Wondering what a neutral party thinks of my jaw (PICS!)

[Bingebag]

Bingebag: If several orthodontists told you that further down the line your teeth will wear down because of your bite, isn't that functional?

To be honest, I never really considered it functional because I felt it was just kind of bs. Im buying into the program, so considering this a reason, is definitely part of it.

Has anybody taken any photos of your bite?
Helen

As in the doctor, or in general?

[Arvensis]

To be honest, I never really considered it functional because I felt it was just kind of bs. Im buying into the program, so considering this a reason, is definitely part of it.

I never considered it functional until I realized at 25 that I couldn't eat crunchy foods like my favorite cereal GoLean Crunch. It was a very poignant moment when my grandmother and I were discussing inability to eat certain foods and I realize, OH, this might be functional, I'm 25 and she's 85! We should shouldn't have the same problems!

[Happysmiler]

My view is that whether it is for cosmetic gain or for functional improvement, it really doesn't matter.
What matters is the fact that a person may have an issue with how they appear to themselves and to others, which in turn changes them as a person.
I am one who can honestly say that my decision was based mainly on the fact that I hated my underbite and I'm not ashamed to admit it. People underestimate the effect of not likely what you see in the mirror - it has a huge impact on the way you live your life and how comfortable you feel in certain situations, ie meeting new people etc. This is probably worsened because of the world that we now live in, where image and appearance seem to be so important.
By the way, my teeth would probably have worn unevenly too had I not had surgery, but this was not my motivation for doing this.

Please do not feel that you should only do this if your functional bite is wrong. (although in reality, any misalignment of the jaws would likely cause problems in the long term). There seems to be a stigma about getting this done for aesthetic gain, but if you read most of the posts on this forum, people having had the operation are mainly focusing on the changes and improvements to their appearance, all of them being thrilled with the results.

Speak to the experts and your surgeon and really think hard about it - I know the thought is petrifying, but once you start the process, you just leave it to the experts and go along with it. It really isn't as horrendous as you probably think it is.

Best Wishes
Happysmiler

[Emaciated]

do you think you will see a more attractive face after the surgery.

Yes, you will be more aesthetically attractive if you have surgery. You're a handsome guy as is, but as far as a neutral facial-balance goes, you'll look "comercially" more attractive after you have the surgery and correct the underbite. You'll be more attractive to people who don't know your personalty, don't know you at all, and have no other influence on your "attractiveness" other than seeing your face.

There's a great quote from Brian Farkas' website (another orthognathic patient) that helped contribute to my decision to go ahead and do it. His site is here.

So I'm in the orthodontist's office with my mom, and he's showing us molds of my teeth and moving them around, talking about the surgery, etc etc. Then he says that this surgery will change the shape of my face, that it'll basically alter the way I look from the nose down. My mom says, "well, I hope it doesn't change him too much, I think he's a very handsome boy." The orthodontist replied "well, yes, but we're going to make him handsome to the rest of the world."

Not only is this hilarious but its true.

I looked very similar to you, had a minor underbite, liked my face, considered myself a moderately attractive guy, was extremely reluctant to change my appearance. After the surgery I am much happier with my new look. I still look like myself, I just look like a better version of myself. And this is ignoring all of the functional benefits of course which was the only reason I did it. You'll be very happy with the results.

[Bingebag]

do you think you will see a more attractive face after the surgery.

Yes, you will be more aesthetically attractive if you have surgery. You're a handsome guy as is, but as far as a neutral facial-balance goes, you'll look "comercially" more attractive after you have the surgery and correct the underbite. You'll be more attractive to people who don't know your personalty, don't know you at all, and have no other influence on your "attractiveness" other than seeing your face.

There's a great quote from Brian Farkas' website (another orthognathic patient) that helped contribute to my decision to go ahead and do it. His site is here.

So I'm in the orthodontist's office with my mom, and he's showing us molds of my teeth and moving them around, talking about the surgery, etc etc. Then he says that this surgery will change the shape of my face, that it'll basically alter the way I look from the nose down. My mom says, "well, I hope it doesn't change him too much, I think he's a very handsome boy." The orthodontist replied "well, yes, but we're going to make him handsome to the rest of the world."

Not only is this hilarious but its true.

I looked very similar to you, had a minor underbite, liked my face, considered myself a moderately attractive guy, was extremely reluctant to change my appearance. After the surgery I am much happier with my new look. I still look like myself, I just look like a better version of myself. And this is ignoring all of the functional benefits of course which was the only reason I did it. You'll be very happy with the results.

That's a awesome page, thanks for the link.