Edge to Edge Bite - Surgery?

[JACO]

I am just about to seek treatment for my edge-to-edge bite (multiple consultations over the next few weeks). Currently I am biting on only one of my front teeth, though my back right molar will also touch if I press down hard. My jaw is giving me more and more pain and I am seeing significant wear on my front teeth.

Of those of you who have received treatment for an edge-to-edge bite, did your treatment require surgery? My past dentist said I would likely need jaw surgery, and the thought is what scared me away from getting help. Now, I'm ready to do anything to make this better but am not sure what I should be mentally prepared for.

Thanks!

[sirwired]

It's hard to say what is needed to fix your problem... but yes, if you have skeletal mis-alignment, surgery is more likely to be necessary. However, it's nothing to be terrified of. Surgery is no fun, to be sure, but recovery is more tedious than dangerous or painful.

[JACO]

I guess my main concern is about long term consequences (i.e. loss of feeling in parts of my face, as I've heard happens). In the past I've had some dentists/past ortho say I would need surgery, while others have told me my bite could be easily fixed without.

I'll find out soon enough. Darn work getting in the way...the wait is killing me!

[JACO]

Now that I'm a full blown user, here are a few photos of my situation.

[bracedincollege?]

I am currently in the same situation as you. When relaxed, my jaw naturally wants to be almost in an underbite position. I had braces as a teenager, but I think just due to natural growth patterns, my jaw kept on growing. I feel like surgery could potentially be an option, but unfortunately probably not at this point, as I am about to enter the professional world, and don't have the time to invest in it. Maybe somewhere down the road through...

[c2steph]

How many consultations have you had? I don't know much about this because I just started the process. I have an under bite (to me it is a very slight under bite) and the 1st orthodontist that I went to mentioned surgery, but stated that the problem could be fixed my removing two teeth (although there are other reasons why teeth need to be removed).

The 2nd orthodontist that I went to did not mention surgery at all and stated that it could be fixed by removing two teeth.

[JACO]

How many consultations have you had? I don't know much about this because I just started the process. I have an under bite (to me it is a very slight under bite) and the 1st orthodontist that I went to mentioned surgery, but stated that the problem could be fixed my removing two teeth (although there are other reasons why teeth need to be removed).

The 2nd orthodontist that I went to did not mention surgery at all and stated that it could be fixed by removing two teeth.

No consultations recently (I had one a few years ago but decided against it), however I have three in the next three weeks. I'll keep you updated!

Personally, I'd probably prefer removing a couple teeth over full jaw surgery. But we will see. Fingers crossed for no extractions and no surgery.

[JACO]

Well, had my first consultation today. Orthodontist #1 says no surgery (!!!!), no extractions, and 18mos using the Damon system. Unfortunately no clear/ceramic option .

Next consultation is Wednesday...will be interested to see what ortho #2 has to say.

[JACO]

Well, had another consultation today. This ortho said Invisalign is an option ! He is an invisalign preferred provider, so I trust his judgement. Only problem is it is really expensive.

Now decision time!

[Gerib]

Well, had another consultation today. This ortho said Invisalign is an option ! He is an invisalign preferred provider, so I trust his judgement. Only problem is it is really expensive.

Now decision time!

They pay for that preferred provider option, so be wary...