Re: Extreme Makeover + quick fixes

[Guest guest]

I know a few people whom I figure could benefit from this surgery

(underbites are the easiest to tell), but I would never, ever tell

them. I'm one who lived quite nicely with my dysfunction for over 46

years, I don't think I would have appreciated it if someone other

than a healthcare professional had told me I should consider surgery.

The way I figure it, if they have a good dentist, he/she will monitor

things and advise them if they should consider pursuing additional

treatment. At least that's how it worked for me. I started having

pain on opening to eat (popping/clicking/occasional locking for

years), and my dentist, who had been monitoring the symptoms, gently

asked if I wanted to investigate with a TMJ specialist. No mention of

surgery, just perhaps some relief from the symptoms.

I agree with the member here that says it's really not your business.

Take smoking, for example, I know that smoking is one of the worst

things a person can do to their body (40,000 chemicals are drawn

directly into the bloodstream with every inhalation), but I don't go

up to smokers and tell them that. However, a close family member or

relative might be different (although my sister, the last smoker in

the family, really resents it). Same with orthognathic surgery.

My 3 cents (Canadian) worth.

> You are lucky your doctor was so honest and knowledgeable... Most

> doctors are just surgery happy, in my opinion.

>

> I have a question... occasionally I will meet someone who is

clearly a

> excellent candidate for this type of surgery. I have occasionally

tried

> to mention my surgery as a way to find out if they are familiar

with

> it. SOOOO many people are not and I want to help them but feel like

I

> am being too invasive. One woman I worked with was wearing braces

for

> the 3rd time in her life (she was in the 30's) and she had a severe

> overbite. When I casually mentioned this type of surgery to her...

she

> had no idea what I was talking about. I know going through the

surgery

> myself is a valid opening point but is there a non offensive way to

> mention it to people you don't really even know but want to help?

>

> Thanks, T.

[Guest guest]

>

> I know a few people whom I figure could benefit from this surgery

> (underbites are the easiest to tell), but I would never, ever tell

> them. > I agree with the member here that says it's really not

your business.

## On the other hand, there are people who could benefit that may

not know about it and may not otherwise find out. I'm actually a

perfect example of this. My family dentists over the years have had

to see how off my bite is, but none of them has ever mentioned it.

I've had work done, I've had x-rays and nobody ever even recommended

orthodontia, let alone surgery. When I decided on my own to see an

orthodontist about slight crowding, I found out that surgery was an

option to permanently fix my bite. Until I saw that orthodontist, I

didn't even know I have a problem with my bite! I don't think I'd

have been offended or upset if someone had suggested tactfully to me

that I might look into surgery for my problem. I think I might have

appreciated knowing about this years ago.

Sharon

[Guest guest]

I've actually printed out the application for Extreme Makeover twice

-- but something stops me from going through with it. Much as I want

to have a more attractive face (and lose weight), I don't want a quick

fix; I want to do things right. I think some of the EM people look

freakish afterwards. One woman I saw looked like a drag queen. I want

a more authentic beauty, I guess. Luna