I started my treatment for dental braces in Feb 2008. The purpose was to straighten my lower teeth. Now, I have higher cheek bones, a wider and bigger head, my nose feels pushed out and it is wider. I am furious. The orthodontist never told me that my facial structure would change with braces. I feel like I went in for a face lift instead! I suspect what has caused this is a palatal expander that was put into my upper jaw. If a palatal expander is suppose to widen one's face, or has the potential to do so, why would the orthodontist not inform me of the side effects or at least offer me an alternative solution? If I was presented with the information prior to expanding my upper palate, I would never have proceeded with dental braces. My face has become more square. My smile is not the same any longer. I am stunned and shocked by what has happened to my face. Also, now, my right jaw is completely out of socket and I have had jaw pain and headaches and eye pain associated with this. I am infuriated by this entire experience. What gives a person a right to change one's facial anataomy with informing them of to expect if I follow through with orhtodontic treatment? What are my rights as a patient, and what can I do?

This is the legal board and so the legal advice is to contact a medical malpractice Attorney. Take your documentation and photographs and let him/her make a determination of your care was substandard or outside the usual practices in your area.

Thank you for your quick respopnse. What documentation are you referring to?t

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Originally Posted by ttown88

Thank you for your quick respopnse. What documentation are you referring to?t

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Bills, copies of any medical information, records of prescriptions, handouts given to you by the Dentist. You have to document what you are saying in some way. Photos of before and after would be most helpful.

(This is not a personal injury case, by the way. It would be medical malpractice.)