Diane on le forte's and removal of bicuspids

[Guest guest]

Diane,

I did have my two upper bicuspids removed during my surgery. Most

people get this done pre-surgery but I didn't want to be walking

around with a bunch of holes in my mouth so managed to convince my OS

to do it during surgery. If you look at my post-op bite pics you can

see that there are two very little holes on each side of my mouth

where the two teeth used to be. My Os did a fantastic job of closing

the gaps as much as possible without damaging my nerves. Both my OS

and OD were in agreement that I needed to get the bicuspids out. I

thought it was strange at first too but when they showed me a pre and

post op surgery model I realized how much " in the way " my bicuspids

are and how by removing them not only would my final bite look more

balanced but also how much more space and mobility my OS would have

to shift around my jaw into the right position. My upper jaw was

shifted up 1mm and shifted back 3mm. My upper palate was also

expanded 4mm. All of these movements enabled my lower jaw to be

brough forward by a total of 7mm. My upper bicuspids have always

given me a lot of trouble. Every time I took braces off which was 3

times I would watch in horror as my bicuspids started to twist and

turn into themselves. Not even a permanent retainer on the back of my

teeth ever really fully stopped them. Since I really want this 4th

time wearing braces to be the last I was willing to give up my

bicuspids. I know that it's not nice to give up a healthy tooth but

if that tooth is going to make the procedure more difficult or less

than perfect then I would try to let go of it. Obviously it is up to

your OS and OD to agree on this issue.

As for the Le Forte I find it funny that you're scared of it because

for me, when there was the danger that I would have to have lower jaw

surgery I was much more scared because I know lower jaw surgery runs

a bigger risk of nerve damage than upper jaw surgery. Funny how we

each have our fears! Honestly Diane I know that this whole surgery

business is a lot to deal with right now, especially considering all

you have to deal with in addition. I think you need to give yourself

some time to let it all sink in. Do as much research as you need to

feel confident about doing the procedure. The good thing about the le

forte is that contrary to a BSSO you are left with no visible scars

on the outside, no stitches nothing. Everything is inside. I know

that the procedure in itself sounds grosse but try to think of it

this way. If you had a club foot you would need to break the foot

bone in several places to reallign it properly. This is very much

want needs to be done via the leforte. I would recommend for your

peace of mind not to watch any more gory details. I don't recommend

it for any type of surgery if you're easily scared.

In the mean time know that we are here for you and always at hand to

listen to you vent, cry and share your frustrations and JOYS!!

Good luck,

Sara