and claims.
Our product liability lawyers estimate that AGGA injury cases in the highest settlement tier (i.e., those with the most serious injuries) could have a settlement value range of $90,000 to $250,000.
Contact Us About an AGGA Lawsuit
If you suffered injuries from using an AGGA device, you can file a lawsuit and get compensation. Call our lawyers today to see if you have a case. You can reach us by phone at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.