Re: hi, new member

[Guest guest]

I think EVERYBODY is scared, to a greater or lesser degree. Even

those who have longed to have the changes that the braces and surgery

can give.

Can your general dentist recommend an ortho? an oral and

maxillofacial surgeon? I think the usual route is from a dentist to

an ortho and to an oral surgeon, but the process varies a bit from

one person to another. You do want to be sure that the ortho (and the

surgeon) are people you can work with over a long haul, and that they

can work well together with each other.

You might also ask friends who have had (or whose children have had)

wisdom teeth removed, or orthodontic treatment for recommendations.

Good luck. It seems like a long haul, particularly looking at it from

the end where you are just now.

But in retrospect, anyhow, the time will seem to shrink. And

honestly, for most people, the very worst thing about the surgery is

the fear and anticipation leading up to it.

Realize that docs who talk time frames are giving you guesstimates.

Although my ortho, in particular, was right on the money. He said 18-

20 months, and it was 20, even though I slowed things down for a

month by getting shingles.

And most of us want to speed things up, we think, but you don't

really. As my ortho told me, " Teeth actually move better when we're

kinder to them. "

Best,

Cammie

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm so glad I found you all

>

> I'm 29 and live in the Seattle area. I'm considering having the

> surgery but am SCARED!!!!!

>

> I have been told I will have braces for 2+ years with the surgery

in

> the middle. I have also been told I will have to have the upper and

> the lower jaw adjusted, which scares me even more!

>

> Any advice in this early stage is helpful.

>

> Also, does anyone know a good orthodontist in the Seattle area?

>

> Thanks,

> Beth