New Here And Some Questions..

[AlderKing0000]

Hello, im planned for having Upper and Lower Jaw Surgery in November this year, i have a openbite along with a crossbite and prognathic mandible..I landed braces just about a month ago, and had my last wisdom tooth taken out a few days ago..I have been on the fence with this issue for about 4-5 years, i was never bothered by my appearance much until about the last year before i started my initial treatment, which im very pleased with. Everybody told me they could not notice, as i was pretty well off at hiding my open bite. I ignored the problem as much as i could, but ultimately i knew what i had to do to feel better about all of it. Very excited to say the least, even the discomfort from having braces again, is actually comforting as i know my teeth are moving and the ultimate goal is within reach. Treatment is approximately 2 years total, but there is a possibility of it being less, which would be awesome but we will see what happens. In the meantime, i am here to possibly connect with others who have had surgery and are going through the process. This journey is quite something. For those who have had surgery, how has it helped you? Are you pleased with your outcome? Has the surgery helped you be more outgoing? What about your appearance, are you happy with your results? For what reasons are you seeking surgery, or if you have already had it, why did you pursue it? Personally, this issue has been wearing on me more than i remember, i try to not let it overtake my perspective on many things, however it definitely is a burden!

[dnbull]

I'm still going through a journey. Just had surgery 4 days ago so I can't answer you on my appearance yet. I'm a musician so I took a huge risk getting braces. I was very uncomfortable with my smile and decided to do something about it. Very rough decision as I am a music teacher as well. I try not to live with regrets and I try to think as positive as I can. Best of luck to you. Maybe if you message me months later I can tell you about my progress. I have had braces on for 9 months and expanders for 8 before surgery. (SARPE)

[AlderKing0000]

[quote="dnbull"]I'm still going through a journey. Just had surgery 4 days ago so I can't answer you on my appearance yet. I'm a musician so I took a huge risk getting braces. I was very uncomfortable with my smile and decided to do something about it. Very rough decision as I am a music teacher as well. I try not to live with regrets and I try to think as positive as I can. Best of luck to you. Maybe if you message me months later I can tell you about my progress. I have had braces on for 9 months and expanders for 8 before surgery. (SARPE)[/quote]

Wow, awesome how is your recovery thus far?
I am also a musician,what type of music teacher are you?
Congratulations on the next part of your journey!

[AlderKing0000]

Have had braces on for almost a few months now, my teeth are rapidly moving. My ortho is wanting me to be ready for November as my surgery date is scheduled within that month.
So far, the changes i have felt are my teeth changing dramatic position..i was once able to bite down on a total of 4 teeth,now i am down to one...due to my last wisdom tooth being removed a month ago..and the rest due to braces and teeth moving. Insane..and quite uncomfortable..speech is a little more difficult than i would prefer..but i remind myself how important this is to me. It is a journey i am immersing myself in. More updates to come.

[Ctr3]

Hi,
I am meeting my orthodontist tomorrow to confirm the braces/surgery route to fix my open bite! I was wondering how your progress is going, and wanted to also ask others how their experience has been? I'm curious about what my appearance will be like after surgery, ie. Will my nose/lips change? Will my face be shorter? (I am having upper and lower jaw surgery). My open bite isn't huge but I'm worried it'll get worse if I don't do anything, and I have quite a long, narrow face so have been wondering if this will change after surgery.
I'd appreciate any advice or just hearing about other peoples experiences! (Preferably in the uk with nhs surgery if poss!!)
Thanks

[pantlover]

I'm still in the early stages of all of this. Just had top braces on for a month and having my bottoms put in tomorrow! (ugh)

My treatment plan is 1 - 1.5 years in braces, surgery, then depending on how the surgery goes, it will be 6months - 1 year in braces after surgery to fine tune my teeth. Unfortunately, this wasn't the timeline I was hoping for since people tell me all the time that my teeth are already fairly straight. The problem for me was ridiculously flared top teeth due to years of tongue thrusting because of my underbite/open bite/crossbite.

I think the most important thing in all of this is to always have that end goal in mind even when we feel like tearing out these goddamn braces. But I'm definitely glad I found this forum. It's really comforting to know that you're not the only one going through it and the overwhelming consensus is that the surgery is well worth it.

[AlderKing0000]

[quote="pantlover"]I'm still in the early stages of all of this. Just had top braces on for a month and having my bottoms put in tomorrow! (ugh)

My treatment plan is 1 - 1.5 years in braces, surgery, then depending on how the surgery goes, it will be 6months - 1 year in braces after surgery to fine tune my teeth. Unfortunately, this wasn't the timeline I was hoping for since people tell me all the time that my teeth are already fairly straight. The problem for me was ridiculously flared top teeth due to years of tongue thrusting because of my underbite/open bite/crossbite.

I think the most important thing in all of this is to always have that end goal in mind even when we feel like tearing out these goddamn braces. But I'm definitely glad I found this forum. It's really comforting to know that you're not the only one going through it and the overwhelming consensus is that the surgery is well worth it.[/quote]


Glad to hear you are starting your journey! I will say this to you..in the further stages of the process, you will likely gain more confidence, as you know you are doing what is right for you of course. I have surgery in just a few weeks, i will be having double jaw surgery, with cheek augmentation. I am still deciding on that, but i will probably go through with it. Very exciting, your words are true when thinking about the end goal, it is of utmost importance for us who are going through this! Be Well1

[AlderKing0000]

[quote="Ctr3"]Hi,
I am meeting my orthodontist tomorrow to confirm the braces/surgery route to fix my open bite! I was wondering how your progress is going, and wanted to also ask others how their experience has been? I'm curious about what my appearance will be like after surgery, ie. Will my nose/lips change? Will my face be shorter? (I am having upper and lower jaw surgery). My open bite isn't huge but I'm worried it'll get worse if I don't do anything, and I have quite a long, narrow face so have been wondering if this will change after surgery.
I'd appreciate any advice or just hearing about other peoples experiences! (Preferably in the uk with nhs surgery if poss!!)
Thanks[/quote]



From my experience so far, the shape of your face wont change, which is not necessarily a bad thing...there are plenty of people with slender faces, who look very handsome/beautiful...the features are what will change, like your nose, lips, cheeks, etc...very subtle changes..surgery is November 12th for me, i am going off what my surgeon has told me, i met him the last time until surgery date a couple days ago and spent a couple hours with him during my pre op class. I will be having cheek augmentation done as well. Which is also covered surprisingly, i figured it wont hurt to have that done. I had the same questions as you, and as time goes on you begin to gain confidence again. The hardest part is the anxiety that one can experience leading up to the surgery, its hard to even believe i am here, typing these words that i once read from many before me. Keep it up..and keep your goal in mind, in a surgery as major as this, it is important to find a place within yourself, to wash away the negative what ifs and so forth..take 1 day at a time and dont forget to live while doing it, i have suffered from this a little bit leading up to surgery. Just remember, outside change is nothing compared to a change within, we will be the same person inside. I think people get caught up in this "physical" aspect, sure facial changes are potential for more confidence in how we speak and present ourselves, but true change must take place within, i think this surgery is part of the formula to make this happen! Best wishes for your journey!