Re: Long-term effects of not having the surgery with an open bite.

February 8, 2005

Hi Larra,

I had surgery to correct an open bite back in October 2003.

Everything worked out fine for me. My open bite was much more opne

than yours I think. I had only my last molars touching.

I recently went on several dates with a chief resident of

oral/maxillosurgery at a very prestigious hospital. It was a set up

and he had no knowledge that I had orthognathic surgery. Obviosly we

had lots to talk about and he was quite impressed with all of my

knowledge on orthognathics. He told me that it is untrue about ending

up with horrible problems if one does not have this sort of surgery.

I mean ofcourse every situation is different but in general he told me

that if one has good oral hygiene & sees a dentist regularly

everything will be fine. In other words no-one ever died from having

misaligned jaws.

So if you open bite is minimal and you don't really want surgery, then

don't have it.

But, if you have awful headaches and are truly bothered by your speech

then investigate the surgery a bit.

Best of luck and feel free to email me with any questions.

PS - my before & after photos are posted in the photo section under

the file named Miami.

>

> I have an open bite. Only 12 of my back teeth touch. I looked at

> pictures of myself back in high school and my open bite was barely

> there. However, ten years later it is noticeable. I am not really

> concerned with the appearance. Friends have not noticed it unless I

> point it out. However, I can't bite through anything. I have to cut

> sandwiches into bites. My speech is off, and I have had problems

> with my child learning to talk by watching Mommy. She does not know

> how to pronounce her 's'. I have pressure on my jaws in the back

> from trying to close. I look at these reasons, and yet I feel I

> could live with them. However, I have also been told there will be

> long-term effects from not correcting an open bite. I see an oral

> surgeon next week. Do any of you know of the long-term effects? I

> would greatly appreciate any input.

>

> Larra

>

> P.S. Does anyone know of a reputable surgeon in Houston, Texas?

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