Thoughts please, suitable for NHS surgery?

[yorkslad]

Hi all

I've been rejected by my local NHS trust for orthognathic surgery.

I'm really deflated, especially after the max-fax consultant stated I needed a bi-max but he was overruled by the orthodontist. Ironically the ortho said I could have a chin implant privately which kind of contradicts being rejected for orthognathic surgery.

As you can see, I have slight lip incompetence, a weak chin, obtuse nasolabial angle, convex profile. Functionally I have difficulty chewing tough foods, I bite my tongue regular and I snore.

One issue I do have is that class 2 camouflage treatment (removal of upper 1st bicuspids) has reduced my overjet to 4mm which is acceptable on the NHS IOTN

I genuinely feel I am being fobbed off by the NHS, what do you think?

Yorkslad

[Marisama]

One reason why I oppose government healthcare. You seem like you would meet the requirements for surgery.

[HelenUK]

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles with the hospital. Your photo looks just like mine did at the start. My overbite wasn't very big due to the teeth compensating - after orthodontic treatment it's now 12mm and ready for surgery. My issue now is waiting for a surgery date that doesn't get cancelled. Could you ask for a second opinion, change orthodontist maybe? where in yorkshire are you?

good luck, don't give up hope.
helen

[yorkslad]

Hi Helen


I'm in the Wakefield/Leeds area, where are you?

My first assessment was done at Wakefield, I then asked for a second opinion at Leeds. Ironically the Leeds based orthodontist siding with the Wakefield based orthodontist and failing to acknowledge my problems as significant or justifiable for treatment. At my second opinion I did not get the chance to see an orthognathic surgeon for his take which was disappointing.

Apparently my Class 2 bite is absolutely fine and my appearance is normal which is nonsense as my functional, aesthetic and psychological issues are directly related to being class 2.

All my problems will be solved by extracting my wisdom teeth and grinding away a few points on my molars, which is again nonsense!

I'm trying my best to stay positive, but with NHS orthognathic treatment controlled by orthodontists not surgeons it looks like I'm going to be in for a long fight.

I'm heading back to the second orthodontist to find out what teeth he fancies pulling out and grinding away, at which point I'm going to demand I see an orthognathic surgeon for his opinion. I'm also mid-way through writing a complaint to the Wakefield PCT regarding being refused treatment and the behaviour of staff. I'll not walk away from this without causing a sh*tstorm for someone.

I've read an absolute mountain of information relating to orthodontics and orthognathic treatment, being an engineer it's not beyond me to understand what they do and why. Some of the things these two orthodontists have told be is unbelievable, bordering on bare-faced lies and in contradiction of medical publications written by the very people they work with.

[HelenUK]

Hi,

I'm in Barnsley but my surgery will be done at the Sheffield Hallamshire (eventually). My sister is just starting treatment in Leeds for the same sort of problem. I really feel for you and the situation you're in. A complaint may be the best way to go. I sent a complaint to the Chief Exec of the Hallamshire yesterday, because of all the difficulties I've had. I really can't understand why the orthodontists are saying that you don't need surgery - it looks blaringly obvious from your picture!

Good luck,
Helen

[dannym 1980]

hi im currently undergoing nhs treatment for my open bite,when i was first reffered by my dentist,it did seem quite hard work too get them to accept my problem,considering iv got a 10mm open bite with only the 2 rear molers touching,in my first appointment ther was about 10 differnt people prodding and pokeing me lol,ther was even a siciatrist ther to evaluate weather i was ok to handle surgery and all that comes with it lol,think thay thought i was mental lol,well back to subject anyway,i think you have to have atleased a class 3 mallcalution to get surgery on the nhs,my ortho has a chart on his wall with piks of what is worthy of surgery/braces good look.

[animalcroc]

how big was your overjet before camouflage?
you haven't mentioned what your "functional issues" are in your post? Do you have a speech impediment? do you have abnormal wear on due to
malocclusion? etc

I understand you don't like your profile but I don't believe an intense surgery like orthognathic is the appropriate solution.
If a "weak chin" is your main concern look into a genioplasty. it's a much less severe operation

[animalcroc]

never mind about my comment about you not stating your functional issues...
another question to yourself is, how often do you bite your tongue that you think advancing your mandible forward will correct it?
btw, i don't see how a advancing your mandible better helps you chew hard food.

[animalcroc]

just be careful where you go. make sure the place is reputable, especially among those coming from industrialized countries.

[overbiter]

I can't see your pictures yet but from what you've said the NHS position sounds harsh.

[overbiter]

I can see you now. I have a similar profile to yours and am hoping to get it treated on the NHS. Have you ever wondered if the way you are being treated has anything to do with with what your profile looks like now? If you looked more dominant maybe people would give you more respect. I suppose that is another good reason to get surgery, don't give up.

[Zoology Dragon]

I can't see your pictures yet but it sounds like you should really be a candidate for surgery on the NHS. I was eligible for NHS treatment though I chose to do it privately due to the immense waiting list (Edinburgh 2006).

Edit: I can see your picture now, I don't claim to be any sort of expert but I'm surprised that you don't qualify for NHS treatment, could you get another opinion? Or alternatively could you possibly raise the funds to have it done privately (I cashed in an endowment)?