Opinion on Orthodontics and Oral Surgery

[Teletoby]

Hello Everyone!

I am a 36 year old male with a class three bite (my front teeth land directly on my lower teeth and I have a bit of wear on them so far - but nothing terrible). I have been told by 2 ortho docs that if I do not fix, meaning wear braces for 12 months or so, AND have jaw surgery (to move my teeth forward 3-5mm) in addition to the braces, I will have severe issues in the future. I appreciate their expertise, however, they do run a business and I am a prospective client. I was surprised to hear both say surgery right away. AHH!

Any experiences out there good or bad? I have heard nothing but terrible stories about jaw surgery and frankly I can't believe there's no other way to fix your teeth being that it's the 21st century. I am searching for a way to fix my bite. A solution to have it stay that way for a long time as I don't want to fix it again (I wore braces as a teen). I do not want to have invasive surgery.

That being said, I am still researching and would appreciate constructive comments or thoughts/stories to point me in a direction where I can make an educated decision for myself. Any other options out there?! I have had this bite for quite some time. If I do not fix am I setting myself up for serious issues in the future? Thoughts?

Thank you all for your time,

T

ps I will happily post pics if I can figure out attachments. still looking.

[kiligeorge]

Are there any other othrodontists in your area that you could get a consult at? My bite is off as well (open bite in front), and my ortho is confident that he can fix it without jaw surgery. Were the ortho's you already met with unwilling to try and treat your bite just with braces?

Have you looked around the orthognathic surgery board? A lot of people on these boards debate whether or not they should get jaw surgery. It's a huge decision and commitment, but there's a lot of information on here about the pro's and con's. If you are wanting to avoid surgery I would try to get additional opinions and make it clear that you are hoping to improve your bite without surgery.

Good luck!

[Teletoby]

Kill George, thank you very much for your thoughts. I have one other orthodontist to go to and I will see if I get a different opinion from him. I have not tried the surgery boards. That is a good idea.

I will continue The research as I'm not thinking about surgery at this point. Thank you again,

T

[Nozzelnut]

Improper bites can lead to premature wear on your teeth and lead to gum problems. You may also be grinding or clenching; which will wear your teeth faster or have a chance to break them.

I'm a little late to your thread, but I'm in a similar boat. Braces then surgery. I started treatment back in late January for TMJD issues; I'd been clenching and grinding enough to start effecting the joints. My right side was clicking popping and dislocating; and of course it hurt most of the time...

I saw 3 orthodontists. One had additional TMJD training; he's the one I went with. After treating the TMJD for 4 months to get to "zero" and have my jaw in a more natural and slightly healed position we could see where we'd start orthodontic treatment. He recommended surgery and explained the why's and how's. The risks and rewards. He's not a max/fac surgeon but has been working well with a couple in my area for 15 years. He trusts them to work on his patients.

I've been researching jaw surgeries since May when he recommended it. I think you'll hear every horror story of the bad outcomes on the internet. You won't hear of all the great outcomes; you'll hear some of them but not all. My orthodontist is treating me as a surgery patient. He's moving teeth differently than he would if we weren't planning on it. For adults; relapse is a big concern. Moving teeth large amounts is a concern; gum issues and root issues... Surgery, although risky, can give better more permanent results.

The surgery should fix a lot of things for me. Put my teeth into the correct place (so I don't clench or grind) while opening my airways; both nose (which I've never been able to breath well out of) and my upper airway in my throat; giving my tongue more room. (Both in the oral space and the back) I'm not looking forward to the recovery which can be hard, but by this time next year, I hope to be well on my way to sleeping without my APAP machine.