Discussing Jaw Issues With Others.
Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 2:56 pm
Hello Everyone,
I am new here. Age 21 and have an Anterior Open Bite and recessed chin. I have been reading posts for a while and thought that it might be a good idea to post my story and ask some questions. I am new to this process. When I was younger my first orthodontist wanted me to have the jaw surgery to correct my open bite in conjunction with braces. My parents refused and I went to another orthodontist in which they did a lot of work on my mouth without surgery. I had eight adult teeth removed, a pallet expander put in for about a year and then braces for a year and a half. Nothing corrected my bite, only how straight my teeth are (although they still protrude a bit). I've always felt different than those around me with beautiful smiles and a normal profile and was made fun of as a kid a couple of times. And now that I've finally graduated college and my parents have deemed me an adult, I've decided that I want to start up the process again. With work and financial restrictions I probably won't be officially starting everything for a year or so, however, my research on the topic is getting more and more serious. I think the hardest thing is trying to explain it to those around me (aka my parents). All they hear is the term surgery and automatically freak out and wonder why I would ever do such a thing. It's hard to explain the emotional burden a deformed jaw and chin has to someone who has a perfect bite. And it's really difficult to talk about something that has been troubling me for almost a decade without getting upset. I haven't spoken with any orthodontists or surgeons yet, as I am still in the research and understanding phase, but plan to make appointments soon.
So my question is, how many people here had a difficult time discussing this topic to those around them? How do you deal with family members bashing your decision? And do you have any suggestions for those who are just starting the process and trying to explain why we want this done?
Cosmetics has a rather large play in this decision. But as well, I've been clenching and grinding my teeth at night and my dentist has already told me that my teeth are wearing down (aka the only one's that touch). I know that in the future I will probably have TMJ issues. Currently I have a really tough time eating foods that require me to chew a lot (I have realized that chewing a piece of meat takes me twice as long as the others at the table) and biting into things is next to impossible (such as biting into a sandwich - all the innards stay intact because I have about a 5mm gap between my teeth). I have sinus issues which I believe is the cause of my open bite and was a mouth breather all through childhood. I've become more aware of it now, but have a very difficult time closing my lips to breathe through my nose.
Thanks for any and all suggestions,
K
I am new here. Age 21 and have an Anterior Open Bite and recessed chin. I have been reading posts for a while and thought that it might be a good idea to post my story and ask some questions. I am new to this process. When I was younger my first orthodontist wanted me to have the jaw surgery to correct my open bite in conjunction with braces. My parents refused and I went to another orthodontist in which they did a lot of work on my mouth without surgery. I had eight adult teeth removed, a pallet expander put in for about a year and then braces for a year and a half. Nothing corrected my bite, only how straight my teeth are (although they still protrude a bit). I've always felt different than those around me with beautiful smiles and a normal profile and was made fun of as a kid a couple of times. And now that I've finally graduated college and my parents have deemed me an adult, I've decided that I want to start up the process again. With work and financial restrictions I probably won't be officially starting everything for a year or so, however, my research on the topic is getting more and more serious. I think the hardest thing is trying to explain it to those around me (aka my parents). All they hear is the term surgery and automatically freak out and wonder why I would ever do such a thing. It's hard to explain the emotional burden a deformed jaw and chin has to someone who has a perfect bite. And it's really difficult to talk about something that has been troubling me for almost a decade without getting upset. I haven't spoken with any orthodontists or surgeons yet, as I am still in the research and understanding phase, but plan to make appointments soon.
So my question is, how many people here had a difficult time discussing this topic to those around them? How do you deal with family members bashing your decision? And do you have any suggestions for those who are just starting the process and trying to explain why we want this done?
Cosmetics has a rather large play in this decision. But as well, I've been clenching and grinding my teeth at night and my dentist has already told me that my teeth are wearing down (aka the only one's that touch). I know that in the future I will probably have TMJ issues. Currently I have a really tough time eating foods that require me to chew a lot (I have realized that chewing a piece of meat takes me twice as long as the others at the table) and biting into things is next to impossible (such as biting into a sandwich - all the innards stay intact because I have about a 5mm gap between my teeth). I have sinus issues which I believe is the cause of my open bite and was a mouth breather all through childhood. I've become more aware of it now, but have a very difficult time closing my lips to breathe through my nose.
Thanks for any and all suggestions,
K