Dental Malpractice: Can You Sue for Orthodontic Errors?

If a dentist’s substandard orthodontic care has left you with misaligned teeth, bite problems, or other complications, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, winning such a case requires meeting specific legal criteria.

Elements of a Malpractice Claim

To succeed, you must prove three core elements:

1. Duty of Care: The dentist owed you a professional standard of care.
2. Breach of Duty: The dentist failed to meet that standard—whether through improper bracket placement, incorrect force application, failure to monitor progress, or inadequate treatment planning.
3. Causation and Damages: The breach directly caused measurable harm, such as the need for corrective treatment, pain, or financial loss.

Potential Compensation

If negligence is proven, you may recover damages for:

• Cost of corrective orthodontic treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages due to appointments or complications

Next Steps

Malpractice lawsuits are complex and require expert testimony. Consult an experienced dental malpractice attorney to evaluate your case, gather records, and protect your rights.