We had a debate about this issue in a different thread, and I thought this issue deserves a thread of its own to see what everybody here thinks.
Please answer the following 4 questions:
1. Which problem do you have (or had, if you're on the other side already).
2. How much of your motivation to fix this problem came from a wish to improve facial aesthetics, and how much of it came from a wish to improve function (which includes everything not related to aesthetics: future teeth wear, breathing problems, etc.) ?
3. If you were told by the surgeon that surgery will not improve your looks, will you do it anyway ?
4. Did you have any trouble getting insurance to pay for surgery ? (will be interesting to see if the answer to this question will correlate to the answers above)
My answers:
1. Underbite (10mm).
2. 90% aesthetics, 10% function.
3. No way.
4. No problems.
Poll: Motivation for surgery => aesthetics VS function
Moderator: bbsadmin
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gavinfilan
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2010 9:10 pm
- Location: ontario, canada
1. Underbite, crossbite, openbite, crazy asymmetry
2. 100% facial aesthetics, but I mention function problems to people who don't understand the huge negative impact asymmetry can have on self-esteem. Plus, at this point (pre-surgery), I don't know what a proper functioning bite feels like...so I don't really know what I'm missing.
3. hmmm. There's absolutely no way I could look worse after getting a crooked jaw straightened out. I guess I'm not looking for improvement in looks so much as a return to the way my face was supposed to look.
4. No troubles. I'm in Canada.
2. 100% facial aesthetics, but I mention function problems to people who don't understand the huge negative impact asymmetry can have on self-esteem. Plus, at this point (pre-surgery), I don't know what a proper functioning bite feels like...so I don't really know what I'm missing.
3. hmmm. There's absolutely no way I could look worse after getting a crooked jaw straightened out. I guess I'm not looking for improvement in looks so much as a return to the way my face was supposed to look.
4. No troubles. I'm in Canada.
1. "long face syndrome" - long maxilla, gummy smile, lip incompetence, recessed chin
2. 99% for appearance purposes - 1% for prevention of problems down the road
3. NO!
4. Insurance agreed to pay 100% after getting the letter from my OS, however, it ended up being about 80%
I do know of lots of people who have health issues (headaches, sleep apnea, ect) from bite problems and that need surgery to correct things, as well as improve appearance. My bite was perfect, but I only felt a tiny bit of guilt for correcting my jaw issues. As much as I was made fun of growing up, bullied clear through high school graduation, and dealing with rude comments (mostly from kids) into adulthood, I really felt I deserved to know what it was like to have a normal appearance. I had no illusions about becoming a Miss America or anything - just wanted to look average, what most people have without surgery.
2. 99% for appearance purposes - 1% for prevention of problems down the road
3. NO!
4. Insurance agreed to pay 100% after getting the letter from my OS, however, it ended up being about 80%
I do know of lots of people who have health issues (headaches, sleep apnea, ect) from bite problems and that need surgery to correct things, as well as improve appearance. My bite was perfect, but I only felt a tiny bit of guilt for correcting my jaw issues. As much as I was made fun of growing up, bullied clear through high school graduation, and dealing with rude comments (mostly from kids) into adulthood, I really felt I deserved to know what it was like to have a normal appearance. I had no illusions about becoming a Miss America or anything - just wanted to look average, what most people have without surgery.
Recovering from Lefort 1 (5.5 mm impaction) with genio (6 mm) 1/20/10
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Chefflaco88
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Fri May 28, 2010 7:50 pm
1. Sleep apnea, overbite, mandibular & maxillary hypoplasia
2. 100% function
3.Yes
4. Insurance refused to pay for my surgery for sleep apnea alone. They wanted me to try other procedures first. The success rate of the other procedures is less than 50 %. My OS wrote a letter to the insurance company stating that the other procedures would not correct my severe mandibular hypoplasia and moderate maxillary hypoplasia and that he was hoping to knock out 2 birds with 1 stone. After this letter everything was approved.
2. 100% function
3.Yes
4. Insurance refused to pay for my surgery for sleep apnea alone. They wanted me to try other procedures first. The success rate of the other procedures is less than 50 %. My OS wrote a letter to the insurance company stating that the other procedures would not correct my severe mandibular hypoplasia and moderate maxillary hypoplasia and that he was hoping to knock out 2 birds with 1 stone. After this letter everything was approved.
____________________________________
Upper & Lower Jaw Advancement Surgery & Genioglossus Advancement June 28, 2010
Upper & Lower Jaw Advancement Surgery & Genioglossus Advancement June 28, 2010
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charlsie142
- Posts: 178
- Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:10 pm
- Location: North Carolina
1) Overbite, overjet, gummy smile, lip incompetence, recessed lower jaw, breathing problems, severe grinding/clenching problems (broken and worn molars and headaches), arthritis of right TMJ, etc.
2) 90% functional and 10% cosmetic. The aesthetic changes were minimal and that was made upfront from the beginning of the process. I would say I considered the cosmetic more as the surgery got closer.
3) Absolutely not, especially after having gone through recovery. I don't even understand how people can go through traditional cosmetic or elective procedures after experiencing this, and I had a very good recovery relative to a lot of people.
4) Had to appeal once to get preauthorization because my plan does not approve TMJ-related surgeries and they had seen the arthritis of TMJ symptom and tried to deny based on that. And then I had to request in-network coverage since the surgeon I used was out-of-network (got it approved). Still waiting to see how much actually gets paid.
2) 90% functional and 10% cosmetic. The aesthetic changes were minimal and that was made upfront from the beginning of the process. I would say I considered the cosmetic more as the surgery got closer.
3) Absolutely not, especially after having gone through recovery. I don't even understand how people can go through traditional cosmetic or elective procedures after experiencing this, and I had a very good recovery relative to a lot of people.
4) Had to appeal once to get preauthorization because my plan does not approve TMJ-related surgeries and they had seen the arthritis of TMJ symptom and tried to deny based on that. And then I had to request in-network coverage since the surgeon I used was out-of-network (got it approved). Still waiting to see how much actually gets paid.
Four premolars extracted 12/29/2008
Braced 1/12/2009
Lefort I (upper jaw moved up 5mm) and BSSO (lower jaw lengthened by 7mm) on May 11, 2010
Braced 1/12/2009
Lefort I (upper jaw moved up 5mm) and BSSO (lower jaw lengthened by 7mm) on May 11, 2010
1-Underbite, only a couple of my teeth in the back touch.
2-functional, too much wear and tear are being put on the only teeth that do touch. Went into this for my bite, but what the surgeon pointed out was how my upper jaw and lip was not normal compared to what it should be, so the improved looks is a bonus.
3-Yes I would do this if it meant my looks wouldn't be improved, I went into this not thinking they would, I didn't have a issue with my looks.
4-My insurance looked at it twice without problems, they are paying for the surgery in full besides the geinoplasty which they considered cosmetic and wouldn't cover, but I am not having that part done anyways. Insurance looked at it during the beginning of all this and accepted without problems and just recently accepted again with out problems with my updated bite after braces.
2-functional, too much wear and tear are being put on the only teeth that do touch. Went into this for my bite, but what the surgeon pointed out was how my upper jaw and lip was not normal compared to what it should be, so the improved looks is a bonus.
3-Yes I would do this if it meant my looks wouldn't be improved, I went into this not thinking they would, I didn't have a issue with my looks.
4-My insurance looked at it twice without problems, they are paying for the surgery in full besides the geinoplasty which they considered cosmetic and wouldn't cover, but I am not having that part done anyways. Insurance looked at it during the beginning of all this and accepted without problems and just recently accepted again with out problems with my updated bite after braces.
1) Overbite, very gummy smile, long-face syndrome, recessed lower jaw, deviated septum, sleep apnea, tension headaches for 6 years, chronic dry mouth, could not breathe through nose, could not close my mouth, trouble chewing and gum disease caused from the dry mouth.
2) Hard to answer that one. Absolutely it was functional but the aesthetic changes were so extreme for me that it was also part of the reason.
3) Yes because my functional issues were so severe.
4) Did not have health insurance and was turned down by all the insurance companies due to a pre-existing condition. Went to Costa Rica for my surgery.
2) Hard to answer that one. Absolutely it was functional but the aesthetic changes were so extreme for me that it was also part of the reason.
3) Yes because my functional issues were so severe.
4) Did not have health insurance and was turned down by all the insurance companies due to a pre-existing condition. Went to Costa Rica for my surgery.
October 8, 2008 Lefort1(6mm impaction), BSSO, Genioplasty, Turbinectomies, Partial septoplasty, gum recontoring
Hi,
1. I have a 100% overbite.
2. My motivation is 100% functional.
3. YES, I have the surgery in two weeks and when that happens I don't expect much change in my facial appearance. I'm good with how I look now and would be happy if I remain looking exactly the same with no pain
4. Insurance has preapproved my surgery so I hope it goes through!
1. I have a 100% overbite.
2. My motivation is 100% functional.
3. YES, I have the surgery in two weeks and when that happens I don't expect much change in my facial appearance. I'm good with how I look now and would be happy if I remain looking exactly the same with no pain
4. Insurance has preapproved my surgery so I hope it goes through!
Looks like functional is winning out so far...
1. I had breathing issues (couldn't breathe through my nose), chewing problems, gummy smile, recessed chin, lip incompetence.
2. 90% functional, 10% aesthetics
3. Yes, would have still done it in a heartbeat b/c I can't tell you how awesome it is to be able to breathe through my nose, chew food easily and completely, and actually have the ability to close my lips naturally.
4. No problems.
1. I had breathing issues (couldn't breathe through my nose), chewing problems, gummy smile, recessed chin, lip incompetence.
2. 90% functional, 10% aesthetics
3. Yes, would have still done it in a heartbeat b/c I can't tell you how awesome it is to be able to breathe through my nose, chew food easily and completely, and actually have the ability to close my lips naturally.
4. No problems.
Braces first time 12/96-11/99
Braces second time 12/08-10/09
BSSO & Le Fort I 6/15!
Unwired, in elastics, and on soft foods 6/26!!!
Orthodontic elastics 7/21-8/11
Braces off... OCTOBER 2ND, 2009!
Braces second time 12/08-10/09
BSSO & Le Fort I 6/15!
Unwired, in elastics, and on soft foods 6/26!!!
Orthodontic elastics 7/21-8/11
Braces off... OCTOBER 2ND, 2009!
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shanalouis
- Posts: 277
- Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 7:17 pm
.......................
1. overbite
2. 1000% aesthetics 0% functional
3. hell no
4. no
2. 1000% aesthetics 0% functional
3. hell no
4. no
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charlsie142
- Posts: 178
- Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:10 pm
- Location: North Carolina
Made a mistake in my post earlier...yet another side effect I've had from surgery- cognitive fog!
1) Overbite, overjet, gummy smile, lip incompetence, recessed lower jaw, breathing problems, severe grinding/clenching problems (broken and worn molars and headaches), arthritis of right TMJ, etc.
2) 90% functional and 10% cosmetic. The aesthetic changes were minimal and that was made upfront from the beginning of the process. I would say I considered the cosmetic more as the surgery got closer.
3) Absolutely. I misread the question earlier when I answered and so it didn't make sense the way I had it. I did this for functional reasons in the first place and the small changes I had cosmetically were not worth the surgery in my opinion, even with my "easy" recovery.
4) Had to appeal once to get preauthorization because my plan does not approve TMJ-related surgeries and they had seen the arthritis of TMJ symptom and tried to deny based on that. And then I had to request in-network coverage since the surgeon I used was out-of-network (got it approved). Still waiting to see how much actually gets paid.
1) Overbite, overjet, gummy smile, lip incompetence, recessed lower jaw, breathing problems, severe grinding/clenching problems (broken and worn molars and headaches), arthritis of right TMJ, etc.
2) 90% functional and 10% cosmetic. The aesthetic changes were minimal and that was made upfront from the beginning of the process. I would say I considered the cosmetic more as the surgery got closer.
3) Absolutely. I misread the question earlier when I answered and so it didn't make sense the way I had it. I did this for functional reasons in the first place and the small changes I had cosmetically were not worth the surgery in my opinion, even with my "easy" recovery.
4) Had to appeal once to get preauthorization because my plan does not approve TMJ-related surgeries and they had seen the arthritis of TMJ symptom and tried to deny based on that. And then I had to request in-network coverage since the surgeon I used was out-of-network (got it approved). Still waiting to see how much actually gets paid.
Four premolars extracted 12/29/2008
Braced 1/12/2009
Lefort I (upper jaw moved up 5mm) and BSSO (lower jaw lengthened by 7mm) on May 11, 2010
Braced 1/12/2009
Lefort I (upper jaw moved up 5mm) and BSSO (lower jaw lengthened by 7mm) on May 11, 2010
1. Asymmetry, TMJ
2. 99% functional. 1% cosmetic.
3. Yes. I wasn't unhappy with my looks before surgery. For me, it was to relieve my TMJ, be able to bite properly, and prevent future problems with my teeth. If I could have had the surgery and still look like how I used to look, I would have done it. I guess I wasn't mentally prepared for how the surgery would change my face. I've actually had a hard time getting used to the changes.
4. No problems.
2. 99% functional. 1% cosmetic.
3. Yes. I wasn't unhappy with my looks before surgery. For me, it was to relieve my TMJ, be able to bite properly, and prevent future problems with my teeth. If I could have had the surgery and still look like how I used to look, I would have done it. I guess I wasn't mentally prepared for how the surgery would change my face. I've actually had a hard time getting used to the changes.
4. No problems.
Re: Poll: Motivation for surgery => aesthetics VS functio
1. Class III Maloclusion, no back teeth touching, chewing difficulties, blistering inside cheeks as chewing face not food.
2. 95% functional, 5% aesthetic. I was told at the age of 13 that I would need the surgery at the age of 18 or so when I had stopped growing as even at that age it was obvious to my orthodontist that my jaw was not right. The whole procedure was offered free on the NHS as it was entirely functional. However, at 18 I chose not to have it as I was happy with my appearance, wasn't yet experiencing any of the bad effects I had been warned about, did not want to go ahead with major surgery. At age 25 when symptoms manifested I decided to go ahead with surgery even though I had to pay around £3k out of pocket
3. Yes, my 5% aesthetic worry is that I did not want my face to change, I was happy before and didn't want to be unhappy after. As it is I don't think my face has changed much at all for the better or worse and so I'm glad I went ahead. Old friends have not noticed a difference although people who see me everyday have noticed a slight change
4. See above
2. 95% functional, 5% aesthetic. I was told at the age of 13 that I would need the surgery at the age of 18 or so when I had stopped growing as even at that age it was obvious to my orthodontist that my jaw was not right. The whole procedure was offered free on the NHS as it was entirely functional. However, at 18 I chose not to have it as I was happy with my appearance, wasn't yet experiencing any of the bad effects I had been warned about, did not want to go ahead with major surgery. At age 25 when symptoms manifested I decided to go ahead with surgery even though I had to pay around £3k out of pocket
3. Yes, my 5% aesthetic worry is that I did not want my face to change, I was happy before and didn't want to be unhappy after. As it is I don't think my face has changed much at all for the better or worse and so I'm glad I went ahead. Old friends have not noticed a difference although people who see me everyday have noticed a slight change
4. See above