Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 Thank you some much, ... that does help me a lot. The reason why I've initially gone ahead with this, is that I too figure now is the time to do it, while I'm realtively young and healthy. I have a few specific fears that maybe other people can respond to? First, that the RPE expander will widen my face and nose. I have read about some experiences people have had where that happened. The process itself sounds incredibly unfun, but I know that I can cope with that. It's the facial changes that worry me. The RPE was thrown into my treatment almost as an afterthought I felt like, and I didn't realize what a laborious process it is. Second, that my nose will change through the upper jaw surgery. I just can't stand that idea. I love my nose and consider it my best facial feature, and I also consider it part of my family heritage. Third, that the process will drag on much longer than anticipated. I got engaged this winter, and already we're planning on a super-long engagement because we don't know what my condition will be at various stages. But frankly I'm ready to throw in the towel and elope to Vegas because of all I've read here.... people exhausted 5 months after surgery, people swollen for 2(!) years after surgery.... Really, my ortho gave me no sense of any of this. Anyone have words of reassurance? > > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of the > > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to say, > > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth were > > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. And > > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a recessed > > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the point > > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I have > > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw issues > > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've lived > > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would never > > want to change it, and am content enough with my appearance > > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm also > > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for herself. I > > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > > non-invasive. > > > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I understand > > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve your > > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, and > > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since felt > > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > > reconsidering? > > > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 My only concern if you don't have the surgery would be future possible problems. If I were you I'd ask the surgeon what he thinks your chances of developing tmj problems or something else might be. If he/she sees no future problems (or maybe just a small chance) then I say don't fix it if it's not broken. However if this surgery could save you from future tmj problems then you might want to think more seriously about doing it. I agree that you should not do it for purely cosmetic reasons, as things can go wrong, I am a testament to that. You have a big decision to make, feel free to pick our brains for help! Katt > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of the > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to say, > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth were > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. And > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a recessed > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the point > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I have > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw issues > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've lived > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would never > want to change it, and am content enough with my appearance > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm also > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for herself. I > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > non-invasive. > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I understand > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve your > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, and > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since felt > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > reconsidering? > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 YEs, when I meet with the surgeon I wll definitely ask him about all that. I've also requested a sit down with my orthodontist to discuss this with him. Tell me, is anyone out there from Los Angeles? can you tell me if you've had good success with your surgeon/ortho? I'm on Kaiser, so I'm using their surgeon (There's only one) > > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of the > > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to say, > > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth were > > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. And > > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a recessed > > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the > point > > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I have > > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw issues > > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've lived > > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would never > > want to change it, and am content enough with my appearance > > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm > also > > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for herself. I > > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > > non-invasive. > > > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I understand > > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve your > > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, > and > > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since felt > > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > > reconsidering? > > > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 Hi Meaghan. It's me again. Congratulations on your engagement - I got engaged this winter too. Looks like we have a lot in common. I can't help you with info on the effects of RPE or upper jaw surgery (mine will be lower only so that's all I really know), but in terms of the time required, I do have some thoughts. I think the best advice, if you go ahead with this, is to be prepared for it to take longer than you initially expect. In the beginning, I was told 1 year in braces, then surgery, then another 6 months in braces and...voila! I'd have my new bite all set to go. It hasn't turned out that way. I've now had my braces on for 2 years, and I'll be having surgery next month, then have post-surgery treatment for who knows how long before my braces are off. (We've put off our wedding until August 2004. Hopefully they'll be off by then.) From what I've heard from others, my experience isn't at all unusual. So I guess the bottom line is...you won't really know for sure when this will be over. You have to either forge right on with the rest of your life regardless, or put some things off until it's done. In my case, I decided it was worth it to wait for my wedding, but I've carried on with everything else. Hope this helps too. K. > > > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > > > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of > the > > > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to > say, > > > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > > > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > > > > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth > were > > > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. > And > > > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a > recessed > > > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the > point > > > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I > have > > > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw > issues > > > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've > lived > > > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > > > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would > never > > > want to change it, and am content enough with my > appearance > > > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm > also > > > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for > herself. I > > > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > > > non-invasive. > > > > > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I > understand > > > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > > > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > > > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > > > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve > your > > > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, > and > > > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > > > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > > > > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since > felt > > > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > > > reconsidering? > > > > > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 Hi Meaghan! You certainly bring up very valid questions. However, the answer to a lot of them is " it depends " . (I'm not trying to be funny either) How much movement you require makes a LOT of difference in how your appearance will change. If you only need a little expansion, you very likely won't notice any change to your nose. I had my palate expanded about .25 " and it didn't cause any noticable change to my nose. I'll tell you now that having the expander put in was one of the worst things that I've ever done. I was ready to just chuck to whole process and say forget it. It didn't hurt, it was just very uncomfortable. However, that was a VERY short term feeling (a couple of days or so) and I got used to it very quickly! Now, it's just an inconvenience and only slightly bothers me. Since there are so many different types of expanders, your experience may be different than mine. I can't really say that I did this process while I was young and health (how about old and healthy?). I wish I would have heard about this process years ago. I would have jumped on it then. Bad teeth kind of runs in my family, and if you look at everyone, you'll see the same problem that I have: Small lower jaw that ends up putting a LOT of pressure on the back teeth and causing them to wear fast and eventually fall out. My dad has had dentures since he was abut 28, my mom has had partials since about 40, my older brother has lost his back teeth on the right side, even my grandmother has the same symptoms. There are decisions that have to be made when you undertake this process. Everything from the commitment that it takes to reach the end, to deciding the correct treatment path for you, to weighing the chances for permanent numbness against the chance for permanent tooth loss. For me, it was a no brainer. A little pain now for the chance to keep my teeth later. My surgeon and I talked at length about the pros and cons of having this surgery and I feel I made the right decision for me. I'm very happy with the result (my surgery was Jan 8th). I still have numbness, but I knew going in that I could have numbness for up to a year (and may never get some of it back) and I am noticing it coming back more and more every day. I still have a bite problem where I'm only hitting on 2 teeth, but we are working on correcting that problem. However, I'm confident that all of the problems will be worked through and in the end, I'll have a full set of chompers for a very long time. Hope my ramblings help! Jeff > Thank you some much, ... that does help me a lot. The > reason why I've initially gone ahead with this, is that I too figure > now is the time to do it, while I'm realtively young and healthy. > > I have a few specific fears that maybe other people can respond > to? > > First, that the RPE expander will widen my face and nose. I have > read about some experiences people have had where that > happened. The process itself sounds incredibly unfun, but I > know that I can cope with that. It's the facial changes that worry > me. The RPE was thrown into my treatment almost as an > afterthought I felt like, and I didn't realize what a laborious > process it is. > > Second, that my nose will change through the upper jaw surgery. > I just can't stand that idea. I love my nose and consider it my best > facial feature, and I also consider it part of my family heritage. > > Third, that the process will drag on much longer than anticipated. > I got engaged this winter, and already we're planning on a > super-long engagement because we don't know what my > condition will be at various stages. But frankly I'm ready to throw > in the towel and elope to Vegas because of all I've read here.... > people exhausted 5 months after surgery, people swollen for 2(!) > years after surgery.... Really, my ortho gave me no sense of any > of this. > > Anyone have words of reassurance? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2003 Report Share Posted February 19, 2003 Thank you Jeff! Your " ramblings " were very helpful. I think that generally speaking, I won't require too much movement (that may just be the optimism/naivete speaking though). When I find that out more specifically, that may help me make my decision. Both of my parents have also had many teeth problems and thousands of dollars of work done later in life -- that is partly what motivated me to explore my options now. I'm just having problems accepting that so much work has to be done just to correct my bite and teeth, at the possible expensive of other facial features. I'm so glad to hear that you're doing so well post-surgery! Here's to your continued progress.... Meaghan > > Thank you some much, ... that does help me a lot. The > > reason why I've initially gone ahead with this, is that I too > figure > > now is the time to do it, while I'm realtively young and healthy. > > > > I have a few specific fears that maybe other people can respond > > to? > > > > First, that the RPE expander will widen my face and nose. I have > > read about some experiences people have had where that > > happened. The process itself sounds incredibly unfun, but I > > know that I can cope with that. It's the facial changes that worry > > me. The RPE was thrown into my treatment almost as an > > afterthought I felt like, and I didn't realize what a laborious > > process it is. > > > > Second, that my nose will change through the upper jaw surgery. > > I just can't stand that idea. I love my nose and consider it my > best > > facial feature, and I also consider it part of my family heritage. > > > > Third, that the process will drag on much longer than anticipated. > > I got engaged this winter, and already we're planning on a > > super-long engagement because we don't know what my > > condition will be at various stages. But frankly I'm ready to throw > > in the towel and elope to Vegas because of all I've read here.... > > people exhausted 5 months after surgery, people swollen for 2(!) > > years after surgery.... Really, my ortho gave me no sense of any > > of this. > > > > Anyone have words of reassurance? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2003 Report Share Posted February 20, 2003 Thanks Meaghan, We're all here to help each other out. Sometimes it's for the advise from the experienced, sometimes it's just to confirm our suspicions, other times it's to whine (I do my fair share of that!!). I think you're doing the right thing in checking into this now, before the problems start showing up. You may decide to do it now, you may decide to do it later. Heck, you may decide to not do it at all. But at least you're making an informed decision!! THAT is the most important thing of all!! Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2003 Report Share Posted February 20, 2003 Hi Meaghan! I will have to agree with Katt. Make sure you are having this surgery for the right reasons. I hat upper/lower and upper expansion on March 8th last year. I was also told that I will have lots of problems later with boneloss and I would be better off having the surgery to take care of the problem now. I ended up having braces for one year before the surgery and I am finally getting my braces off in April. I did not have major problems before the surgery, but started having lots of pain afterwards. I am still eating soft foods or cut the food up really small. I am seeing a pain specialist every 2-3 weeks. I am happy to get my braces off, but I will not have the result I was hoping for. I have an overbite again (not quite as big as before) and only a few teeth are accually touching. My ortho thinks that there is not much more she will be able to accomplish with the braces, so we are kind of giving up and hope that nature will do the rest of the work. The part I am most upset about is, that when I told the pain specialist the reason they told me to have the surgery, he told me that they found out that it is not really true in most cases. So, I spend the last 2 years of my life waisting a lot of money and making myself miserable for no reason at all. Am I happy I had the surgery. NOOOOOO! I would never do it again. Are there a lot more people out there that are very happy with it. You can read that yourself. I am an exception. (At least I think so) On top of all of that, since the surgery I noticed that my cheekbones are more noticable. I was told that it is a bonus and that lots of people like that look. Well, to me I still looks like my face is slightly swollen. Noboby, but my husband notices the same, but it kind of bothers me. One good thing is that my nose looks a little shorter now than before the surgery. But it is a very slight change. I hope I have not depressed you completely. But just like Katt said: Why fix it when it is not broken. I hope you will make the right decission. Sabine > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of the > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to say, > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth were > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. And > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a recessed > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the point > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I have > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw issues > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've lived > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would never > want to change it, and am content enough with my appearance > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm also > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for herself. I > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > non-invasive. > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I understand > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve your > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, and > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since felt > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > reconsidering? > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2003 Report Share Posted February 20, 2003 Well, yeah, you've completely depressed me. I mean, I've been told to do it for a lot of reasons, bone loss being just one of them. I got a second opinion before I went ahead with this. I know that there are a lot of good reasons to do it, but.... why is your pain so bad? Have they figured it out? I'm sorry that it went that way for you. > > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of the > > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to say, > > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth were > > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. And > > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a recessed > > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the > point > > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I have > > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw issues > > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've lived > > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would never > > want to change it, and am content enough with my appearance > > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm > also > > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for herself. I > > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > > non-invasive. > > > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I understand > > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve your > > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, > and > > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since felt > > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > > reconsidering? > > > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2003 Report Share Posted February 20, 2003 Hi Meaghan! I am sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Just wanted to give you another opinion. I wish I would have read some of the negative outcomes before I had the surgery, but there might not be many people with problems or nobody lets you know. It took me a long time to bring up the courage to write about the negative experience, but I felt it would be the right thing to do. The pain I am having is nerve related. Nerves are very tricky, so it is hard to find out the best way to 'fix' the problem. My doctor sais that the nerves get moved around during the surgery and that they are not always very forgiving. I am taking ELAVIL and the doctor has been playing around with it to see what would be the best dosage to minimize the pain. My bigges problem is that I have a constant burning in my tounge and lower lip. It has been getting better and we hope it will go away when I get my braces out and I won't have to wear any more bands. The reason I am still not chewing much is that I get TMJ pains if I do, so I have been taken it very easy. It is a slow progress, but I am hoping I will be back to normal soon. It was not an easy road for me, but there are a lot of people that had great outcomes. Sabine > > > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > > > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of > the > > > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to > say, > > > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > > > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > > > > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth > were > > > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. > And > > > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a > recessed > > > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the > > point > > > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I > have > > > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw > issues > > > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've > lived > > > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > > > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would > never > > > want to change it, and am content enough with my > appearance > > > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm > > also > > > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for > herself. I > > > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > > > non-invasive. > > > > > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I > understand > > > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > > > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > > > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > > > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve > your > > > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, > > and > > > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > > > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > > > > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since > felt > > > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > > > reconsidering? > > > > > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2003 Report Share Posted February 20, 2003 I haven't finished reading all the responses to your original question, but thought I would throw my two cents in. I would have never considered having this surgery when I was in my teens or even early 20's. I knew that there was something wrong with my jaw, had even gone through one set of braces already, but like you, I could never concieve of having a surgery which would be more cosmetic than for function. However, as I got older, the problems I was having got worse (I had an 11 mm overbite) as in my sleep apnea, my chewing, my tooth enamel wearing funny because of my off bite. I didn't have these problems when I was younger (I'm 28 right now), it had just been since I was around 24-25 that it got a lot worse in a short amount of time. My dentist mentioned to me that I would have less periodontal problems if my teeth weren't so crowded, but it wouldn't be worth getting the braces if I didn't have the surgery as well. That was the start of it a few years ago, I'm now 6 months post op and out of my braces and I'm so happy that I went through with the surgery. The shape of my nose didn't change (I was really concerned about that too, because my nose looks just like my mother's nose, she died when I was 2 so it's sort of like I carry a little of her with me), they put a stitch in the base of my nose inside the sinus cavity (I think it's called an alar stitch or something like that, I'm sure someone on here will correct me if I'm wrong). The procedure did take a lot longer than I anticipated, just getting approved for the insurance and then I had to switch surgeons in the middle and my new surgeon was having my ortho make adjustments to my teeth months after my first surgeon said that I was ready for the surgery. The whole ordeal never goes along the timeline that you have set up. On the side of getting married, I am all about eloping to Vegas, since that's what I did in December of 1999 and we had an absolute blast. I know it sounds cheesy, but Vegas was made for newlyweds and honeymooners, everytime someone would hear that we just got married, we would get free coupons for stuff, the hotel gave us free stuff, we got a discount on our rooms and our dinners, it was the best time ever. And my husband and I aren't much for gambling, there's just so much to do in Vegas, I highly recommend the eloping route. Hope this helps, J. > > > Hi, I am a 29-year-old patient who currently has lower braces > > > and is waiting to get in to see a surgeon to begin the rest of > the > > > process: RPE, braces, upper and lower surgery. I have to > say, > > > having now spent a lot of time reading postings on this site, I > > > am reconsidering going through with any of it. > > > > > > I went to see an orthodontist originally because my teeth > were > > > crowded and one of the top front teeth was slightly crooked. > And > > > was told I need to have everything done. Yes, I have a > recessed > > > chin, and it's something I'm self-conscious of, but not to the > point > > > that I would otherwise choose to have surgery to correct it. I > have > > > some problems that are probably associated with my jaw > issues > > > (decay in the back teeth, some breathing problems) but I've > lived > > > with them my whole life, and so far we're only talking minor > > > inconveniences. And otherwise, I love my nose and would > never > > > want to change it, and am content enough with my > appearance > > > that I'm not sure I want to go through this 2-3 year agony. I'm > also > > > not someone that would seek out cosmetic surgery for > herself. I > > > only sought out orthodontic work thinking it would be > > > non-invasive. > > > > > > So I guess what I'm asking is, is it really worth it? I > understand > > > why it would be for people with considerable underbites or > > > overbites, or sleep apnea, but I'm having problems > > > comprehending why it's worth it to go through all of this > > > otherwise, just to straighten your teeth and possibly improve > your > > > profile. It sounds like cosmetically you're not " right " for years, > and > > > that physically some of the risks (such as permanent nerve > > > damage) are really undesirable ones. > > > > > > Are there people out there who felt this way and have since > felt > > > that they've done the right thing? Are there people out there > > > reconsidering? > > > > > > Meaghan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2003 Report Share Posted February 20, 2003 I think the " exhausted at 5 months " is an exaggerated interpretation of my post #56257. Check it out. I said that I did not have full stamina for certain physical things, like cross country skiing, at 5 months post-op, not that I was exhausted in general. Several weeks ago we went skiing and I managed about 2.5 hours, which I've never done before. I doubt if I could have done it the following day, but I'm certainly getting there. Like I said, I'm no athlete at 47 years of age. I don't train for this stuff, I'm a typical weekend warrior. I'd love to hear from anyone who is running marathons at 5 months post-op! Folks should not be exhausted at 5 months post op. I would encourage them to talk to their surgeon if that's the case. > Irish! > > > But frankly I'm ready to throw > > in the towel and elope to Vegas because of all I've read here.... > > people exhausted 5 months after surgery, people swollen for 2(!) > > years after surgery.... Really, my ortho gave me no sense of any > > of this. > > > > Anyone have words of reassurance? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2003 Report Share Posted February 21, 2003 Hi Meaghan, I do not want to talk you into or out of this surgery but I do want to tell you how this all came about and turned out for me. I have never liked my weak chin or overbite and talked to my dentist about it 15 years ago to see if braces would help my teeth and chin. He said at the time that braces wouldn't help and I would have to have surgery to correct those problems. He also said that it would be considered cosmetic and insurance would not pay for it if I had it done. I knew that I would never have it done for cosmetic reasons so didn't consider it again for 10 years. 5 years ago I started having problems with my gums receding. They were causing a lot of nerve pain when I ate anything cold, sweet or too hot. Brushing them became a nightmare unless I was very careful and used very warm water to rinse my teeth. I asked the same dentist about the receding gums and he told me that was because I was over 40 and a lot of people start having receding gums at my age. Because I had been unhappy with him for a while I decided to go to another dentist that told me that the receding gums have nothing to do with age but are related to the bite. Since I had never had braces for my overbite my teeth never connected properly when I chewed and my gums were receding because of it. I had also developed the beginnings of TMJ with some clicking and cracking when I opened my mouth widely. The new dentist suggested surgery to correct the problems and said there was really no other way to do it. I also needed to have all of my teeth lengthened to also make the perfect connection. I am a grinder so all of my teeth are shorter than they should be. In April of 2000 I talked to the recommended orthodontist and we started the process of braces, surgery, recovery and reconstruction. I got my braces on in October, 2000 and had my surgery in January, 2002. My braces came off in October, 2002 and reconstruction begins next month. I had 2 dental implants last month and I will have all of my teeth crowned with temporaries until next year when the permanent crowns go in. It has ALL been worth it and I wish I had started the process 15 years ago no matter what my other dentist said. My insurance company deemed the surgery necessary and all of that was paid. The crowns and braces have to come out of pocket. I have no more TMJ and I can open my mouth as far as I could before the surgery with no more cracking. The swelling was gone 2 months after too. I don't know of anyone that has had swelling for 2 years after unless they had complications. My only residual numbness is in my lower lip and a small section of my chin. It is still getting better and better but may never go away completely. I'm so used to the tingling in that little section of lip and chin that I may actually miss it when it's gone. It's a reminder of all that I have been through. If you are doing this for cosmetic reasons only I wouldn't do it but, if you have functional problems as I did they may only get worse over time and mine did. I wouldn't change anything I have done even though, yes, it was inconvenient and painful at times but all worth it. You will make the right decision for you no matter what we all say but do it for the right reasons and keep the end in sight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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