Guest guest Posted January 3, 2005 Report Share Posted January 3, 2005 I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like what did I do to myself!!! Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with complications, but at the same time I've always been a little uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2005 Report Share Posted January 3, 2005 I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like what did I do to myself!!! Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with complications, but at the same time I've always been a little uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2005 Report Share Posted January 3, 2005 dude, Relax. I had my upper only done on Dec 22nd and I am back to my old self. Its two weeks of your life tops. My nose stayed the same. There was no problems with my teeth related to trauma. Yes after I woke up when I was uncomfortable I had my doubts about what I did but as the swelling continues to subside I am very please with the result. -- > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2005 Report Share Posted January 3, 2005 dude, Relax. I had my upper only done on Dec 22nd and I am back to my old self. Its two weeks of your life tops. My nose stayed the same. There was no problems with my teeth related to trauma. Yes after I woke up when I was uncomfortable I had my doubts about what I did but as the swelling continues to subside I am very please with the result. -- > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 The only advice I would give is to do what is best for the long run. I had upper jaw surgery on November 16th for an open bite. They brought it forward and then down a bit. I had no pain at all (hard to feel pain I guess when things are numb). I still have a bit of swelling and numbness just around both sides of my nose and my upper lip but it is slowly going away and not too bothersome. I was advised by my dentist and OD that if I did not do something now that I would end up losing my teeth later in life (I am 44). I decided that I kind of like my own teeth so opted to have the surgery and take care of the problem. I was a bit uncomfortable with the congestion and swelling/numbness for a couple of weeks but nothing I couldn't handle. I lost a few pounds as well which did not bother me either (I looked at this as a positive). At this point I am seven weeks out and glad that I had it done. My bite is now functionally great and I should not have to worry any longer about long term problems. Good luck. > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 The only advice I would give is to do what is best for the long run. I had upper jaw surgery on November 16th for an open bite. They brought it forward and then down a bit. I had no pain at all (hard to feel pain I guess when things are numb). I still have a bit of swelling and numbness just around both sides of my nose and my upper lip but it is slowly going away and not too bothersome. I was advised by my dentist and OD that if I did not do something now that I would end up losing my teeth later in life (I am 44). I decided that I kind of like my own teeth so opted to have the surgery and take care of the problem. I was a bit uncomfortable with the congestion and swelling/numbness for a couple of weeks but nothing I couldn't handle. I lost a few pounds as well which did not bother me either (I looked at this as a positive). At this point I am seven weeks out and glad that I had it done. My bite is now functionally great and I should not have to worry any longer about long term problems. Good luck. > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 I had upper jaw surgery Nov. 17 and my OS did a 3 piece segment. I went back to work in 2 1/2 weeks and went out shopping a week after surgery. I was weak at first but it got better everyday. I still have some swelling around my nose, but as far as I can tell my nose has stayed the same. My surgeon stitched my nose in place during surgery, which helps the nose stay the same. I have not had any complication to date, such as infection, loss of teeth, etc. Pain was not unbearable, as long as I kept the ice on and took my pain meds every 4 hrs. I was off all pain meds in 7 days. Hope this helps, > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 I had upper jaw surgery Nov. 17 and my OS did a 3 piece segment. I went back to work in 2 1/2 weeks and went out shopping a week after surgery. I was weak at first but it got better everyday. I still have some swelling around my nose, but as far as I can tell my nose has stayed the same. My surgeon stitched my nose in place during surgery, which helps the nose stay the same. I have not had any complication to date, such as infection, loss of teeth, etc. Pain was not unbearable, as long as I kept the ice on and took my pain meds every 4 hrs. I was off all pain meds in 7 days. Hope this helps, > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 That's comforting, , and I'm glad it's gone so well for you. But there are a few other things our friend should consider. It's true indeed that for most people, surgery is a really brief moment in a lifetime. However, it is possible that these procedures can claim more of your time and thoughts. For example, nobody can really predict FOR YOU what your results will be in terms of numbness. For most of us, it goes away pretty promptly. But there are exceptions, and numbness stays with some people for a long time, or even forever. For a few people, the TMJs get worse. This is not a common circumstance, but it can happen. It is possible for teeth to be damaged, and even to die, as a result of the surgery. It is not likely, but it is possible. You should tell your surgeon about your concerns for your nose. He or she can tell you what to expect, and probably reassure you about your worries. As for waking up and asking " what have I done? " -- well, that's not uncommon. But what's important, at least to me, is not what one thinks immediately post-op, but what one thinks a month, or six months or a year later. In other words, it's the long term that counts. Your brain will probably be a bit befuddled by the anesthesia and steroids, and you may well be swollen, bruised and uncomfortable after the surgery. But all those get better. I don't exacly get how this would " waste " the years of your children. You'll probably be off your usual pace for a month or two, but that certainly doesn't mean you can't enjoy your children (nor that they can't enjoy you) during that period. Having said all that, I will tell you that most people are very pleased with their results, and that I certainly am. I had lower advancement, not upper, but I would do it again in a moment, all else being equal. Best, Cammie > > > > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > > what did I do to myself!!! > > > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 That's comforting, , and I'm glad it's gone so well for you. But there are a few other things our friend should consider. It's true indeed that for most people, surgery is a really brief moment in a lifetime. However, it is possible that these procedures can claim more of your time and thoughts. For example, nobody can really predict FOR YOU what your results will be in terms of numbness. For most of us, it goes away pretty promptly. But there are exceptions, and numbness stays with some people for a long time, or even forever. For a few people, the TMJs get worse. This is not a common circumstance, but it can happen. It is possible for teeth to be damaged, and even to die, as a result of the surgery. It is not likely, but it is possible. You should tell your surgeon about your concerns for your nose. He or she can tell you what to expect, and probably reassure you about your worries. As for waking up and asking " what have I done? " -- well, that's not uncommon. But what's important, at least to me, is not what one thinks immediately post-op, but what one thinks a month, or six months or a year later. In other words, it's the long term that counts. Your brain will probably be a bit befuddled by the anesthesia and steroids, and you may well be swollen, bruised and uncomfortable after the surgery. But all those get better. I don't exacly get how this would " waste " the years of your children. You'll probably be off your usual pace for a month or two, but that certainly doesn't mean you can't enjoy your children (nor that they can't enjoy you) during that period. Having said all that, I will tell you that most people are very pleased with their results, and that I certainly am. I had lower advancement, not upper, but I would do it again in a moment, all else being equal. Best, Cammie > > > > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > > what did I do to myself!!! > > > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 " it was worse than having my two children. " I suspect that this cries out for some qualification. " Worse " in what way? Longer recovery? Childbirth (and I've never had any children) is legendary to me for the pain of delivery, and for the strain on the body leading up to the event. But this is different, I think. Usually there is little pain, if any, and the strain on the body comes after the surgery (and carries a lot of frustration with it, if you're wired or tightly banded, or maybe even if you're not, because of the dietary restrictions). If your screws are painful, tell your surgeon. They can be removed, if you wish, and my guy says it's not a big deal at all. I do hope things get better for you. Your experience is atypical, I think -- but that helps little if you're the one it happens to. Best, C. > I had upper jaw surgery Sept 2nd, they also put my upper in three part and widen and expanded it. I was told I would eventually lose my teeth too. So I went through it. I know everyone is trying to be positive about the surgery. But I was upset because my OS said I would be back to work in two weeks and by December my swelling would be gone. I was back to work in seven weeks because my jobs md said I was two weak to go any sooner. I am 31 and it was worse than having my two children. It is a long healing process and you will need a lot of help from family and friends. My husband had to stay home from work to care for me because I lost a lot of blood and was weak from that. The pain last around 3 weeks for me and its gone now. I can still feel the screws under my nose where they screwed it together. Everyone I know so far are happy with there bite. I have'n't reached that point yet but its getting better. I hope to get my braces off in a few months. I hope my swelling in > my nose goes alll the way done. Which in time it should. I do regret having the surgery because I fear not looking the same and they healing process is sooo long for me. But time does fly and maybe by next year and I will be able to say. I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 " it was worse than having my two children. " I suspect that this cries out for some qualification. " Worse " in what way? Longer recovery? Childbirth (and I've never had any children) is legendary to me for the pain of delivery, and for the strain on the body leading up to the event. But this is different, I think. Usually there is little pain, if any, and the strain on the body comes after the surgery (and carries a lot of frustration with it, if you're wired or tightly banded, or maybe even if you're not, because of the dietary restrictions). If your screws are painful, tell your surgeon. They can be removed, if you wish, and my guy says it's not a big deal at all. I do hope things get better for you. Your experience is atypical, I think -- but that helps little if you're the one it happens to. Best, C. > I had upper jaw surgery Sept 2nd, they also put my upper in three part and widen and expanded it. I was told I would eventually lose my teeth too. So I went through it. I know everyone is trying to be positive about the surgery. But I was upset because my OS said I would be back to work in two weeks and by December my swelling would be gone. I was back to work in seven weeks because my jobs md said I was two weak to go any sooner. I am 31 and it was worse than having my two children. It is a long healing process and you will need a lot of help from family and friends. My husband had to stay home from work to care for me because I lost a lot of blood and was weak from that. The pain last around 3 weeks for me and its gone now. I can still feel the screws under my nose where they screwed it together. Everyone I know so far are happy with there bite. I have'n't reached that point yet but its getting better. I hope to get my braces off in a few months. I hope my swelling in > my nose goes alll the way done. Which in time it should. I do regret having the surgery because I fear not looking the same and they healing process is sooo long for me. But time does fly and maybe by next year and I will be able to say. I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 Hi. Your case sounds so much like mine. I had braces for 6 years as a kid to try to fix my underbite. I also had several teeth pulled to create space and my bottom teeth were sloped so far back (by the braces) that it was hard to brush the back of them. I was borderline for surgery at 17, and I opted against it (my sister had it the next year). By age 34, I was constantly cracking teeth, my front teeth touched tip to tip, and I was having daily headaches that I thought were sinus-related. My dentist told me I would lose all my teeth eventually if I didn't fix my bite. Unlike most people, my bottom jaw kept growing into my 30s, so my problem just got worse and worse--I would have had to have surgery again had I had it in my teens. I had braces for nine months and had upper advancement/lower reduction/turbinectomy and cheek implants (to avoid " flat face " ) in March of this year. I had the same concerns as you do--I have two small children for whom I am the primary caregiver, I was concerned about the medical risks, and I was afraid that I would not like the change in my appearance. I certainly can't speak for everyone because I know some people have had very bad experiences with this surgery, but I am very glad that I had the surgery. It certainly wasn't the most fun I've ever had, but it was not anything that I couldn't handle (again, I speak only for my own experience, which was not too bad). Nine months after the surgery, I still think my appearance is changing as the last of the swelling goes down, but I don't look that different than before. Most importantly, I LOVE being able to bite down and have my teeth fit together--I am constantly chomping my teeth (hope my ortho isn't reading this) just because it feels so great! I have had about 3 headaches in the last 9 months compared to my daily headaches before the surgery, and I can breathe SO MUCH better than I could before. I had my dental implants (for those teeth that were pulled when I was a kid) placed a couple of months ago, and once the " teeth " are ready, I'll be done other than retainers. No regrets at this point. I think your concerns are good ones and each person has to weigh these things on their own (in the wee hours of the morning), but I am definitely glad that I went through with it. One last thought, with respect to your concerns about your kids. My daughter is 6 and my son is 4, and their dentist says that they will definitely both need pretty extensive orthodontic work. I think that watching me go through the braces, rubberbands, retainers, etc... has been good for the kids. They'll know that mommy understands what they are going through once they get their braces on, and they've definitely learned how important it is to take care of your teeth. My daughter thinks braces are " pretty " and I don't think she's at all concerned about getting them herself. I don't know if that adds anything to your analysis, but I considered it a little extra bonus. Good luck with your decision. > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 Hi. Your case sounds so much like mine. I had braces for 6 years as a kid to try to fix my underbite. I also had several teeth pulled to create space and my bottom teeth were sloped so far back (by the braces) that it was hard to brush the back of them. I was borderline for surgery at 17, and I opted against it (my sister had it the next year). By age 34, I was constantly cracking teeth, my front teeth touched tip to tip, and I was having daily headaches that I thought were sinus-related. My dentist told me I would lose all my teeth eventually if I didn't fix my bite. Unlike most people, my bottom jaw kept growing into my 30s, so my problem just got worse and worse--I would have had to have surgery again had I had it in my teens. I had braces for nine months and had upper advancement/lower reduction/turbinectomy and cheek implants (to avoid " flat face " ) in March of this year. I had the same concerns as you do--I have two small children for whom I am the primary caregiver, I was concerned about the medical risks, and I was afraid that I would not like the change in my appearance. I certainly can't speak for everyone because I know some people have had very bad experiences with this surgery, but I am very glad that I had the surgery. It certainly wasn't the most fun I've ever had, but it was not anything that I couldn't handle (again, I speak only for my own experience, which was not too bad). Nine months after the surgery, I still think my appearance is changing as the last of the swelling goes down, but I don't look that different than before. Most importantly, I LOVE being able to bite down and have my teeth fit together--I am constantly chomping my teeth (hope my ortho isn't reading this) just because it feels so great! I have had about 3 headaches in the last 9 months compared to my daily headaches before the surgery, and I can breathe SO MUCH better than I could before. I had my dental implants (for those teeth that were pulled when I was a kid) placed a couple of months ago, and once the " teeth " are ready, I'll be done other than retainers. No regrets at this point. I think your concerns are good ones and each person has to weigh these things on their own (in the wee hours of the morning), but I am definitely glad that I went through with it. One last thought, with respect to your concerns about your kids. My daughter is 6 and my son is 4, and their dentist says that they will definitely both need pretty extensive orthodontic work. I think that watching me go through the braces, rubberbands, retainers, etc... has been good for the kids. They'll know that mommy understands what they are going through once they get their braces on, and they've definitely learned how important it is to take care of your teeth. My daughter thinks braces are " pretty " and I don't think she's at all concerned about getting them herself. I don't know if that adds anything to your analysis, but I considered it a little extra bonus. Good luck with your decision. > > I have realy been doubting my desion for upper jaw surgery. I am 27, > but when i was 16 I had braces and I had a small under bite...they > suggested lower jaw surgey to push the jaw back but I decided > against it, So instead they pulled my first 2 molars on the right > and left side of my bottom jaw and they leaned the bottom teeth back > so they would fit inside of my top teeth. But now they want to lean > the bottom teeth back up do a 3 piece upper jaw advancment surgey > and then put tooth implants in the spaces were the teeth were > pulled.I've already had my top braces on for 5 months but now that > they want to put on the bottom braces and start recreating the under > bite I've missed my last appointment and havn't rescedualed yet. > > Here are my major concerns if anybody has any feedback it would be > greatly appriciated!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > 1.I'm afraid that my nose will be tipped up > 2.I'm afraid of losing permanent teeth or them dying from the trauma > 3.I'm afraid of complications or that I'll wake up and feel like > what did I do to myself!!! > > Has any one else had just the upper jaw done? I heard its not that > painfull but thats hard to believe. I have two young kids and I dont > want to waste there years doing this surgery or dealing with > complications, but at the same time I've always been a little > uncomfortable with my profile although no one else realy notices > it.. I just woder if it's all worth it. > > Thanks for any help and good luck to everyone!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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