New to the Group

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone---

My name is Elana and I have a 10 year old daughter who has been diagnosed as

a " class 3 " from a very young age. She has been to orthodontists as well as

an Orthognathic Surgeon for a consult but they have all said there is nothing

to do until she is fully grown---translation: this mother can drive herself

crazy for the next 10 years or so. The thought of this sweet little girl having

both jaws cut and a wired jaw makes me crazy!!!!

I have been reading all of your e-mails and postings since I joined the group

several days ago and I am amazed at the positive attitude you all have.

What's worse, is that my 15 year old niece, who they have been monitoring for

her class 3, was told this past week that she will need the surgery as well.

My heart breaks for her and my sister and in about a year, this will all be

right in my face.

While researching the whole thing this weekend, I see there is a doctor in

California uses plates and screws rather than wiring.

Which leads me to a number of questions:

1. Has anyone here had the procedure without wiring the jaws?

2. Anyone know of any new technique on the horizon that will make the

procedure easier on the patient?

3. Which hospital is best known for this specialty in the US?

4. Who is the absolute surgeon who is tops in this field in the US?

5. Are there other members of your family who has this too?

I tell my daughter everyday how beautiful she is (and she really is!!!!) but

her lower jaw does jut out and as she is getting older, it is becoming more

apparent. I worry about what other kids will say to her as we all know how mean

kids can be.

6. I would also appreciate any advice you can offer if you grew up with the

same problem----how I can help HER ultimately.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to getting to know all of you.

Elana

New York