Invisible braces, or clear aligners, can be fitted to the upper and/or lower jaw, and are commonly used to straighten teeth or close any unwanted gaps in between them. There are four main stages to the procedure:
Assessment
During the assessment stage, your dentist is required to review the alignment of your teeth and assess the relationship they have with your jaw. This is done by taking x-rays and impressions, or moulds, of your top and bottom teeth, to be then sent off to a specialist laboratory.
Fabrication
The fabrication stage of the process involves the use of computer software at the laboratory, where a 3D model of your teeth is created in order to simulate the movement of your teeth. In order to achieve the desired result, a number of plastic mouth guards (also known as clear aligners) are produced and sent to your dentist.
Fitting
The fitting of the clear aligners is completed by your dentist, who will advise you how long treatment is expected to take and how the final results will be achieved. In some cases, it can be completed within six months, whereas more complex cases can take around 12-18 months. Your dentist should provide you with both written and verbal instructions explaining how the guards should be worn and the best ways to look after them. It’s likely you will be provided with four mouth guards so they can be changed every two weeks, applying gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into place. Regular check-ups with your dentist will be required in order to ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
Aftercare
After your dentist has confirmed that the treatment is complete, you should be supplied with some form of retention to ensure your teeth do not change position further. This can come in the form of a fixed wire, which is cemented to the back of your teeth, or a removable, clear mouth guard to be worn at night.
If you feel this process has not been adhered to by your dentist, contact a member of our team today for free initial legal advice.
Can I make a claim against my dentist if something goes wrong with my invisible braces?
Whilst most patients are happy with their results, unfortunately some people don’t get the outcome they had hoped for when they opt for invisible braces. If your dentist provides incorrect advice, doesn’t give your mouth and jaw a thorough examination prior to fitting or there are no signs of improvement after you have paid for concealed braces, it’s possible you have suffered from dental negligence. In addition to this, if your braces are fitted incorrectly, causing harm to your teeth or gums, your dentist may be guilty of malpractice.
If you think you have been charged too much for your invisible brace treatment, or additional pain has been caused as a result of your dentist’s poor treatment or advice then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation if you think you have been treated negligently by your dentist.
To speak to a legal professional regarding unsuccessful dental treatment, call the Dental Law Partnership today.
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Dental negligence: Invisible braces compensation claims – More info:
What are the benefits of invisible braces?There are a number of benefits to having invisible braces fitted, including:
They are discreet: Invisible braces have increased in popularity due to their discreet nature, and are often the preferred choice compared to that of traditional fixed metal braces.
They are comfortable: Invisible braces are considered to be more comfortable than classic designs due to the fact they have no metal brackets or wires, and do not involve any drilling. Additionally, invisible braces tend to cause minimal discomfort during the initial period of wearing.
They are removable: In most cases, invisible braces are removable, so do not affect you brushing, flossing, eating or drinking.
The process is relatively quick: This method of cosmetic dentistry can permanently improve your smile and is considered a relatively quick treatment compared to many other methods.
Is there any reason I would not be able to get invisible braces?
Unfortunately, invisible braces may not be suitable for patients with;
- Jaw discrepancies
- A lot of tooth movement
- Previous crown and bridgework
- A case of active gum disease
If you have any of the above, your dentist should advise you that you may not be suitable for this treatment and it could cause more harm than good.
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What should I ask before getting invisible braces?
Before investing in invisible braces, you should discuss all of the options available with your dentist. For example, you should be asking:
Are there any alternative treatment options? Your dentist should always provide you with information and advice regarding alternative treatment options, enabling you to make an informed decision before agreeing to invisible braces.
Am I a suitable candidate for invisible braces? It’s also essential that your dentist confirms you are suitable for this type of treatment, and whether it would fit in with the type of lifestyle you lead.
What is the treatment process? You should be well aware of the steps involved in getting braces, as well as the timeframe for completion, aftercare and what costs are involved.
Are invisible braces suitable for me?
Once your dentist has completed a thorough assessment of your teeth, jaw alignment, teeth positioning of teeth and also overall oral health, it can be decided whether this type of cosmetic dentistry is right for you. If you suit the criteria and want to avoid any drilling in order to achieve a straight smile, it’s likely this will be the right treatment for you.
You can contact us for a free claim assessment and to discuss your options
0808 301 4002
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation could I get for a dental negligence claim in relation to braces?
As with most dental negligence claims, the amount of compensation that you may receive if your braces have failed, or if you have developed further oral health issues because of them, will depend on the circumstances of your specific case.
At the Dental Law Partnership, our team of expert dental negligence solicitors are on hand to help you with your invisible braces compensation claim at every step of the way; call us today.
How long do braces-related dental negligence claims take?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to put an exact time-frame on a braces-related dental negligence compensation claim, as it can vary quite dramatically from case to case. There is a strict legal process that must be adhered to and many cases are settled before they reach court, meaning that a claim could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how your dentist responds to the claim and other aspects of the legal process, such as evidence gathering and gaining expert opinions. Click here for full details of the dental negligence claims process.
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