Age & Results.......Cammie? Mike?

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am fairly new to this site. I've read alot of postings, especially

those by Cammie and Mike. Definite opposing views on whether to have

surgery or not.

Mike, in your experience are you finding more people than not are

experiencing permanent nerve damage? And does it appear age is

playing a significant role in recovery?

I have a significant overbite. I have an arthritic left joint with

TMJ. I am 43 years old. I've been in upper braces for 4 months.

Next month I get lower braces. The surgery for lower jaw advancement

of about 3-5 mm has been approved by medical coverage.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my ortho and I said I didn't

want surgery (after researching this site). He assured me that the

surgery was safe and the " majority " of his patients have had very

good results. He said he would not recommend the surgery if most of

his patients experienced nerve damage. Yesterday I was positive that

surgery was not for me, now I am confused. He (as well as my

surgeon) did say that age would play a role in recovery and they

couldn't absolutely guarantee no permanent nerve damage, but said it

was unlikely.

On one had, I would like to help my TMJ symptoms (but just the braces

alone have alleviated the problems substantially).

Cammie, what procedure did you have. Was your surgery done for

medical reasons? I believe you had lower jaw advancement, but did

you have your jaw wired shut? Would you recommend having the jaw

wired versus titanium plates? I've read that the slide advancement

with plates of the lower jaw may be more risky because the nerve can

be damaged more easily.

Thanks so much for your replies.

Virginia