AGGA

You guys. I wrote this post in MAY, and somehow managed to not hit publish. So here it is, almost six months later, which means I’m six months into my AGGA treatment, which means I’m way overdue for more updates. Given my track record, I’d say you should expect another update in April, but I will do my absolute best to exceed expectations.

Ever since I halted my last palate expansion attempt due to bone loss concerns, I’ve been exploring other options and deciding on the best course of action. Now, almost a full year later, I’ve started treatment with a new dentist (Dr. Ed Suh) doing AGGA and CAB.

It wasn’t an easy decision-making process, and it’s not a perfect solution by any means (not that a perfect solution exists), so I wanted to share all of the factors I’ve taken into consideration, and why I ultimately decided that AGGA is the best route for me.

I’ll also share the remaining concerns that I have about the treatment, and how I’m dealing with them (aside from sporadic mild panicking. Only slightly joking.).

Note 2/5/2021: I badly need to update this page (especially since my website transition resulted in all the pictures being lost…ugh), but much of this information should still be useful/relevant!

Update March 8, 2023: I still need to update this page more thoroughly, but wanted to share this CBS article about several lawsuits against the AGGA creators/distributors. My thoughts about the appliance remain roughly the same as what I wrote below several years ago and have said in my YouTube videos (linked on this page), key points being:

There are currently no good treatment options for adults with significant malocclusion, TMJ, or airway issues due to poorly developed facial bones
The treatment options that exist include surgery; “invasive” palate expansion such as MSE; and “noninvasive” palate expansion such as AGGA, ALF, DNA, and similar appliances; none are safe and effective and affordable enough for me to consider them a “good” treatment option
AGGA is one of the only appliances that specifically targets the need for forward expansion; most other appliances target primarily lateral expansion
AGGA is not a regulated or proven appliance, and most practitioners that use it make claims that are not supported by evidence (specifically, that it remodels the jaw through nerve stimulus and does not push teeth)
Many people (myself included) have gone through the AGGA process and experienced no ill effects, and notable benefits
Many people have gone through the AGGA process and experienced catastrophic damage to their teeth
There are significant financial incentives at play in the continued promulgation of AGGA within the network of teaching institutes, consulting institutes, practitioners, and labs

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Original post:

Hey folks! This is my first post in what will hopefully be a series about the various orthodontic appliances used for non-surgical palate expansion and facial growth in adults.

You should all know by now that I’m not a dentist or orthodontist, so unfortunately, I won’t have any groundbreaking contributions of knowledge. But at least I can put all the info in one place, right? I’ve linked all of my sources throughout this post, so you can go link-diving if you want to read other people’s words and learn more.

Table of Contents

What is AGGA?

Who came up with AGGA?

What is involved in AGGA treatment, and how long does it take?

How does AGGA work?

Is it legit?

Are there any dangers or downsides to AGGA?

How much does AGGA cost?

Where do practitioners learn how to use AGGA?

How can I find a practitioner who uses AGGA?

Before and Afters

Where can I learn more about AGGA?