Jaw Surgery on the NHS (London, UK)

[maxfaxmeup]

I had braces as a teenager (now 22) to correct a very severe 'deep bite' malocclusion.

For the most part, this fixed my teeth, I no longer bite *quite* as deep as before, and my orthodontist was fairly happy with it.

Years later, however, I'm less satisfied with the results:
- My face appears very small in the lower half, leading to a huge lack in confidence.
- I get jaw pains every few days where I have to constantly 'stretch' my jaw, presumably from the deepness and misalignment.

I'd love to know if anyone has had maxillofacial/orthognathic surgery as an adult on the NHS for a not-too-severe but life-mess-up'ing malocclusion, and if so, what was your path to doing so?

Should I contact a private orthodontist? or go directly to an NHS maxillofacial surgeon? I'm not surehow to proceed!

Thanks in advance!

[midnight]

I would ask your normal dentist to refer you to an orthodontist. They will be able to discuss your options and advise you whether they would be able to refer you to a NHS consultant. There is a lack of NHS orthodontists in certain areas so different PCTs will treat different levels of severity but it's definitely worth asking.

[maxfaxmeup]

Can I see an NHS orthodontist without referral? Is there a list of them online somewhere? Only I don't want to be referred straight back to the old orthodontist to be told the same thing..

[midnight]

I don't know whether it's possible on the NHS or not? I've always been referred. I would imagine you could see an ortho privately and then they could probably refer you to an NHS consultant if they felt it was necessary? Maybe just phone up an ortho near you and I'm sure they could advise you. You can find a list on http://www.bos.org.uk/orthodonticsandyou/findortho

[mrpickles]

Hi maxfaxmeup, I have just been approved that my treatment will be covered by the NHS. Depending on how severe your needs may be, mine being pretty bad, you will be assesed by the Orthodontist. What i recommend is that you ask your Dentist to refer you to a Orthodontist and go from there.