Compromise Overjet Cases: How to Avoid Liability

Have you ever wondered about how to avoid liability in compromise overjet cases? Often, it can seem difficult to work out whether a compromised overjet case is safe to take, but there are several things you should consider here before ortho starts. Luckily, we’ve outlined a few key things you should know here to help.
Things to Consider Before Ortho Starts on Compromised Overjet Cases
Before ortho starts, there are several things you will need to know first. Remember, a compromised case means that the treatment plan won’t be finished to a perfect standard. While this can be an improvement still, it may leave a patient potentially unhappy with the results – leaving you at risk of liability.
First, check whether the patient is still growing. Girls tend to stop growing earlier than boys, but even between the ages of eight and seventeen years, growth is still possible. As a result, it’s worth considering whether it might be below standard of care to provide a compromised case to an under-eighteen-year-old. For us here at Straight Smile Solutions, any growing cases do not meet what we deem to be the minimum standard of care. Always do due diligence to check whether the patient is growing.
If the patient is over eighteen and isn’t growing, start by checking the chief complaint with the patient. The chief complaint doesn’t necessarily tie in with the treatment plan the patient has requested, you will need to explain this to them; sometimes, what the patient asks for could risk harming the profile or giving a result that the patient doesn’t expect. If you don’t feel comfortable with a treatment plan the patient asks for, don’t do it.
Always also check whether there are any health conditions that could put you at the risk of liability. For example, if there’s a risk of it compromising the airway and the patient has sleep apnea, it may not be a safe treatment plan to pursue.
What Options Are There?
There are numerous treatment options for overjet cases. These may include Invisalign and clear aligners, braces, extraction, anterior IPR, IPR on the maxillary arch, mandible advancement, and so on.
Get Professional Support for your Orthodontic Cases
Every case is unique. So, if you need further guidance, ideas, or support regarding your own orthodontic cases before they start, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly experts here at Straight Smile Solutions to book your consultation. We’re here to help!