Surgery in another country

[thenumber12]

Hi all. It's been years since I've last signed on here. I have a few questions for those who traveled outside of their countries to get jaw surgery done.

I'm thinking I might need to travel to Korea for jaw surgery because:
a) I have state medical insurance and they don't offer dental
b) I doubt if I apply for dental separately, it'll adequately cover me even if it's medically necessary

If I qualify for health insurance in Korea, I'll also have access to English speaking physicians.
The thing is BRACES is what makes everything complicated. If I go to an orthodontist and explain my condition and he refers me to a Jaw Surgeon, I'll be paying out of pocket for expensive visits with the intention of getting surgery in another country. Should I even tell them the last part?... This scenario of course if I stay in California for at least the initial treatment with regards to orthodontics.

Or I could go to Korea and get braces there but now, my question is:
How long have you had braces on pre-surgery? If it's a year, I doubt I can stay in Korea for that long. I can maybe get orthodontia here with the intention of getting jaw surgery over there but how would that work if the two can't communicate with eachother??!?

If any of you have been in a similar predicament, please share you stories.

[ceanna]

Jaw surgery would be covered by medical health insurance, not dental. In the U.S., the only thing that dental insurance might cover would be the orthodontic treatment (braces) and only up to age 19. I had to pay for my braces myself because I was over 19, but my medical insurance covered my surgery 100%. Of course, this would vary depending on the insurance plan you have. The orthodontist and oral surgeon need to work closely together and will need to communicate with each other. My orthodontist recommended the oral surgeon who did my surgery. After surgery you will have several post-op and follow up appointments with the oral surgeon. Then you'll move on to the orthodontist for final tweaks before you get your braces off. Personally, I couldn't imagine going through this whole process being so far away from either doctor.

Just curious why you're thinking of going to Korea for surgery? Do you have family there or someone to take care of you there afterwards if you were to have surgery? If you return to the U.S. you should be prepared to find another oral surgeon who would be able to see you for post-op care and emergencies.

Have you seen an orthodontist yet? Many of your questions may be able to be answered in a consult. The doctor's office would also be able to give you more information about insurance or payment plans. Good luck.

[thenumber12]

I now realize I misread a link regarding this particular specialty. I could have sworn it mentioned it being one of 9 dental specialties. Thanks for clearing that up. In which case, I am SO glad I might not have to go to a foreign country after all!

I do have relatives in that country who would have taken of me plus hospice if need be but I would not be able to imagine being stuck in that country for more than 3 months barely able to communicate with anyone. I was thinking about going to Korea because treatment is much cheaper there and with the right paperwork, foreigners can apply for health care.

Currently I'm seeing my primary care physician about major pain and discomfort. Up to this point I thought I might have a degenerating neck condition because my jaws, head, neck and back have been stiff and in CONSTANT pain for 4-5 years now right after getting my braces off and it feels like my jaws are constricting my throat with accompanying difficulty swallowing (most likely due to an improper bite); what I up to this point described to my PCP and ENT as a rock being stuck in my throat. I've been to an Upper Cervical chiropractor, 2 TMJ specialists, rheumatologist, neurologist, had a swallow test, an MRI of C-spine which both came out negative. Then just a few days ago I realized that when I jut my jaw out into a 4 mm under bite, the horrible pain, neck and whole body discomfort and migraine goes away! It's quite unbelievable. My doctors have already proposed that I go see a Jaw Surgeon before but I was hell bent on clearing my spine first.

Thanks so much for the info ceanna!

[thenumber12]

Anyone with similar symptoms?

[aussiere]

Here's my story:

I always knew my jaw was not properly aligned. I could not close my mouth without forcing it closed. My upper maxilla was too long and my lower jaw was receded. Years ago, I went to an oral surgeon who confirmed I did need surgery. I was not covered and eventually moved out of state. Fast forward 15 years and I decided it was time to get this all fixed. I found an ortho in the States and told him up front my intention of getting jaw surgery. He was not on board (very, very conservative). I eventually convinced him there was no changing my mind. Orthodontist typically do not like working with a surgeon they have not worked with before. Expect that.

I went to Costa Rica for the surgery. My ortho took the necessary pictures, molds and x-rays I needed to send to the surgeon in Costa Rica. I had a consult with the surgeon on Monday, he took all the measurements, showed me a computer generated model and bam! I was in surgery the next day. I had a lefort I, bsso and genio in May. I am still in the recovery phase as it takes 6 months for full recovery. Communication has been via email and phone. I am planning a follow up visit probably late this year.

Regarding Costa Rica and the surgery. My surgeon was board certified, works with and trains with surgeons in the States and speaks English. His dental practice and Hospital all state of the art and clean. There were many, many Americans there. I felt very comfortable, safe and in good hands. My first visit with my Ortho, I was very nervous about his opinion. Didn't need to worry as Ortho told me he was impressed with the surgery. I just got my braces off last week because I needed very little adjustment, which is a good sign.

If I can answer any questions, please let me know.

Regards, aussiere

[mayrabenny1201]

Hi, I am currently in the process of scheduling a double jaw surgery to align my bite and will be completely done with my orthodontic treatment as of February. Getting the surgery done in California with all the surgeon I have looked into will end up costing me a minimum of $28,000 which, needless to say, is overwhelming. I was very hesitant about resorting to getting the surgery done outside of the country but this price is just too much. Would you mind please telling me more about your experience, including costs and recovery please.
Thanks a lot!

[PashaBursi]

I don't actually think my orthodontist and surgeon have ever communicated directly. They're both at the top of the game and refer eachother to their patients but they haven't ever sent eachother anything about my case, I've taken all my records and impressions and photos and xrays between them. My orthodontist knew I was going to get a bimax so he prepared my teeth and vote for that, said I was ready. Saw my surgeon and said yep you're ready and got a date. I don't think my surgeon cares what my orthodontist had in my treatment plan! And I'll take more photos, X-rays and impressions post-surgery so my orthodontist will know how to continue treatment. You should speak to your orthodontist, I think as long as they both agree on the surgical procedure it shouldn't be a problem. Bare in mind you'll need to see your orthodontist like a week before surgery for your hooks and pretty soon after surgery. I don't know if you could fly out so soon after surgery.