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I'm 6 months post-op (lower jaw advancement) and this is where my bite is at. This isn't where it was out of surgery, but this is where it is now. My Ortho has me in a class III triangular elastic on the left side and a crossbite elastic on the right. I was wearing an openbite elastic in the back on the right but he discontinued it to start the crossbite elastic.
So in all honesty, (Ortho's PLEASE feel free to chime in), is there any hope in correcting whatever in the world has gone wrong with my jaw/bite? And if so, why does it appear to be worse instead of better with continued ortho treatment? Has anyone had anything similar with great results from orthodontics? Remember, I'm post surgery! This began around 5 weeks post-op when my Ortho took over and has continued to 'look' worse ever since. Maybe it's all part of the plan and things are moving as they should, but I don't understand and I am unable to obtain a clear answer. I'm tempted to seek a second opinion but I want to make sure it's warranted before doing so.
I saw my surgeon last at the end of October/beginning of November. It was becoming noticeable then but when I mentioned it he assured me there was no bone shift. End of discussion! I do not see him again until my braces are ready to come off. He wants to see the finished product. If my orthodontist thought the problem warranted the surgeon, surely he would refer me back to him (you would think?).
I'm frustrated to say the least. Prior to surgery I had a bad overbite, but no openbite or crossbite. I hope I'm not left with deciding which is worse...a noticeable crossbite/openbite post-surgery or the original overbite.
I'm trying to keep an open mind, even though looking at my progression pictures is becoming depressing! Instead of looking better over time, things are looking worse - continually. I'm no orthodontist and I'm trying to convince myself that maybe these movements are necessary in order to achieve the final result. I don't know if it's wishful thinking or not. If my ortho is doing the right thing and in my case things are going to look worse before better, I don't want to run to another orthodontist for a second opinion. But as a patient, how do I know? I'm already 6 months post-op.
Braced 2nd Time: May 2008
Lower Jaw Advancement Surgery (BSSO): August 2009
One Miniplate & Four Screws Removed: October 2009
I've read enough on the surgery board to know that unstable results or relapse occasionally happen. I hope someone there can give you more advice. What I'm reading in your posts is you're worried your results are not as stable as expected. I'd be inclined to get in touch with your surgeon and describe the situation and see if they want to see your sooner rather than later.
As far as an ortho consult, why not? I don't know where you are located, but in US consults are often free of charge. I guess if you're in a small town where everyone knows everyone, you might not want your ortho to know you were going, but otherwise I can't really think of a reason not to go for a consult.
Braced for 2 years, 11 months, 2 weeks and 5 days (the 2nd time ‘round)
Hawley on top, Essix on bottom
Even with the "rigid fixation" used to stabilize jaws, there is still some relapse or settling that takes place. Talk to your orthodontist about how you feel and if you are able to, set up a meeting with the surgeon as well. Keep wearing the elastics as directed by your orthodontist, but make sure you're happy with your result before completing treatment.
On a side note, there are a lot of msgs on this board about orthodontists offering complimentary consultations. While this is true in many North American offices, it is generally for initial consultations to begin treatment. Many orthodontists will not see other patients mid-treatment, unless they have moved away from their previous doctor, or require a fee for such a visit. As orthodontics is also a business, it really doesn't do much for an orthodontist to provide a free consultation for someone who is already in treatment. Just something to keep in mind :).
Dr. Jason Tam
Toronto Invisalign, Scarborough braces, and Markham Orthodontist
Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider
Thrice Published in the Invisalign Case Gallery
DrJasonKTam wrote:On a side note, there are a lot of msgs on this board about orthodontists offering complimentary consultations. While this is true in many North American offices, it is generally for initial consultations to begin treatment. Many orthodontists will not see other patients mid-treatment, unless they have moved away from their previous doctor, or require a fee for such a visit. As orthodontics is also a business, it really doesn't do much for an orthodontist to provide a free consultation for someone who is already in treatment. Just something to keep in mind .
Thank you for your response, Dr. Tam. That is the exact reason I am hesitant about getting a second opinion as I feel I would need to begin treatment with the second orthodontist, breaking ties with the first. And at this stage SPAM SPAM SPAMMING, that isn't something I am interested in. I will discuss my concerns with him at my next appointment and see if a visit to my surgeon is warranted.
Braced 2nd Time: May 2008
Lower Jaw Advancement Surgery (BSSO): August 2009
One Miniplate & Four Screws Removed: October 2009
I will be 6 mths post op on Mar 9. I'm in the last 5 weeks of treatment before deband date. Up until 3 weeks ago, I had a very similar bite, perhaps not quite as extreme but like you, my bite wasn't like it was right after surgery, and when I bit down it didn't at all feel like it fit together right. It wasn't a comfortable bite at all. At my last appt I started wearing elastics full time (3 of them in various areas) that are pulling teeth downward, back and basically back into place for the final time. In just 2 weeks I noticed a bit difference. 3 weeks and even more difference. My bite is finally fitting and feeling natural. If you haven't been given a deband date, I would say don't stress at this point, you're not done yet. I'm curious tho what your ortho has to say. Did you inquire what his/her final plans are for your teeth in the next coming appts?
First time in braces, no surgery: 1990
Second time in braces: 08/07
Wisdom teeth plus 1 molar each side total 6 teeth removed: 02/08
Upper Jaw surgery: 09/09
Congrats to you!! Not long now until you are free of braces. I'm glad to hear that things are feeling and fitting better for you.
My orthodontist has not given me a deband date...it's not up for discussion yet. I'm thinking they may be a permanent fixture? He isn't saying a lot at my appointments when I raise my concerns. However, he has put me on a 4-week appointment schedule for right now. At each appointment the assistant places my treatment plan on the side table and we are still in the "post surgical adjustments" stage. Haven't yet moved to the leveling, finishing, etc. He is trying to get the right-sided crossbite corrected (and then the right-sided openbite). On the left side I am wearing a triangular class III elastic. I'm not exactly sure what it's for unless it's pulling my lower teeth to the left.
Like I said, I'm trying my best to keep an open mind and hopefully this is all part of the plan.
Braced 2nd Time: May 2008
Lower Jaw Advancement Surgery (BSSO): August 2009
One Miniplate & Four Screws Removed: October 2009
That is really unfortunate that your ortho isn't communicating better with you about how your treatment is progressing/what stage you're at/what the next steps are etc. I've found that has been huge for me on this braces journey. My ortho will explain absolutely all aspects to me when I have an adjustment appt, he goes over what was done and why it was done, what the next appt will entail/what step we'll be at and I always left there feeling like I knew what was going on. My appts were always 6-8 weeks apart with the exception of my next appt, it will only have been 5 weeks since the last adjustment but that's because I'm in the tale end of things. Then 3 weeks after that appts they come off. I would ask your Ortho at the next appt to explain what is being done to correct your bite and explain in terms you'll understand. Ask how many weeks/appts s/he figures it will take to line up your bite and what his/her guesstimate is for the remainder of your treatment. Good luck!
First time in braces, no surgery: 1990
Second time in braces: 08/07
Wisdom teeth plus 1 molar each side total 6 teeth removed: 02/08
Upper Jaw surgery: 09/09
This began around 5 weeks post-op when my Ortho took over and has continued to 'look' worse ever since. Maybe it's all part of the plan and things are moving as they should, but I don't understand and I am unable to obtain a clear answer. I'm tempted to seek a second opinion but I want to make sure it's warranted before doing so.
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He isn't saying a lot at my appointments when I raise my concerns. However, he has put me on a 4-week appointment schedule for right now. At each appointment the assistant places my treatment plan on the side table and we are still in the "post surgical adjustments" stage. Haven't yet moved to the leveling, finishing, etc. He is trying to get the right-sided crossbite corrected (and then the right-sided openbite). On the left side I am wearing a triangular class III elastic. I'm not exactly sure what it's for unless it's pulling my lower teeth to the left.