Guest guest Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 Hey everyone, Just found out today that I may be candidate for ortho surgery. My lower jaw portrudes a bit further than the top, thus causing an improper bite. It doesnt bother me to much now as far as appearance but some of the long term issues do not sound too nice. I wore braces some years back so I'm not sure if I would have to get them back on or not......This " move " of the jawline occured post-braces. I've searched the internet and this group seems to be pretty responsive on these issues and i was wondering what is the actual process? Most sites just say who are typical candidates and show before and after pictures. I just need to know..what gets cut! does anything get taken out? inserted? Basically, what would the procedure entail....and no need to ask about recovery...i'm sure there is pain involved. Thanks, ~Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 Hi Tony, The short answer, if you're having surgery on your lower jaw only, is that they will cut the bones and move the jaw back. Nothing will be inserted, that normally only happens where the surgeon has to build up bone, and then it could be taken from another site (your hip) or alternate sources. You could be fixed with plates & screws (usually permanent, although there are some that dissolve over time after the bones heal), or wired shut until the bones heal, about 6-8 weeks, depends on your surgeon's preference (mine doesn't wire, for example). I had no pain, just a bit of discomfort but nothing that liquid tylenol couldn't handle. They did give me demerol in the hospital, but only for about 24 hours (I was in hospital for 2 days). I didn't refuse it as I didn't want to find out whether I needed it or not! You may find this info site useful http://www.geocities.com/orthognathicinfo/ (lots of links and FAQs, etc), but you'll also get good answers here, as well as on site 2 at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/orthognathicsurgerysite2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 Actually, nope. Not usually much pain. Painkillers at first, and then numbness, but not a lot of hurting. If what you need is work on the lower, it can sometimes be slid forward or backward, then screwed in place. If what you need is a lot of movement in the upper, you may have to have bone removed, then fixed in place. Or whatever your doc recommends. That's the best person of all to ask, honest. Probly you will indeed need braces again, to get your jaws and teeth positioned properly for surgery. Sorry! C. > Hey everyone, > > Just found out today that I may be candidate for ortho surgery. My > lower jaw portrudes a bit further than the top, thus causing an > improper bite. It doesnt bother me to much now as far as appearance > but some of the long term issues do not sound too nice. I wore > braces some years back so I'm not sure if I would have to get them > back on or not......This " move " of the jawline occured post-braces. > > I've searched the internet and this group seems to be pretty > responsive on these issues and i was wondering what is the actual > process? Most sites just say who are typical candidates and show > before and after pictures. I just need to know..what gets cut! does > anything get taken out? inserted? Basically, what would the procedure > entail....and no need to ask about recovery...i'm sure there is pain > involved. > > Thanks, > > ~Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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