Re: To have surgery or not to??

October 7, 2004

Hana,

Well, teeth CAN move around in time. But I don't think they

necessarily go back into the original positions they had before

braces. Mine didnt. My teeth moved into odd new places after braces

because they werent put into reasonably stable positions. I was much

happier with my teeth before then. And I did develop new problems

from having those braces, such as my jaw getting stuck and being

unable to open it or chew. I dont think all orthodontists pay enough

attention to what they're doing, or consider what your teeth will do

in the future.

You say that you're okay with your appearance. I can only tell you

that I hated my teeth, the comments from people, and all the time and

money that was wasted on orthodontics the first time around. After

many years I went for orthodontic work again and then surgery. The

process seemed to drag on forever--two and a half years or so. I

missed 6 days of work for the surgery, plus dozens of parts of days

due to dentist/orthodontist/surgeon visits.

I havent been out long enough to talk about relapse from surgery.

And I may have to get another set of retainers made by a new

orthodontist. But Im happy I did it. Im much happier with my

teeth. I can eat easier. And I havent gotten one rude comment or

stare yet.

Anae

>

> Hi all.

>

> I have a few questions about orthognathic surgery.

>

> Before that, a bit of my background in my treatment so far; I had

> orthodontics when I was 14, purpose being to correct the alignment

of

> my teeth. However, there are actually more problems; my bite is

> asymmetrical, causing some lopsided mouth appearance, a gummy

smile,

> and somewhat a 'long and narrow face' look.

>

> I had been told about orthognathic surgery as an option to treat my

> biting problem, but at that time, I was not interested in going for

> it. Thereafter, my ortho not only straightened my teeth, but had

> also aligned them position to make the upper & lower teeth meet as

> much as possible. Braces were completely taken off in 2000.

>

> I went to consult an oral surgeon in 2002, after much encouragement

> from my ortho, of course it's partly because when I was in my

> teenage, I used to be unhappy with my bite (but somehow, I'm now

> feeling ok with my own appearance). According to my ortho, if I do

> not go for the op, then my teeth will relapse to their original

> position.

>

> Therefore, I would like to ask, is it indeed true that a relapse

will

> occur if the jaws are not positioned (by surgery) in the correct

> place? Has anyone experienced a relapse as a result of not having

> orthognathic surgery to correct the jaws position?

>

> Another question is, if a jaw 'deformity' is not corrected, will

it

> result in greater problems in the long run, such as facial joints

> pain, headache, etc?

>

> I'm undecided about whether of not to have the op one day. From my

> consultations with the surgeon back then, the plan for me to

prepare

> for the op was to have orthodontics for 2nd time (which I am not

> quite willing to go for right now), and surgery to rotate my lower

> jaw to the correct position & to have an upper expansion. Seems to

> be a complicated procedure though. My concern is towards the

amount

> of time & commitment needed for the op without compromising on

> studies & work, which is why I dare not say yes to have the op.

>

> Just trying to figure out what's the best option in the long run...

> whether to go for the op or not.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Seeking opinions,

> Hana

October 7, 2004