The Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) has been a topic of much discussion and controversy in the dental community. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the AGGA dental device, address common questions, and provide expert opinions.
Understanding the AGGA Dental Device
A US dentist created the anterior growth guidance appliance (AGGA), a dental device that has been the focus of much debate. Originally designed to help patients with breathing problems, TMJ, crossbites, and other issues related to a small or poorly aligned jaw, the AGGA has been heavily promoted on social media and used by many dentists trained at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI). However, the device has also been linked to several lawsuits due to claims of severe damage to patients’ teeth and jaws.
What is AGGA?
The nasopalatine nerve receives light pressure from the light wire frame and small disc that make up the AGGA. This is supposed to encourage jaw growth, or “remodeling”, thus improving or resolving the patient’s condition. However, several experts have reported that the AGGA merely pushes a patient’s teeth out while the jaw remains in place. This has led to lasting damage for some patients, including loss of teeth, damage to the underlying bone, and related pain and suffering.
AGGA vs. DNA Appliance
When comparing the AGGA to the DNA appliance, it’s important to note that both can create slightly improved lip support and give a wider smile. However, the DNA appliance seems more focused on lateral growth, while the AGGA has the potential for more forward expansion but does less for the width of the jaw. The DNA appliance is also removable and doesn’t require the use of retainers after treatment, unlike the AGGA.
Safety Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently evaluating safety concerns with the use of certain dental devices, including the AGGA. The safety and effectiveness of these devices intended for uses such as treating conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or remodeling the jaw in adults have not been established. The FDA has also received reports of serious complications with the use of these devices, including chronic pain, tooth dislocation, flared teeth, uneven bites, difficulty eating, damaged gums, exposed roots, bone erosion, and tooth loss.
Recommendations
Given the ongoing evaluation by the FDA and the reported complications, it’s crucial for patients considering the AGGA to consult with a dental professional and thoroughly understand the potential risks. It’s also important to be aware that the AGGA was recently renamed the Osseo-Restoration Appliance (ORA), but it is the same device and potentially carries all the same risks and unproven claims as before.
Alternatives to AGGA
While the AGGA has been marketed as a solution for various dental issues, there are other more effective and proven devices available. For instance, the DNA appliance is a removable device that can be worn at night and is believed to deliver both forward and lateral growth. It’s also worth noting that the DNA appliance seems to be more focused on improving health issues than aesthetics.
Comparing AGGA with Other Appliances
When compared to other dental appliances, the AGGA stands out for its unique mechanism and controversial reputation. Other adult palatal expander devices, like the DNA appliance (Vivos), ALF, and Homeoblock devices, have been used successfully in the past and work in very different ways.
The DNA appliance, for instance, promotes the three-dimensional growth of adult jaw and facial bones, progressing forward and making the jaws wider and taller. The homeoblock works in a similar way to the Vivos DNA. In contrast, the AGGA primarily promotes forward growth, making it a one-dimensional appliance.
Controversies and Legal Issues Surrounding AGGA
The AGGA has been the subject of several lawsuits and a criminal investigation due to allegations of causing harm to patients. Some patients have reported damaged gums, eroded bones, and even lost teeth after using the device.
Despite these controversies, it’s important to note that the AGGA has also had cases with good outcomes. However, the recent negative press and legal issues have led many dentists to distance themselves from the device.
Key Takeaways
- The AGGA is a unique orthodontic device that claims to remodel the jaw forward by stimulating bone growth.
- Many dental professionals question the scientific basis of the AGGA’s mechanism and argue that it displaces teeth rather than promoting bone growth.
- Other dental appliances, such as the DNA appliance and Homeoblock, have proven track records and different mechanisms of action.
- The AGGA has been the subject of several lawsuits and a criminal investigation due to allegations of causing harm to patients.
Considerations Before Using AGGA
Before deciding to use the AGGA, it’s crucial to consider the following:
- The AGGA is a fixed appliance that only a dentist can remove, which can make it more challenging to use and clean.
- Treatments with the AGGA usually last 3–5 years and often involve expensive braces and other appliances.
- The AGGA does not have a very long proven track record, and many dental professionals do not believe it grows bone the way its inventor claims.
- The AGGA is not FDA-cleared, and its safety is currently under investigation.
Given these considerations, it’s essential to consult with a trusted dental professional before deciding to use the AGGA or any other dental appliance.
The AGGA Dental Device: A Comprehensive Look at Its Claims and Controversies
The Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA), a dental device invented in the 1990s, has been the subject of much debate and controversy in recent years. The device, designed to help patients with breathing problems, TMJ, crossbites, and other issues related to a small or poorly aligned jaw, has been claimed to stimulate jaw growth or “remodeling”. It’s crucial to note that neither clinical trials nor academic research support these claims.
The AGGA’s Claims: Airway Remodeling, Snoring Prevention, and Non-Surgical Treatment
The AGGA device is designed to apply light pressure to the nasopalatine nerve, which is supposed to encourage jaw growth or “remodeling”. This remodeling is claimed to improve a patient’s airway, thereby preventing snoring or sleep-disordered breathing. The device is also marketed as a non-surgical treatment, which could be appealing to patients who wish to avoid the hassle and recovery time associated with surgery.
The Controversies Surrounding the AGGA
Despite these claims, the AGGA has been the subject of multiple lawsuits, with patients alleging that the device has caused severe damage to their teeth and jaws. Experts have reported that the AGGA merely pushes a patient’s teeth out, while the jaw remains in place. This aggressive movement of the teeth can create the illusion of jaw growth, but it can also lead to tooth and bone loss.
Furthermore, the AGGA was never submitted for FDA approval, and it has not been subject to any peer review. This lack of oversight and regulation has raised concerns among experts and patients alike. The device’s inventor, Dr. Steve Gallela, has claimed that his own experience with the device, which he says he has used on more than 600 patients, is proof that it works. However, medical experts who reviewed the patient scans submitted by Dr. Gallela have pointed out that his own evidence further documents the inefficacy and lasting damage of the device.
The AGGA’s Rebranding and Continued Marketing
Despite these controversies, the AGGA continues to be marketed under a new name, the Osseo-Restoration Appliance (ORA). This rebranding does not change the device’s function or its potential risks, and dentists are advised to exercise caution when considering its use.
While the AGGA’s claims of airway remodeling, snoring prevention, and non-surgical treatment may sound appealing, it’s crucial to consider the controversies and potential risks associated with the device. Patients are advised to consult with their healthcare providers and to seek treatments that are backed by scientific evidence and approved by regulatory bodies.
| AGGA Claims | Controversies |
|---|---|
| Airway remodeling | Multiple lawsuits allege severe damage to teeth and jaws |
| Snoring prevention | The device merely pushes teeth out while jaw remains in place |
| Non-surgical treatment | Not submitted for FDA approval or peer review |
| Rebranded and continues to be marketed despite controversies |
Remember, it’s always important to prioritize your health and safety when considering any medical or dental treatment. Always consult with a trusted healthcare provider before making any decisions.
In conclusion, while the AGGA dental device has been marketed as a solution for various dental issues, it has also been the subject of controversy and legal action. Patients considering this treatment should be aware of the potential risks and consult with their dental professional to explore all available options.
