FDA Safety Concerns over Palate Expanders for Adults
Dental devices known as fixed or non-removable palatal expanders are often used to reshape the jaw in adults and treat conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) of the jaw.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved these devices to be used in adults in this way. Palatal expanders for children work because a child’s upper jaw bone hasn’t fused yet like it has in adults.
When adults try to use these kinds of dental devices, they may be at risk of suffering potentially serious injuries.
Adult Palatal Expander Devices
There are various types of palatal expander devices that may be used on adults to treat different conditions or remodel the jaw.
Using any of the following dental devices on adults could result in serious health issues:
- Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA)
- Fixed Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (FAGGA)
- Anterior Remodeling Appliance (ARA)
- Fixed Anterior Remodeling Appliance (FARA)
- Osseo-Restoration Appliance (ORA)
- Fixed Osseo-Restoration Appliance (FORA)
- Any other similar device types
If you suffered an injury after using any of these palatal expanders as an adult, you may be able to file an AGGA lawsuit for your pain.
See If You Can Take Action
If you were injured after using a palatal expander as an adult, you can learn about your legal options — for free. Take the first steps toward justice now.
Injuries from Palatal Expander Dental Devices in Adults
Since the upper jaw bones of adults are fused, the force applied to an adult’s palate from a palatal expander may result in various oral health issues.
When adults use palatal expanders, they may be at risk of the following injuries:
- Bone erosion
- Chronic pain
- Damaged gums
- Difficulty eating
- Dislocation of teeth
- Exposed roots
- Facial disfigurement
- Flared teeth
- Nerve damage
- Uneven bite
- Tooth loss
The discomfort and damage caused by adult palatal expanders can negatively impact oral health, and these injuries can make simple tasks like brushing your teeth or eating challenging.
Unfortunately, these injuries can also cause the patient to need additional medical procedures — like bone grafts or surgery — to correct the damage from the device.
Who Qualifies for a Palatal Expander Lawsuit?
You may be able to file a palatal expander lawsuit if you:
- Had a fixed or non-removable palatal expander as an adult
- Later experienced an injury as a result of the dental device
State laws, known as statutes of limitations, restrict how long you have to file a legal claim after an injury. So, it’s important to reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Sokolove Law now to learn if you may be eligible to file an AGGA lawsuit and hold the manufacturer of these devices accountable.
How to File a Palate Expander Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we understand the stress and uncertainty that can accompany an unexpected medical complication. Our experienced attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and well-being.
If you have a case, your legal team can:
- Verify your eligibility to take legal action during a free case review
- Gather evidence like your medical records and testimony to build a strong case
- File your palate expander lawsuit within any statutes of limitations or state deadlines
- Negotiate a palate expander settlement with the defendant(s)
- Present your case in a court trial if an AGGA settlement is unable to be reached
Let us get you the money you deserve. Call Sokolove Law now at (800) 995-1212 to get started.
Let Our Palate Expander Lawyers Help You Take Action
For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has stood up to negligent companies and health care providers while helping everyday people pursue justice for their injuries. We’ve secured compensation for clients in all 50 states, and we may be able to help you too.
If you used a fixed palatal expander as an adult and later sustained an injury, our team can provide you with a free case review to determine if you may be able to file an AGGA lawsuit.
We charge no upfront or out-of-pocket costs, so there is no financial risk to working with us.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to learn if you may be eligible to take action. Members of our team are standing by 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
Palate Expander for Adults Lawsuit FAQs
Why are adult palatal expanders dangerous?
In adults, the upper jaw bones are fused, making the palate resistant to expansion. This is not the case for children and adolescents, whose jaw bones have not yet fused together.
Using a palatal expander on adults can force your teeth and gums to widen, potentially causing serious injuries and dental complications.
The use of fixed palatal expanders on adults has not been approved by the FDA, and the agency is currently monitoring reports of injuries associated with these devices.
What types of palate expanders for adults can cause injuries?
Fixed, non-removable palatal expanders in adults may be used for jaw remodeling or to treat conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
However, serious health complications may arise from the use of these devices.
Palatal expander devices that may cause injuries in adults include:
- Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA)
- Fixed Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (FAGGA)
- Anterior Remodeling Appliance (ARA)
- Fixed Anterior Remodeling Appliance (FARA)
- Osseo-Restoration Appliance (ORA)
- Fixed Osseo-Restoration Appliance (FORA)
- Any other similar device types
See if you qualify to file an AGGA lawsuit now for your injuries.
How much does it cost to file a palate expander lawsuit?
At Sokolove Law, there are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to file a palatal expander lawsuit.
Our team only gets paid if your case successfully results in compensation, so there's no financial risk to taking legal action.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to learn if you may be eligible to file an AGGA lawsuit against those responsible.
