Orthodontics is the term given to the procedure where teeth are mal-aligned and this condition is normally treated by means of either fixed or removable appliances.
Claims in orthodontics normally include failure to recognise or treat un-eruptured or mal-positioned teeth and often such claims relate to the upper canines.
Un-erupted canines can cause damage to surrounding structures. Un-erupted canines normally occur at about 9 and 10 years of age and the dentist should on a routine examination be checking for this and carry out x-rays on a periodical basis.
Claims in such cases will inevitably involve examples of damage to surrounding teeth or where substantial remedial treatment is required. This may also require extraction of adjacent teeth and possibly implant treatment.
Other circumstances in which a claim may arise is when the dentist has failed to refer a patient to a specialist orthodontist.
