Metal Mouth Message Board

I was braced in December 2009, and my orthodontist has been incredible so far! He has a great reputation and I have nothing but good things to say about him. I went to several different orthodontists for consultations.

He says that I will be ready for surgery in about 3 weeks. I am currently scheduled to have surgery on 7/16 at Boston University.

I have met my surgeon twice, and he seems awesome. I did some research on him and he seems to be an academic authority on orthognathic surgery. His plan is to move my upper jaw 7 mm forward, and my lower jaw 3 mm back.

All that being said, I can't help but be a little concerned that I should get a second opinion at this point. When I was meeting with orthodontists, I did meet with another oral surgeon who seemed to agree with my current treatment plan. However, I do live in Boston, and have at least three super prestigious dental schools within five miles of my apartment.

My question is, how uncommon is it for a patient to come into a surgeon's office looking for a second opinion when they have already been braced for several months? Do you think that this is a good idea?

Yes, yes, yes - get a second opinion. I went to my city's top orthodontist and he recommended two surgeons. I only went to the one and felt totally comfortable with him and my orthodontist seemed so pleased with my decision. So, I have the surgery - lower jaw (BSSO) only to find out later I should have had my upper AND lower done. Now, because I can't risk more nerve damage - I still live with lip incompetence and a longer face than I should have. If I had only gone to the second surgeon I would have learned this. Don't even hesitate about getting a second opinion.