Guest guest Posted July 6, 2003 Report Share Posted July 6, 2003 I have seen many different dentists now and they all agree that to get my Gaps closed I would only be able to get them done privately as it would fall into the cosmetic surgery sector despite me saying that my gums can and do often bleed because of them. When I say they bleed I don't mean I have bad gums, I simply mean the food pierces the gum (i.e. Eating potato chips and a jagged crumb gets stuck it will sometimes make them sore) But they heal pretty quickly, but is still a big annoyance. I don't know if I am able to get my gaps fixed using the same brace that will be used for the re-positioning of my teeth, I have asked and I get the same blank expressions. I do have an Orthodontist and I have been referred to him by my Dentist after constant phone calls from me telling my Dentist to do so. I understand fully that Gum infections can lead to many other complaints and I would like to put a stop to this, and like I said I am contemplating going private to get my gaps closed in the coming months so that by the time I am ready to have my jaw operation the pre-op braces can be positioned and all will be well. As things stand - I am sitting here waiting, waiting for my next appointment (A years time) And then if my Jaw has finished growing I should be able to get my pre-op braces fitted which will last for about 18 months and then after that I can have the operation to fix the jaw and the teeth should fit nicely... Then I will have to wear the post-op brace for a further year or two and then after that a retainer which could possibly last the rest of my life. This is all very daunting, and to think that all of this still leaves me with a mouth full of gaps, well that just makes me depressed. If all of the above goes to plan on schedule then I will be finished wearing braces by the time I hit 22 (5 years time!) Aren't I a happy fellow! j0_ey > > Hi Cammie... > > > > I am quite sure the NHS will cover the operation as well as braces > > etc... But to be perfectly honest the only thong that is bugging me > > right now is the gaps! My chin does not stick out (Although it will > > most probably do so in the future if nothing is done) I experience > no > > pain apart from the clicking I get a lot due to TMJS and I can > speak > > fine... I cannot complain too much... However I know it needs doing > I > > would prefer to have a normal bite and I am prepared to wait for > the > > operation with NHS. But my underbite is not the real problem, to me > > anyway. > > > > As far as treatment for the gaps goes I don't know what to do. I am > > fearful of getting a set of braces - i.e. Before getting pre-op > ones > > (Which would qualify as cosmetic surgery, despite the gaps causing > > harm when eating snacks as they often make my gums bleed) Because I > > don't want to spend thousands of pounds (or dollars) getting the > gaps > > closed only to find that they are reopened when the NHS brace goes > in > > to prepare for my operation. > > > > I am not overly conscious of my underbite, the only reason I don't > > smile is because of the gaps. > > > > j0_ey > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2003 Report Share Posted July 7, 2003 I am happy with waiting for my jaw surgery... This is not what bothers me. What does worry me though is the closing of my gaps - You see the fact that I have an underbite as well as gappy teeth is just an unfortunate coincidence. My underbite does not get on my nerves too much and I don't notice it when I speak, eat (Mostly) and any other time. Like I said I realise that I need it fixed and I am happy to wait for the surgery, and this will be done with the NHS, hopefully free. But my jaw surgery will not close my gaps, and neither will the braces that I will be wearing just before and after the operation. If I want to get my gaps fixed then I have to go to a private Orthodontist and get another set of braces (To be worn before anything is done about my jaw) which should close all the gaps. As the gaps in my teeth are what annoy me... hugely. My worry is... If I go and get my gaps closed before having the surgery will my gaps be reopened when the pre-op braces are fitted in order to fit the bite after the operation...? I understand that the person to ask would be a Private Orthodontist, but they charge £85 ($140) for an initial consultation and being 17 (And broke) I want to make sure I am able to do it before seeing them. I don't mind at all having a brace, infact I am desperate to get it so for once in my life something can be done about my 'mouth' ... As for the operation - Bring it on! j0_ey ----- -- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , anxious_carol <no_reply@y...> wrote: > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps you: > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these procedures > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about how > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be exactly > where you are today? > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And off > I go. > > Take care, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2003 Report Share Posted July 7, 2003 I am happy with waiting for my jaw surgery... This is not what bothers me. What does worry me though is the closing of my gaps - You see the fact that I have an underbite as well as gappy teeth is just an unfortunate coincidence. My underbite does not get on my nerves too much and I don't notice it when I speak, eat (Mostly) and any other time. Like I said I realise that I need it fixed and I am happy to wait for the surgery, and this will be done with the NHS, hopefully free. But my jaw surgery will not close my gaps, and neither will the braces that I will be wearing just before and after the operation. If I want to get my gaps fixed then I have to go to a private Orthodontist and get another set of braces (To be worn before anything is done about my jaw) which should close all the gaps. As the gaps in my teeth are what annoy me... hugely. My worry is... If I go and get my gaps closed before having the surgery will my gaps be reopened when the pre-op braces are fitted in order to fit the bite after the operation...? I understand that the person to ask would be a Private Orthodontist, but they charge £85 ($140) for an initial consultation and being 17 (And broke) I want to make sure I am able to do it before seeing them. I don't mind at all having a brace, infact I am desperate to get it so for once in my life something can be done about my 'mouth' ... As for the operation - Bring it on! j0_ey ----- -- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , anxious_carol <no_reply@y...> wrote: > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps you: > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these procedures > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about how > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be exactly > where you are today? > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And off > I go. > > Take care, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2003 Report Share Posted July 7, 2003 , I am not sure how it will work for you, but I had both teeth allignment problems as well as jaw allignement issues. My ortho has done an amazing job fixing my teeth as well as getting them ready for surgery. I do not know how things work there, but is it possible to use the same ortho for the cosmetic issues as well as the surgery stuff in the future? If that's possible and you don't mind having the braces on for a while, maybe you could start the process now (or soon) with your ortho knowing what the final goal/outcome will be. Just a thought. > > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps you: > > > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these procedures > > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about > how > > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be exactly > > where you are today? > > > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And > off > > I go. > > > > Take care, > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 I'd want someone to do a lot more explaining to me about why the same braces could not be used to prep you for surgery and close the gaps. I think it is not uncommon, at least here, to do precisely that. (Some orthos here even have to MAKE gaps by removing some teeth, and then close them.) There's a lot I do not know, and I am certainly not a professional, but I'd think a second consultation with a different ortho might be in order, if one is available to you. (Also sounds like we may be dealing here with some sort of National Health Service distinction... But it's my impression (again maybe wrong) that a mouthful of gaps isn't particularly healthy, either. Teeth with lots of gaps can drift, and can trap food, and generally cause their own kinds of troubles, I think. Best to you, Cammie > > > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps > you: > > > > > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these > procedures > > > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about > > how > > > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be > exactly > > > where you are today? > > > > > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > > > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And > > off > > > I go. > > > > > > Take care, > > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 I'd want someone to do a lot more explaining to me about why the same braces could not be used to prep you for surgery and close the gaps. I think it is not uncommon, at least here, to do precisely that. (Some orthos here even have to MAKE gaps by removing some teeth, and then close them.) There's a lot I do not know, and I am certainly not a professional, but I'd think a second consultation with a different ortho might be in order, if one is available to you. (Also sounds like we may be dealing here with some sort of National Health Service distinction... But it's my impression (again maybe wrong) that a mouthful of gaps isn't particularly healthy, either. Teeth with lots of gaps can drift, and can trap food, and generally cause their own kinds of troubles, I think. Best to you, Cammie > > > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps > you: > > > > > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these > procedures > > > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about > > how > > > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be > exactly > > > where you are today? > > > > > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > > > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And > > off > > > I go. > > > > > > Take care, > > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Hi , It would be great if I was able to get the gaps closed with the same orthodontist... But because he is with the National Health Service he wouldn't be able to perform cosmetic surgery as this will cost money from me and I would therefore have to go private (At least that is what I think anyway) The NHS orthadontists wouldn't want to 'waste' time closing gaps if they thought it was simply vanity. If I could I would get my brace fitted right now... It is the waiting around with no feedback, not knowing where to turn and without any direction that gets to me. I may have to travel over to the states! I think I have to wait for my jaw to stop growing before I can even get my teeth repositioned which confuses me. Even though I am quite sure my jaw has actually finished now, they're just leaving it another year just to make sure... Which is fine. j0_ey > , I am not sure how it will work for you, but I had both teeth > allignment problems as well as jaw allignement issues. My ortho has > done an amazing job fixing my teeth as well as getting them ready > for surgery. I do not know how things work there, but is it possible > to use the same ortho for the cosmetic issues as well as the surgery > stuff in the future? If that's possible and you don't mind having > the braces on for a while, maybe you could start the process now (or > soon) with your ortho knowing what the final goal/outcome will be. > > Just a thought. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Hi , It would be great if I was able to get the gaps closed with the same orthodontist... But because he is with the National Health Service he wouldn't be able to perform cosmetic surgery as this will cost money from me and I would therefore have to go private (At least that is what I think anyway) The NHS orthadontists wouldn't want to 'waste' time closing gaps if they thought it was simply vanity. If I could I would get my brace fitted right now... It is the waiting around with no feedback, not knowing where to turn and without any direction that gets to me. I may have to travel over to the states! I think I have to wait for my jaw to stop growing before I can even get my teeth repositioned which confuses me. Even though I am quite sure my jaw has actually finished now, they're just leaving it another year just to make sure... Which is fine. j0_ey > , I am not sure how it will work for you, but I had both teeth > allignment problems as well as jaw allignement issues. My ortho has > done an amazing job fixing my teeth as well as getting them ready > for surgery. I do not know how things work there, but is it possible > to use the same ortho for the cosmetic issues as well as the surgery > stuff in the future? If that's possible and you don't mind having > the braces on for a while, maybe you could start the process now (or > soon) with your ortho knowing what the final goal/outcome will be. > > Just a thought. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Hi , It would be great if I was able to get the gaps closed with the same orthodontist... But because he is with the National Health Service he wouldn't be able to perform cosmetic surgery as this will cost money from me and I would therefore have to go private (At least that is what I think anyway) The NHS orthadontists wouldn't want to 'waste' time closing gaps if they thought it was simply vanity. If I could I would get my brace fitted right now... It is the waiting around with no feedback, not knowing where to turn and without any direction that gets to me. I may have to travel over to the states! I think I have to wait for my jaw to stop growing before I can even get my teeth repositioned which confuses me. Even though I am quite sure my jaw has actually finished now, they're just leaving it another year just to make sure... Which is fine. j0_ey > , I am not sure how it will work for you, but I had both teeth > allignment problems as well as jaw allignement issues. My ortho has > done an amazing job fixing my teeth as well as getting them ready > for surgery. I do not know how things work there, but is it possible > to use the same ortho for the cosmetic issues as well as the surgery > stuff in the future? If that's possible and you don't mind having > the braces on for a while, maybe you could start the process now (or > soon) with your ortho knowing what the final goal/outcome will be. > > Just a thought. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Hi, Yes a brace should work for both problems (I don't see how it couldn't), and I think I really need to get a second consultation - Problem is, I'll have to wait ages even for that. I will mention the fact that I NEED my gaps closed, and perhaps another Orthodontist will listen... It would save me so much money if I could do it through the NHS, plus it would be easier/less stressful having just the one brace. I do trust the NHS when they get to work and I think they provide a great service, but under funding and huge waiting lists are just ridiculous. BTW, thanks for all the help people! j0_ey > I'd want someone to do a lot more explaining to me about why the same > braces could not be used to prep you for surgery and close the gaps. > I think it is not uncommon, at least here, to do precisely that. > (Some orthos here even have to MAKE gaps by removing some teeth, and > then close them.) There's a lot I do not know, and I am certainly not > a professional, but I'd think a second consultation with a different > ortho might be in order, if one is available to you. (Also sounds > like we may be dealing here with some sort of National Health Service > distinction... > > But it's my impression (again maybe wrong) that a mouthful of gaps > isn't particularly healthy, either. Teeth with lots of gaps can > drift, and can trap food, and generally cause their own kinds of > troubles, I think. > > Best to you, > > Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Welll, in my experience, anyhow, it will involve not just one brace, but a pair of 'em -- they like to come in twos, somehow -- with lots of gadgets and doohickies attached. (Great fun, yes.) But you don't want to do anything rushy with this, honestly. First place, you're still pretty young for jaw surgery. 17 is, best I remember, about the lowest usual recommended minimum age for approaching the surgery, anyhow, because you don't want your jaws to go growing on you and un fix your dentists' fixes. That's not to say, though, that your ortho can't get started on lining things up as you're gonna need them to be. And I am thinking that you're still realizing that, if surgery is required, it still will be, unless something extraordinary happens. (I know less than nothing about how the NHS works, but I'm thinking that there's a rule about beginning the braces before you hit 18 for coverage in that one.) No doubt, it is costly, and if you're entitled to the help as a government service, go for it! You want someone who is very experienced tending to all these issues. But if you're in Britain, perhaps you can find another NHS medical center nearby that will put you on its list. I have utterly no idea about how to make that bureacracy go for you. Do you have to do it as an appeal of the first folks' judgment, or can you start again in another place? And is there a really good dental school near you? I think, were I you, that might be the first place I'd head, if only to say, " Here's what I've been told, and I don't understand. Could you help me with clarification? " Methods may be way different. I know that some of your folks are far ahead of those of us in the states with respect to the resorbable screws and plates, and I've not heard from anybody that they were trouble. But the first rule of doing anything non-life-threatening and medical or dental, I think, is to understand thoroughly what it's all about. Good wishes to you, and keep us posted. We wanna know. Do you have one general regular dentist, who's tending to cleanings, cavities and the like? Such a person may be a helpful source to you as well. I think you need more info. Best, Cammie In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " " <j0_ey@h...> wrote: > Hi, > > Yes a brace should work for both problems (I don't see how it > couldn't), and I think I really need to get a second consultation - > Problem is, I'll have to wait ages even for that. > > I will mention the fact that I NEED my gaps closed, and perhaps > another Orthodontist will listen... It would save me so much money if > I could do it through the NHS, plus it would be easier/less stressful > having just the one brace. I do trust the NHS when they get to work > and I think they provide a great service, but under funding and huge > waiting lists are just ridiculous. > > BTW, thanks for all the help people! > > j0_ey > > > > I'd want someone to do a lot more explaining to me about why the > same > > braces could not be used to prep you for surgery and close the > gaps. > > I think it is not uncommon, at least here, to do precisely that. > > (Some orthos here even have to MAKE gaps by removing some teeth, > and > > then close them.) There's a lot I do not know, and I am certainly > not > > a professional, but I'd think a second consultation with a > different > > ortho might be in order, if one is available to you. (Also sounds > > like we may be dealing here with some sort of National Health > Service > > distinction... > > > > But it's my impression (again maybe wrong) that a mouthful of gaps > > isn't particularly healthy, either. Teeth with lots of gaps can > > drift, and can trap food, and generally cause their own kinds of > > troubles, I think. > > > > Best to you, > > > > Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Hi Cammie, thanks for the reply. I was told that I had to be 18 to have the jaw surgery even if my jaw had fully grown, and I turn 18 in 2 months time. When I was looking at two x-ray shots (1 from 3 weeks ago and the other from over a year ago) it seemed my teeth hadn't moved, only my lower jaw - i.e. forward. This would suggest that putting braces to move only the teeth, thus closing the gaps would have no effect on the jaw itself, so that if it did continue to grow no harm would be done. I therefore cannot see why I wouldn't be allowed to get braces fitted as soon as possible. Obviously there is no law, or age restriction that would say I couldn't have braces fitted ate my age, since there're thousands of kids running around with braces these days. I'm positive I am fully covered for the treatment of my Jaw... for life. My first Dentist referred me when I was about 10; I was apparently going to have braces fitted at 13. This never happened. Since then I have seen many people about it. If I travelled to another Orthodontist, they would still be with the NHS and would still use information given from previous orthodontists and dentists to work out what stage I was at etc. So there would be no change. I do have a regular dentist who I visit every 6 months for the usual check up; I will have to make an appointment with her again just to have a chat. Cheers j0_ey > Welll, in my experience, anyhow, it will involve not just one brace, > but a pair of 'em -- they like to come in twos, somehow -- with lots > of gadgets and doohickies attached. (Great fun, yes.) But you don't > want to do anything rushy with this, honestly. > > First place, you're still pretty young for jaw surgery. 17 is, best I > remember, about the lowest usual recommended minimum age for > approaching the surgery, anyhow, because you don't want your jaws to > go growing on you and un fix your dentists' fixes. That's not to say, > though, that your ortho can't get started on lining things up as > you're gonna need them to be. > > And I am thinking that you're still realizing that, if surgery is > required, it still will be, unless something extraordinary happens. > (I know less than nothing about how the NHS works, but I'm thinking > that there's a rule about beginning the braces before you hit 18 for > coverage in that one.) > > No doubt, it is costly, and if you're entitled to the help as a > government service, go for it! > > You want someone who is very experienced tending to all these issues. > But if you're in Britain, perhaps you can find another NHS medical > center nearby that will put you on its list. I have utterly no idea > about how to make that bureacracy go for you. Do you have to do it as > an appeal of the first folks' judgment, or can you start again in > another place? And is there a really good dental school near you? I > think, were I you, that might be the first place I'd head, if only to > say, " Here's what I've been told, and I don't understand. Could you > help me with clarification? " > > Methods may be way different. I know that some of your folks are far > ahead of those of us in the states with respect to the resorbable > screws and plates, and I've not heard from anybody that they were > trouble. But the first rule of doing anything non-life-threatening > and medical or dental, I think, is to understand thoroughly what it's > all about. > > Good wishes to you, and keep us posted. We wanna know. Do you have > one general regular dentist, who's tending to cleanings, cavities and > the like? Such a person may be a helpful source to you as well. I > think you need more info. > > Best, > > Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 Hi, It certainly seems that way... It's not as if I get a straight answer when I ask them about closing the gaps. It's more of a " Anyway, let's change the subject " And I'm still left wondering. I am quite sure gaps can be closed with the NHS, and I bet many people do it very often. j0_ey > , as I mentioned before, I don't think the gaps are so much > cosmetic. But the folks who pay the bills where you are may think > something different. > > Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2003 Report Share Posted July 8, 2003 I think that one thing that may be at play here, , is that when you have surgery, the ortho often positions your jaw so that it will be in a proper relationship after the surgery. For me, that meant that my ortho overcorrected what ailed me. (I believe that my surgeon did, too, so that things had room for a bit of relapse, which both expected, without screwing things up.) This may play a role in when they fix your gaps. But honest, I'm not the best person to be answering your questions. They are reasonable questions, and you need answers from someone who's been through dental school and had specialty training, I'd think, although your general dentist may be able to help you. I found that one dentist would never speak for another's specialty. My periodontist told me that sure, it would help just to straighten the lower front teeth, but absolutely refused to say anything about what he'd use to do it or how long it would take. The orthodontist didn't give my suggestion about the lower front a thought; he saw too much wrong in the rest of the mouth. But he wouldn't speak for the surgeon, and the closest the surgeon came to offering an orthodontic opinion was the time he told me not " to let " the ortho take off any braces at that point. (I still wonder how he expected me to stop it, had the ortho started to remove something!) That is great if you have lifetime coverage for the work, or even any portion of it. And I would be surprised if any of your dentists is planning an approach based on a legal age restriction. More likely, they're trying to figure out when you'll be ready, in terms of growth and the needed techniques, to start with the appliances. Cammie > Hi Cammie, thanks for the reply. > > I was told that I had to be 18 to have the jaw surgery even if my jaw > had fully grown, and I turn 18 in 2 months time. When I was looking > at two x-ray shots (1 from 3 weeks ago and the other from over a year > ago) it seemed my teeth hadn't moved, only my lower jaw - i.e. > forward. > > This would suggest that putting braces to move only the teeth, thus > closing the gaps would have no effect on the jaw itself, so that if > it did continue to grow no harm would be done. I therefore cannot see > why I wouldn't be allowed to get braces fitted as soon as possible. > Obviously there is no law, or age restriction that would say I > couldn't have braces fitted ate my age, since there're thousands of > kids running around with braces these days. > > I'm positive I am fully covered for the treatment of my Jaw... for > life. My first Dentist referred me when I was about 10; I was > apparently going to have braces fitted at 13. This never happened. > Since then I have seen many people about it. If I travelled to > another Orthodontist, they would still be with the NHS and would > still use information given from previous orthodontists and dentists > to work out what stage I was at etc. So there would be no change. I > do have a regular dentist who I visit every 6 months for the usual > check up; I will have to make an appointment with her again just to > have a chat. > > Cheers > > j0_ey > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2003 Report Share Posted July 9, 2003 Hi e, I personally think my jaw is fully grown, looking at the two X-ray pics it is clear of the difference (Especially in the bone density) The only reason they are waiting another year is to make sure, but I am quite sure an appointment won't be given to me for at least 18 months, I may have to push them very hard to get one for 6 months. My orthodontist didn't really want to talk much about the surgery in general, he was only concentrating on the growth of my jaw. My Dentist simply said " There will be some movement of the teeth " Whether that means my gaps will be closed is anyone's guess. I have met no sugeon what so ever, which doesn't really sound promising. j0_ey > Getting in late on the conversation here, but it sounds to me like > your going to have to get assertive and start demanding some answers. > Who are you talking to that is giving you the brush off (surgeon, > ortho, NHS)? This site will answer your surgery questions, but it > would also be very beneficial to seek out others from the UK who can > answer some of your questions about how to get all of this figured > out, since most of us are clueless as to how NHS works. I am > suspicious that they're putting you off another year, though, given > that you're almost 18. I find it highly unlikely that your jaw is > still growing. Maybe they can check again in 6 months instead of a > year? > e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2003 Report Share Posted July 9, 2003 Hi e, I personally think my jaw is fully grown, looking at the two X-ray pics it is clear of the difference (Especially in the bone density) The only reason they are waiting another year is to make sure, but I am quite sure an appointment won't be given to me for at least 18 months, I may have to push them very hard to get one for 6 months. My orthodontist didn't really want to talk much about the surgery in general, he was only concentrating on the growth of my jaw. My Dentist simply said " There will be some movement of the teeth " Whether that means my gaps will be closed is anyone's guess. I have met no sugeon what so ever, which doesn't really sound promising. j0_ey > Getting in late on the conversation here, but it sounds to me like > your going to have to get assertive and start demanding some answers. > Who are you talking to that is giving you the brush off (surgeon, > ortho, NHS)? This site will answer your surgery questions, but it > would also be very beneficial to seek out others from the UK who can > answer some of your questions about how to get all of this figured > out, since most of us are clueless as to how NHS works. I am > suspicious that they're putting you off another year, though, given > that you're almost 18. I find it highly unlikely that your jaw is > still growing. Maybe they can check again in 6 months instead of a > year? > e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2003 Report Share Posted July 9, 2003 Hi e, I personally think my jaw is fully grown, looking at the two X-ray pics it is clear of the difference (Especially in the bone density) The only reason they are waiting another year is to make sure, but I am quite sure an appointment won't be given to me for at least 18 months, I may have to push them very hard to get one for 6 months. My orthodontist didn't really want to talk much about the surgery in general, he was only concentrating on the growth of my jaw. My Dentist simply said " There will be some movement of the teeth " Whether that means my gaps will be closed is anyone's guess. I have met no sugeon what so ever, which doesn't really sound promising. j0_ey > Getting in late on the conversation here, but it sounds to me like > your going to have to get assertive and start demanding some answers. > Who are you talking to that is giving you the brush off (surgeon, > ortho, NHS)? This site will answer your surgery questions, but it > would also be very beneficial to seek out others from the UK who can > answer some of your questions about how to get all of this figured > out, since most of us are clueless as to how NHS works. I am > suspicious that they're putting you off another year, though, given > that you're almost 18. I find it highly unlikely that your jaw is > still growing. Maybe they can check again in 6 months instead of a > year? > e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2003 Report Share Posted July 10, 2003 Have you tried finding an Orthodontist that will consult with you without a fee? Mine, and others I've seen, allowed for an initial visit at no charge. That might be worth looking into. Good luck! Carol > > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps you: > > > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these procedures > > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about > how > > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be exactly > > where you are today? > > > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And > off > > I go. > > > > Take care, > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2003 Report Share Posted July 10, 2003 Have you tried finding an Orthodontist that will consult with you without a fee? Mine, and others I've seen, allowed for an initial visit at no charge. That might be worth looking into. Good luck! Carol > > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps you: > > > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these procedures > > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about > how > > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be exactly > > where you are today? > > > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And > off > > I go. > > > > Take care, > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2003 Report Share Posted July 10, 2003 Hi, . I asked a friend, an adult woman, who chose to have extractions rather than surgery, and has had consequent gaps, which are being closed now. She kindly asked her ortho the question, and here's the response: > To Cammie, regarding the teen whose ortho wanted to put him through two sets > of braces, my ortho could think of NO good reason to do this at all and was > shocked to hear that someone would suggest it. Surgery and one set of > braces should do the trick, even for a tricky case. That's my gut instinct, too -- but then I'm not a trained person. If I were you, however, I would push the folks advising me about an explanation for not doing both at once. I don't mean closing the gaps in surgery, but just using the same set of braces to accomplish both ends. Best, Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2003 Report Share Posted July 10, 2003 That's great! Thanks a lot That way I would certainly save a few 'bucks' and of course it makes it so much easier going with the NHS... I will have to push my Orthodontist now, hopefully I can get him for once to explain the entire procedure and get a proper, final answer. Thanks again. j0_ey > Hi, . > > I asked a friend, an adult woman, who chose to have extractions > rather than surgery, and has had consequent gaps, which are being > closed now. She kindly asked her ortho the question, and here's the > response: > > > To Cammie, regarding the teen whose ortho wanted to put him through > two sets > > of braces, my ortho could think of NO good reason to do this at all > and was > > shocked to hear that someone would suggest it. Surgery and one set > of > > braces should do the trick, even for a tricky case. > > > > That's my gut instinct, too -- but then I'm not a trained person. If > I were you, however, I would push the folks advising me about an > explanation for not doing both at once. I don't mean closing the gaps > in surgery, but just using the same set of braces to accomplish both > ends. > > Best, > > Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2003 Report Share Posted July 10, 2003 Thanks for the suggestion... I am looking around but it seems every Orthodontist is either with NHS (i.e. free of charge) or Private (i.e. expensive) The orthodontist I go to at the moment should be fine, he is also the nearest which is good. But I would like a second opinion. I am not sure how it would work if I had a consultation with another NHS orthodontist, as I thought their opinions would just be the same... The quest continues j0_ey > > > This is the way I'm looking at my situation ... I hope it helps > you: > > > > > > You are going to be 22 weather you go through with these > procedures > > > or not. Wouldn't it be better to be 22 and feel good (both about > > how > > > you look and how you feel physically) than to be 22 and be > exactly > > > where you are today? > > > > > > I know I'll be 33 no matter what. So, making the three year > > > commitment with my Surgeon, although difficult, felt right. And > > off > > > I go. > > > > > > Take care, > > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2003 Report Share Posted July 11, 2003 Wow. I'm amazed at how different things really are once you step foot outside the US of A. I'm way too naive when it comes to a lot of things. Continued support on your quest ... Carol > Thanks for the suggestion... > > I am looking around but it seems every Orthodontist is either with > NHS (i.e. free of charge) or Private (i.e. expensive) > > The orthodontist I go to at the moment should be fine, he is also the > nearest which is good. But I would like a second opinion. I am not > sure how it would work if I had a consultation with another NHS > orthodontist, as I thought their opinions would just be the same... > > The quest continues > > j0_ey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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