The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most patients complete their orthodontic care within one to three years, however, one young man is suing his orthodontist for treating him for eleven years, which resulted in permanent injury, as reported by ABC News.
Oregon resident, D.B., claims in a personal injury lawsuit that B.C., D.M.D., kept him in orthodontia so long that he now has lifelong injuries to his teeth, as well as him mouth a gums.
D.B. wore braces from the age of 7 until he turned 18.
The lawsuit was filed in Multnomah County circuit court on August 24. The plaintiff is seeking damages of $150,000 for his pain and suffering and an additional $35,100 for the cost of corrective oral surgery, and other related expenses.
D.B. is represented by attorney David Hollander.
Dr. John F. Buzzatto is the current president of the American Association of Orthodontists. The organization, according to Buzzatto, is the oldest and largest dental specialty organization worldwide.
Buzzatto told reporters that some instances – such as impacted teeth, an over-developed lower jaw, or moving away from their treating orthodontist – may extend the amount of time a patient is in treatment.
However, according to Buzzatto, being in orthodontia for 11 years is considered "extremely unusual" and he "could not think of an instance where that would be the case."
Dr. B.C. was contacted by the media but refused to discuss the case except to say that it was "very complicated." He said that privacy rules, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as doctor-patient confidentiality, prevented further discussion with the media.
Dr. B.C. did say that between himself, and D.B.'s former orthodontist, "the best result we possibly could" make were reached.
Dr. B.C. also said that D.B. did "a lot of moving" while Hollander has claimed that D.B. either lived near Eugene or Cottage Grove – and both places were near to Dr. B.C.'s office.
All of D.B.'s medial documents were submitted by Dr. B.C. to the American Association of Orthodontist's Insurance Company for evaluation. Experts reviewed the documents, and according to Dr. B.C., found the care to be standard. However, members of the press contacted the insurance company and were told that the investigation is ongoing.
When asked if wearing braces longer than normal could cause damage, Buzzatto said, "Not necessarily. The problem is not so much the braces, as the increased difficulty the wearer has in trying to keep his teeth clean. If you don't have the best hygiene, you run the risk of decalcification of the teeth."
Hollander said that D.B. began treatment in 1997 with Dr. B.C. and that during the 11 years of treatment D.B. sought treatment "periodically – I can't say regularly."
D.B.'s treatment ended abruptly in 2008 when he received "an urgent phone call" from Dr. B.C.'s office instructing him to come in to have his braces removed.
If your teeth have been damaged due to inadequate or substandard care from a dentist, you can file a dental malpractice claim with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Don't delay – contact an attorney today for help!