April 14, 2023 — Federal prosecutors are investigating criminal charges against the manufacturer and dentist behind the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) dental device.
The investigation was revealed in a court motion that was filed on April 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
The motion was filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, which said they are “conducting a criminal investigation … for the purpose of potentially bringing criminal charges against Defendants.”
The defendants include Steve Galella DDS, OrthoMatrix Corp Inc., John’s Dental Laboratory Inc., and LVI Global LLC.
These defendants are already facing at least 20 lawsuits from patients who suffered permanent dental damage, lost teeth, chronic pain, facial disfigurement, and other injuries from the AGGA device.
On March 30, the FDA also opened a safety investigation into the AGGA device and other fixed (non-removable) palate expanders in adults.
These devices were originally designed for children, whose bones are still growing, to gradually push the front teeth and upper palate into a better position.
But in recent years, thousands of adults have been treated with AGGA devices, which are sometimes advertised to “remodel” the jaw, beautify faces, and treat common conditions like sleep apnea.
Unfortunately, in adults whose bones have stopped growing, the AGGA device actually pushes the front teeth out of position rather than expanding the palate and jawline. This has left many patients with severe dental problems and permanent facial disfigurement.
Do I have an AGGA Dental Device Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting AGGA Dental Device induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by an Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) or Osseo-Restoration Appliance, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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