Tongue thrust, I was made to feel second rate

November 2, 2004

I couldn't help but ruffle my feathers a little when reading some

recent posts regarding tongue thrust. From the time I was about

ten years old, and through two rounds of braces, lower jaw

advancement and a nearly useless genioplasty, I was also

made to feel " bad " and " stupid " for having tongue thrust. I wore

spurs on the back of my lower teeth for 12 years, but never once

did someone explain to me what I was doing so wrong and

perhaps how to correct it. Why didn't they just cut a half inch off

my tongue or something, I was treated like an animal about it.

The fact is, I really don't think I was the stupid individual I was

regarded as, somehow I managed to graduate at the top of my

high school class and earn two college degrees. Then my

orthodontist really boosted my self worth by explaining that I was

one of his two most difficult cases ever, thanks a lot.... I knew I

was a freak, but please. Then after its all over, and ten years

after the jaw surgery, I'm finally sick of still having lip

incompetence and a very recessive chin, when inquiring to my

oral surgeon about further chin correction, they'd consult with

me, but had the gumption to tell me " I looked wonderful " in my

post ops and nobody " could imagine that I'd ever need more

work " .

November 2, 2004