Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi folks,

This is my first post here, I'm from Ireland and I'm interested in getting jaw surgery but having trouble finding much info on good/bad surgeons.

I went to a recommended Ortho last year, hoping to get braces to straighten my teeth and fix my bite. I never thought jaw surgery was on the cards but after he took X-rays and checked my mouth, he said I was a candidate. Although it seems a little frowned upon on here, this would essentially be a purely cosmetic procedure as I do not suffer from any functional problems or TMJ. However the Ortho told me its what I would need, so I presume there's function in there somewhere?

So I was a little shocked when he suggested that, I had come to terms with braces but not major surgery. So I said I would seek a second opinion and get back to him. I never got back to him or got a second opinion, which I will do if I go ahead with surgery.

So basically I'm looking for advice, there are 107 maxiofacial surgeons on my tiny island and being blunt I barely trust our health system to fix a broken toe let alone crack my skull open but I'm not sure how it would even work to get this done abroad as I presume Ortho and surgeon work so close and you get regular check ups with your Ortho so he would have to be in ireland and preferably Dublin which is my home town.

So is there anyone on this board from Ireland whos had it done here and who did you use? Alternatively any info on how it works to go abroad?

So many questions, I appreciate any feedback.

Cheers

Hi

I'm Irish but don't live there any more. I very much doubt(knowing the Irish health service) that you would be able to get it done in Ireland without having to go private for the whole lot (not even sure if insurance would cover it as you don't have a functional problem) I guess then it will cost you a bucket load too.

I've had sarpe surgery in Brussels and my ortho is in Luxembourg. It works well as the surgeon and the ortho communicate regularly. I will have double jaw surgery next year after the braces have done the majority of their work. I am going through this to fix a TMJ problem. I wouldn't do it for cosmetic reasons but I also understand that everyone has their own motivation. (also if it's only for cosmetic reasons there might be other options so I would get a 2nd opinion)

Sarpe was ok except for the expanding part at home. That was very mentally challenging. It doesn't hurt much but the thought of it .... That's the worst.

My surgery is covered by the health system in Lux but the braces are not.

I went to 3 different surgeons before I found one that I was happy with.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

John

Hi John,

Cheers for the reply. I would have to take out insurance and go private alright, my Ortho glossed over that part originally like it was a non event and that I'd be covered but who knows what would happen if I went looking!

I more wary of the surgeons capabilities more than any costs to be honest, cost is a factor of course but if I get it done, I want the best and if I can't afford the best than I won't do it. As I said it is cosmetic as I've never suffered with pain and I don't look abnormal but like most I'm a bit vain and would like to smile in photos and also wouldn't mind have a nice jaw line, I'm skinny yet I have a double chin, which annoys me!

So it is possible to get orthodontics in one country and the surgery in another? I think that will probably b my best option, I have never heard of anyone in Ireland getting this surgery and the Internet doesn't throw up any Irish sites like this.

Hi confused guy, Ive just had my surgery in Ireland !In cork actually. I went in on monday and Im on day 3 post surgery now and I look awful,feel awful.vomited blood all last night and im completely wiped out.

The surgeon who did it for me is considered a very good surgeon and he has done alot of SARPE surgerys. I have yet to meet any irish person who has gone through this surgery but I guess people aren't really posting their experiences and most/all of the info Ive gotten has been from this site.

There is nothing wrong with doing something like this for cosmetic reasons. Everyone to their own. Mine were for medical and cosmetic if im honest.

Julie

Hi Julie,

Thanks for the reply. Great to hear of another paddy getting this surgery!:) I hope your feeling better soon and that your surgery was a success. I'm in Dublin, I've heard there's a surgeon in limerick who is apparently the best in Ireland but I have yet to get a name! I don't mind travelling to another county as it sure beats travelling to another country!

May I ask what your surgeons name was? Where you fully covered by insurance for your surgery? Did your surgeon show you any before and after pics of previous patients? Americans don't know how lucky they are, such a wealth of info on the net relating to US surgeons but nothing on Irish!:(

Sorry for all the questions, appreciate your time and help!

Yeah it is possible to get orthodontics in one country and surgery in another but:

- I had to apply to my local health authority to all me to transfer the surgery abroad and still be covered (I guess this is less of a problem when you go private)

- Abroad for me was still only 2.5 hours by car or train up the road. That was already a pain for a 20 minute pre or post op check up (I had 3 of each). Imagine having to get a flight each time.

I'm pretty sure there are some good surgeons in Ireland though. I would recommend to see at least 2 or 3 before you make your choice,