Orthognathic surgery vs TADs

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#16 Post by **charlsie142** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:27 pm

I'm not sure why but my messages aren't showing up after I respond..so if I duplicate things, sorry in advance...

Meryaten--I agree about the age difference...that yes, he may have had success with someone young, but I just don't see how it could lead to permanent changes in an adult...

As for my insurance, I called today and they do cover orthognathic surgery, as long as certain (unspecified) requirements are met...so at least I'm off to a good start with them. I'm waiting to hear back from my dentist for ortho recs to make sure this is what I will need since I only have one ortho who recommends surgery at this point.

#17 Post by **charlsie142** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 9:26 am

Wow! Thank you so much for finding that article...I'm at school now so could only browse, but will give it more attention when I get home. I found an orthodontist last night by searching whose website discusses orthognathic surgery and TADs a lot, and then my dentist recommended the same ortho! So, this guy should be able to give me more info since he's more familiar with both types of treatment. My appointment is on Monday...and I cannot wait!

Here is his website (Dr. Webb) and the page that discusses TADs. http://webbandallenortho.com/TAD.html

Also, I will try to get some pics up over the weekend and post them, although I absolutely hate my teeth and this will take a lot of courage to do!

#18 Post by **charlsie142** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:17 am

So I just got back from my third ortho consult, and it looks like I'll be having surgery after all! I have a Class II Division I overjet/overbite...I couldn't write down the numbers since I was sitting there with my mouth open and forgot to ask afterwards, but I remember 3mm (overjet, I think) and 5 or 6mm (assuming overbite)..makes sense when I look at my teeth.
So, I ended up going with this ortho based on personality, cost, and his knowledge. He said I was not a candidate for the TAD procedure I mentioned in my first post (as did my old dentist who my parents talked to)...which is actually kind of a relief. While the other orthodontist that recommended surgery said I would definitely need upper & lower surgery, this ortho didn't know for sure and said I'd have to meet with the surgeon to find out.
So, I went ahead and did all the x-rays and messy impressions and mugshots at the ortho today, so I'll go back soon for a consult after the doc's had a chance to look those over. I was referred to an oral surgeon, and I tried to call to set up an appointment for a consult, but he's booked for the rest of the year! Wow. So, I'll call back next week when his 2009 schedule will be ready.

Crazy stuff, but what a relief to know what I'm going to do.....

#19 Post by **likemysmile** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 8:29 pm

Did your ortho give you any idea as to why you were not a candidate for TADs? I very recently had TADs put in at the same time as my SARPE. In all likelihood I will need a LeFort I along with a bss osteotomy in a little over a year, however the hope is that the TADS will reduce my maxillary excess. If however my ortho is able to get enough impaction with the TADs then I may not have to have one or possibly both surgeries. From what I gather it is sort of a wait and see process as it all depends on how my body responds. Anyway, I am just curious what conditions would make one not a candidate for TADs? Any ideas anyone?