overwhelmed... need some basic info....

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I'm so glad to have found this group. It's great to hear stories

and advice from normal folks who have " been there. " I just found

out a month ago, that in addition to 16 months of braces, I will

need upper and lower jaw surgery (la forte I, and bilateral sagital

split) to get my bite in line and correct my jaw problems. I have

to say, I was a little horrified (especially since I'm 28 and have

never had orthodontic work.) I've researched online, in addition to

talking to my docs, but the medical literature and terminology is

nothing short of daunting.

I guess my main concerns are: How drastically my appearance will

change with both upper and lower jaw surgery? Is this much worse

than just getting one or the other? How soon after the op. do you

look and feel normal? Also, I'm extremely concerned with the

insurance coverage. I've heard conflicting things about coverage,

and the Blue Cross rep. I spoke to on the phone was of little help,

only stating, " Yes, that is definitely a gray area. " I don't relish

the idea of having braces on for so long . . . especially at my

age. Have any of you gotten your braces removed sooner than the

projected time? Please feel free to answer any portion of this

rambling response you can. ANY info. or advice is GREATLY

appreciated. In the mean time, I will be reviewing the message

boards.. I've been finding helpful advice already! Thanks in

advance.....

from MN