This case involves a male orthodontic patient whose occlusion was suffering because his upper front teeth bit down too close to his bottom front teeth. The patient’s treating orthodontist recommended the patient get braces. The patient’s understanding was that the braces would lighten the anterior contact to promote the long-term stability of his teeth. The orthodontist estimated that the patient would only require braces for 12 months. The patient ultimately required braces for over 3 years. When the braces eventually came off, the patient’s occlusion had worsened, and he only had one point of contact when biting down. The patient also developed severe facial pain around his mouth and cheeks, requiring him to undergo sphenopalatine ganglion blocks for pain relief. An expert orthodontist was sought to review the current course of treatment and opine on the standard of care the patient received.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please describe your experience in treating patients with similar conditions.
Expert Witness Response E-066003
I hold a Ph.D. in oral biology and an MSD in orthodontics. I am fellowship-trained in developmental biology and regenerative medicine, and I have authored 15+ publications on various orthodontics research topics. I also lecture regularly in the field of orthodontics, oral biology, and craniofacial growth. I would say that the patient, in this case, is one of a small percentage of people who approach an orthodontist for bite issues or feeling their dentition/occlusion. If such a patient presented to me, I would certainly do my best to help him/her, including initiate treatment if necessary.
About the author
Wendy Ketner, M.D.
Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.
Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.
Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.
