Re: Mandibular advancement

[Guest guest]

Constantine:

I had the same procedure 12 days ago. I had no wires, just a couple

of light elastics for a weeks or so.

What to expect? Well, I guess everyone's different. But, in my case,

I have found this experience to be tolerable but not something to do

unless you need to. I had major swelling for 3 days after the surgery

(I looked like I had hidden footballs in my cheeks) but 95% of that

went away quickly -- the remaining swelling is minor and will

dissipate over a month or two. I was heavily bruised from my jaw line

to my chest. This is about gone now.

Pain was a factor, but my doctor and the hospital made management of

that a priority. This is not a time to be a hero -- they can send you

to happy places if you let them know hnestly what you're feeling. I

was on Perc. for four days and Advil3 for another three before

graduating to regular Advil -- I take this now once or twice a day

depending on how I feel. Getting off the meds is a good thing,

assuming your pain is under control.

Speaking of pain, there really hasn't been that much, drugs

notwithstanding. I have more discomfort in trying to get my mouth to

open and close easily again than from the operation itself.

I was on liquids for maybe four days before venturing on to spoon-

fed, blenderized food, mashed potatoes, etc. Not having wires makes

all the diffence. I had my elastics clipped yesterday and am now free

to venture into real food with a serious caveat that going slowly

into increased food resistance is key.

I have numbness in my lower lip and chin. This has started to tingle

and perhaps resolve itself already. I'm told there is no guarantee

for if, when, how much actually comes back. But, the basic sensations

I'm getting now seem to indicate that some regeneration is trying to

take place -- and that's a good thing.

What's hardest about this? These is some obvious frustration in

learning how to eat again, manage pain, keeping yourself hydrated,

getting a good night's sleep, etc. These things for me have been

resolving themselves

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> After an eternity of fixed braces I'm a couple of weeks away from

my

> surgery to advance my lower jaw and correct my retruded lower jaw

> and overbite. The intention is to use plates and screws - not wires.

>

> Is there anyone who has had the same lower jaw procedure and that

> can share any useful information about their experience with me?

>

> Does anyone regret their surgery?

>

> Anyone believe they looked better before their sugery?

>

> I'd greatly appreciate info on recovery time, comfort, appearance

> etc in the days and weeks after surgery and, most importantly, the

> length of time before " normality " returns.

>

> Thanks in advance everyone and good luck with your treatments.

>

> Constantine

[Guest guest]

I had both maxillary and mandibular advancement (5mm) six weeks ago

today. Like Cammie, I had an easy recovery. I was not wired shut but

I did have the splint wired to my top teeth for 4 weeks. I have just

been cleared to make the 1 week transition to real food.

The recovery was mild. I had a lot of swelling for the first week.

Around day 9 or ten the swelling just disappeared. No real pain as my

whole face was numb. The worst part of the whole thing was day 3 & 4

post op. That is when the steroids I was given while in the hosp wore

off. Steroids are not only anti-inflammatory but they really help

with the attitude. I am pleased with the results and most people

notice that something is different but are not sure what. The reality

is that without a before and after picture, I can't really tell the

difference.

I gradually regained sensation to my face over the next two - three

weeks. I still have no feeling in my lower lip or chin. If life

smiles on me, I will gradually get that feeling back as well.

But, I do have a question for Cammie!

Are you familiar with regression of the lower jaw post surgery. Given

the strength of the jaw muscles some regression (1 mm) is considered

normal. Do you know roughly how long of a time frame we are talking

about? My surgeon makes it a point to over correct slightly to

account for the regression.

Bob

> >

> > Hi everyone,

> >

> > After an eternity of fixed braces I'm a couple of weeks away from

> my

> > surgery to advance my lower jaw and correct my retruded lower jaw

> > and overbite. The intention is to use plates and screws - not

> wires.

> >

> > Is there anyone who has had the same lower jaw procedure and that

> > can share any useful information about their experience with me?

> >

> > Does anyone regret their surgery?

> >

> > Anyone believe they looked better before their sugery?

> >

> > I'd greatly appreciate info on recovery time, comfort, appearance

> > etc in the days and weeks after surgery and, most importantly,

the

> > length of time before " normality " returns.

> >

> > Thanks in advance everyone and good luck with your treatments.

> >

> > Constantine

[Guest guest]

Sorry, Bob, but I don't know the time frame. Don't think anybody has

ever mentioned it, specifically. But I believe most orthos put

things slightly too much out of kilter before the surgery, to give

the surgeon some " wiggle room, " and that most surgeons do indeed

overcorrect a bit, then let the ortho and his loverly elastics fix

anything that is enduringly akimbo. And one mm. is indeed a tiny

distance.

I do remember that my surgeon told me that the strength of those big

jaw muscles is one reason he uses rigid fixation -- when they're

immobilized for a long time, he said, they can snap back with an

extra kick and lead to a relapse.

FOR ANYONE READING THIS WHO IS WIRED: No doubt that has not been

your surgeon's experience. Do not think I'm second-guessing your

doc, who has looked inside your mouth, studied plans carefully, and

knows what has worked best for him (and, presumably, you)!

Now I'll try to make you jealous: Not only was I not numb, but I

never even had significant swelling. Bruising? Yep! Like crazy. But

not much swelling. My guy is absolutely tops in my book!

Cammie

>> But, I do have a question for Cammie!

>

> Are you familiar with regression of the lower jaw post surgery.

Given

> the strength of the jaw muscles some regression (1 mm) is

considered

> normal. Do you know roughly how long of a time frame we are

talking

> about? My surgeon makes it a point to over correct slightly to

> account for the regression.

>

> Bob