Re: Hi! I'm New and I'm looking for advice !!

April 18, 2005

I would suggest that you meet with an orthodontist and/or an oral

and maxillofacial surgeon, and discuss your troubles with at least

one of each.

Once you know what they may suggest or propose, you'll be in a

better situation to make a decision.

I would not go through this surgery to fix a small cosmetic flaw,

unless I thought it could be a precursor of serious troubles in my

jaw or teeth (which mismatched jaws could signal). And once you're

older, you may have pain, or trouble biting, or arthritic jaws. Or

you may not.

Others have found it well worthwhile to do work on both upper and

lower jaws, as well as the chin, simply to improve a factor in their

appearance that they dislike.

Fortunately or unfortunately, in many cases these problems presage

such serious troubles that insurance companies often cover them (but

not the genioplasty, or movement of the chin) on the grounds that

they are medically necessary as repair of congenital skeletal

defects.

Talk with some docs, and see what they say. My first consult with

the ortho was free. My first consult with the surgeon was, best I

remember, about $250, and well worth it. Other docs may well have

different policies and fees, though, so if money is an issue, do ask

before you make the appointments.

Cammie

>

> Hey everyone!! I'm so glad I found this group because I need some

> serious advice from people who have had jaw surgery.

> I have a misaligned jaw.... my top teeth don't match my bottom

teeth

> because my jaw shifts slightly to the left. I am considering

surgery

> but I am very scared to do it. I don't have any trouble eating or

have

> any pain because of this, but I am a little self-conscious about

it.

> Everyone tells me that they can't tell that my jaw is misaligned

> (unless I point it out to them.. I think it's noticeable!) My

question

> is should I have the surgery??? Are there any risks? and is it

very

> expensive? I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions from

> anyone!!

>

> Thank You!!

>

> LORI

April 18, 2005

I had the same physical attribute only my chin was slightly to the

right. I was alittle self conscience too but it never affected my

self esteem greatly. However my teeth were getting crooked again

after having braces andthen I started having popping when eating. It

really wasn't too bothersome but the thought of it escalating to more

serious problems as I age made me for sure want to have the surgery

and I am glad I did. Also I feel better about my profile too.

Jane

>