Who do I believe?

Message

#1 Post by **changes09** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:36 am

SO! My ortho said that I wont be ready for surgery by July. That is when my surgeon wants me ready. When I told my ortho that he wants me ready by July my ortho and his wife (his assistant) were very rud eand pissy towards me.
So I took things in my own hand I made an appt with my OS. He said that I am so close to being ready. He said I'll be ready by July. My OS took measurments of my face, looked in my mouth and at my profile.

I know my ortho is an ortho, but I WANT to beleive my OS......

#2 Post by **descantus** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:53 am

Oh how frustrating! If I were you i'd ask if they wouldn't mind calling eachother to check, or at least make it clear to each one what the other is saying and push for some kind of response you can pass on. The last thing you need is these two squabbling about your readiness....

#3 Post by **blindboarder2008** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:53 am

i totally agree with descantus!!! that would be very irritating and frustrating indeed!!

#4 Post by **shazmuls** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 1:18 pm

this isn't going to help you really so sorry in advance but it could be the case that they are both kind of right, I mean in the OD opinion he might want to get as much orthodontic work done preop as possible, whereas the OS might just want it done when your generally ready as leave rest to ortho after.

I recently had measurements and gave my OS final models and he complimented the orthodontists work and said that not many people have a preop bite (going by the model - not my actual bite obviously) as good a mine as this thus vastly descreases the chances of relapse/failure. I can;t tell you how good that made me feel about the progress to date. So if I where you I'd wait around until the ortho says your ready but I also second the idea about suggesting communication between the two specialists.

#5 Post by **teylix** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:16 pm

^ yeah I had a similar situation.

My ortho and OS have worked together for many years so they always communicated well. My ortho did a fine job to preop me but I had to move to another state for work.

So now I am going to have surgery done by the OS here and he was like wow that is a perfect bite. He had to go and call my previous ortho to say what a fine orthodontist he is!

#6 Post by **monarch** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:34 pm

One interesting thing I learned at the pre-op check a few days before my son's surgery, is how much the surgeon depends on the orthodontist. The surgeon can't do his job unless the teeth are in the right position for what he needs to do. Also, our OS told us, "I've gotten together with your othodontist, and he told me exactly what he wants me to do."

I was surprised, since all along I thought it was the surgeon who was calling the shots......so, moral of the story, get a good orthodontist!

#7 Post by **Jane** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 6:24 am

Hi there...can I just add that you do not want to even anticipate the surgery in July if either the ortho or the surgeon are not happy. Believe me waiting a few extra months to ensure that you are ready is nothing compared to the stress, disappointment and months of worry that would result from an unsatisfactory outcome.

I agree that they both need to talk to each other. Could you ask the orthodontist to tell you when and why he thinks you'll be ready for surgery, and maybe ask him to write to the surgeon, and vice versa. I would think that it is absolutey not in your interests to be going for surgery if there is any doubt that your teeth are not in the correct place. It is just not worth the risk. Is there any reason why the OS would be pushing for July? Is he planning a long trip or something? I know that sounds ridiculous but believe me these people are human as well and you can't assume that other factors are not at play.

I'm sorry if I sound cynical but experience makes you realise that health care professionals are human, their motives are not always pure, and they make mistakes like everybody else. So...just ask lots of questions and make sure you understand everything about what needs to happen before you are ready for that all important surgery. Ask, ask, ask both before and after - that's what I've learned! I'm sure it will not be long before you are looking back on your journey, and all the waiting will have been well worth it. Love Jane x

#8 Post by **changes09** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 6:24 am

Thank you all! At my next appointment I am going to tell my orthodontist, that my Oral Surgeon wants to know when I will be ready for surgery. And I will call my oral surgeon and let him know. And if for some reason they disagree with eachother I will suggest (nicely) that they talk to eachother.