Cosmetic dentistry is a specialised area of dental care focused on improving the appearance of a person’s smile. While traditional dentistry primarily concentrates on the hygiene, prevention, and treatment of oral health related issues, people see a cosmetic dentist for help enhancing the look and feel of their smile aesthetically. It encompasses a range of treatments that help improve the appearance of teeth and gums to help people feel more confident.
The number of people opting for cosmetic dental procedures has risen in recent years as treatments become more accessible and affordable. And with the vast array of treatments, there are just as many potential complications. It goes without saying that the vast majority of patients are pleased with the results of their treatment, but unfortunately, for some, this isn’t the case. Some complications can be completely unforeseen, but some otherwise avoidable outcomes can result from dental negligence.
If you feel that your dentist acted carelessly or negligently and, as a result, you experienced unnecessary pain or suffering after your cosmetic treatment, you might be eligible to file a dental negligence claim.
To get further information, fill out our contact form below, or give us a call on 01254 606008 to speak to a friendly member of our team today.
How Farleys can help with cosmetic dentistry negligence claims
With over sixty years of experience, our skilled dental negligence solicitors have a proven track record of successfully resolving cases for our clients. We understand the impact cosmetic dentistry negligence can have on your confidence, physical and mental well-being and your overall quality of life, so we want to help.
Our dental negligence solicitor will discuss your circumstances in depth to ensure we provide you with the best possible assistance. We’ll use this initial exchange, to thoroughly understand the context of your case and experience. With this knowledge, we can offer you a solid base for exploring all the legal avenues available to you and determining the best course of action.
Please get in touch with our solicitors for a free initial consultation if you’re considering claiming dental negligence. You can reach us at 0330 828 3881 or by email to schedule an appointment.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
There’s little to no difference between cosmetic dentistry and regular dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is just the name given to any procedure that aims to improve the look of teeth rather than address an oral health problem.
The cosmetic dentistry umbrella contains many treatments targeting different parts of the smile and surrounding areas like the gums. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can be as little as composite tooth-coloured fillings, all the way up to costly and lengthy procedures like implants, crowns, veneers and even orthodontic treatments. Here are a few examples of some popular treatments that typically fall under the bracket of cosmetic dentistry.
- Teeth Whitening is the most common cosmetic procedure of them all. Teeth whitening removes stains and discolouration to make teeth appear whiter and brighter.
- Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite materials that can be placed over the teeth to cover stains, chips, or other imperfections on the natural teeth.
- Crowns are tooth-like caps that can be fitted over damaged or misshapen teeth to restore appearance and function.
- Implants are dental prostheses surgically implanted into the jawbone to solve missing teeth permanently.
- Orthodontics includes anything from braces, aligners or retainers that help straighten the teeth.
- Gum Contouring helps to reshape the gums to create a more desired gum line, especially for people with a gummy smile.
- Full Smile Makeovers offer a combination of several treatments in one package that will lead to an overall more aesthetically pleasing smile.
These various treatments span a wide range of complexity and invasiveness, leading to varying degrees of potential complications.
What is classed as cosmetic dentistry negligence?
Before undergoing any cosmetic dentistry treatment, your dentist will conduct a thorough consultation to assess the current state of your teeth and ensure that they are healthy and strong enough to withstand the procedure. During the consultation, your dentist will also explain the risks associated with your chosen plan and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Despite the pre-treatment consultation, if your dentist fails to provide adequate and necessary care during or after the procedure, you may be able to claim dental negligence. It’s important to note that the treatment’s complexity will determine the consultation’s scope.
Some of the more common examples of dental negligence that take place with cosmetic dentistry include:
Misdiagnosis because of an inadequate assessment
Failure to obtain the consent of the client
Sub-standard cosmetic dentistry resulting in poor results, i.e. tooth enamel being weekend by teeth-whitening chemicals
Failing to manage infections or complications after or during the procedure successfully
Failing to meet the professional standards necessary for the treatment (not adhering to the accepted stand of care)
Negligent post-op care, such as lack of or inadequate follow-up care after a procedure, leading to the clients unnecessary suffering or defective results
Dental implant failures, i.e. if they were placed incorrectly
Recommending or performing unnecessary cosmetic treatments for financial gain
The use of defective products or materials during the treatment
This is not an exhaustive list of complications. It’s just those we hear most often. But, no matter what you have experienced during or after your cosmetic dental procedure, we want to hear from you.
Contact our in Dental Negligence Claims Specialists
Whenever possible, at Farleys, we will pursue your claim under a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement. We understand that legal matters can often be overwhelming, especially after an unsavoury experience, so our solicitors are committed to providing a friendly and approachable service without the use of any unnecessary legal jargon. We aim to make it easy for you to understand and access all the essential information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
Regardless of the specifics of your dental negligence claim, you can count on us to handle your case with utmost care, efficiency, and expert knowledge.
For an initial consultation at no cost, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental negligence claims solicitors today at 0330 828 3881 or via email to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!
FAQs
How long do I have to make a claim?
If you have been a victim of dental negligence and are planning to make a claim, it is essential to note that the period you can make the claim is three years. This period starts either from the date you suffered the injury or from the moment you became aware that the damage was caused due to dental negligence, whichever is later.
The Limitation Act 1980 specifies this time frame, which applies to most cases. However, if the claim involves a minor, the three-year time limit starts from their 18th birthday, when they legally become adults.
How long do cosmetic dentistry negligence claims take?
A dental negligence claim can take between six months to three years to complete. It’s difficult for our solicitors to offer a more precise estimate as it depends on the complexity of the case and the level of interaction required from third parties such as insurers. It’s essential to note that most issues are resolved amicably outside of court, and our dental negligence solicitors will work hard to resolve your case efficiently and to your satisfaction. If your claim goes to court, we will guide and support you through every step of the process.
Why choose Farleys Solicitors?
Farleys Solicitors is a law firm with over 60 years of experience serving clients in the North West and nationwide, renowned for our friendly, trustworthy, and straightforward approach. Our solicitors have extensive expertise in handling dental negligence cases, so you can rest assured that you’re in good and capable hands.
At Farleys Solicitors, we understand that every case is unique, so we provide tailored services to meet each client’s specific needs. We advise you on the best course of action and even offer a no-win, no-fee option to make our services more accessible.
Our solicitors can assist you if you have concerns regarding dental negligence. Get in touch with us by calling 01254 606008, using the online chat feature on our website, or email us at info@farleys.com . We are committed to providing you with the support you need.