Metal Mouth Message Board

Hey everyone, this is my first post on the board so I'll give you a quick background on my treatment so far...

I had sarpe back in December '08 to correct my crossbite and have just been braced up (upper and lower)...

During my initial consult with my ortho about a year ago he told me that to correct my crossbite it would require sarpe, braces and then a second surgery to move my upper jaw forward and up + genioplasty (this is to correct my retrusive upper jaw and gummy smile/long face).

It was really overwhelming to hear all this and was all news to me... It wasn't until late in the year that I proceeded with it.

So I'm over sarpe and have just started with the braces, my ortho now thinks that I may not need the 2nd surgery? - Which is a bit of a pain because I had prepared myself mentally for 2 surgery’s and want the best possible outcome without compromising anything... It's also good to know what your going to be in for!

Couple of questions for you all:

1/ Do I tell my ortho that I would like to go with the 2nd surgery regardless? (I'm 25 now and don't want to get to the end of my treatment thinking that I could have had a better result if I had the 2nd surgery) ...I've come this far and would rather go all the way and not look back.

Could anyone who has maybe been in a similar situation give me any advice?

I think the Upper/Lower jaw surgery will yield the best cosmetic and functional results but it may not be completely necessary.

anyone have any other advice?

I understand where you are coming from--once you are in it to this degree you want the best results possible.

I would talk more about it with your ortho and/or the surgeon.
Ask more questions. Is his recommendation based just on your bite or is he considering the entire facial harmony as well? I've also seen many posts on this board where the person thinks they are having a certain procedure and when it comes time the surgeon decides on something slightly different.

UPDATE: Just had my first braces adjustment on Wednesday and we discussed options (surgical & non-surgical route)... I told him that I would prefter to procced with the Lefort 1 & Genio to get the best possible outcome so thats were I'm now headed!

Was wondering how long is treatment time before the Ortho declares you "ready for surgery"? I was hoping to have it done in December (was braced up on the 5th of May... is December a bit too optimistic?? any feedback on your own treatments would be appreciated!

Cheers.

I am getting models taken to give to my oral surgeon next month....and that would make me 8 months in braces. my ortho originally told me i'd be ready at the 6 month mark.....only two months off not bad.

That's about the same here. The ortho said 6 mts before the surgery or spring time. I was 6.5 months and late spring... I'll take it. Depending on your case, a Dec. date might not be too optimistic.

Thanks for the replies everyone... sounds like a December date may be achievable after all! hopefully my ortho will be able to provide me with an approximate month for surgery @ my 2nd adjustment (4 weeks away).

HokieTay - saw postop photos, your looking great! hope the recovery is going well for you!...

Cheers.