Metal Mouth Message Board

It's been 5 1/2 months since I had BSSO and LeFort 1, my jaw would only open about 2 finger-width last week and I'm starting to feel like the jaws are starting to loosen but it's still tight. I go to a physical therapist/chiropractor for some other issues and had him check the jaw. Fortunately, they utilize massage in treatment as well. I talked to my surgeon and orthodontist and they approved the method of massage for the jaw muscles.

I went to my first treatment last night and it was not as painful as I suspected. There were some gentle stretches and inner jaw muscle massage. I felt able to open a little bit more (not quite 3 finger-width but closer).

Has anyone else tried this and how wide can you open the jaw at almost 6 months post-op? I'm wondering if this really works or just wishful thinking on my end!

Hey - I'm 8 weeks post op and can open my jaw about 2 finger-widths, which is good but my chewing range of motion is progressing slowly. The doctor did say it would take about another month or so since I was fully de-banded/braced (4/28) 'til I'd be able to chew normally. I had double jaw surgery for my underbite... I'm not sure what the normal progression is though, or if there really is one... But 5 1/2 months seems like a long time for only 2 fingers...

I agree that there is probably not a typical progression for recovery from surgery. I had my upper and lower jaw surgery 6 weeks ago, I can open up just under 4 finger widths after my splint was taken off a few days ago. Saying that, I would have expected a bit more opening after 5.5 months, but if your surgeon isn't overly concerned I guess it isn't cause for alarm. I would think that if you keep at the stretches and massages you will get back to normal soon.

Im 4 months post op and in the same position as you my ortho reassures me its still early days!

Hi,
sorry to bring bad news-but I'm 10 months post op and still don't have 3 fingers in yet. I had alot of post-op difficulties and surgeries that kept me from stretching my jaw. I go to pyscial therapy 1x per week to work internal muscles. I still feel like there are rubber bands in my top and bottom lip. My physicay therapist relates it to "frozen shoulder". It's like the muscles had atrophied. After my surgery I tried to keep my mouth and jaw so still thinking it would help heal. I wish someone had told me to move and exercise it-maybe they thought I should know this. None the less with my long recovery, I still can't eat on left side-my bottom jaw has some nerve damage, I am still glad I went through surgery-even though it was the most difficult thing I have been through in my 44 years to date! Great success with your recovery-it does take a good year to see and feel final results.

nineeyes wrote: I had my upper and lower jaw surgery 6 weeks ago, I can open up just under 4 finger widths after my splint was taken off a few days ago.

You had your splint in for nearly 6 weeks?! Jeeeeez! I was climbing the wall after one day!
I'm five weeks post op and at one finger width. It sucks.