I have been told I need braces to correct an overbite and crowding. Orthodontist has also said I need jaw surgery to fully repair the overbite I have, as braces will only partially fix the problem. Jaw surgery sounds scary! Has anyone had jaw surgery? Was it painful? Would you consider jaw surgery or just go with braces?
Never had surgery but had a massive overbite when I was young. Four teeth were removed due to crowding, four years of braces and 3 of a plate improved it but I refused to surgery for the final "fix". I think I look fine as I am now.
I would get a second opinion as well. Even a third. Surgery is expensive and I have heard recovery can be difficult .
I had orthodontic surgery to correct my bite about 20 years ago. I had already had braces as a teenagers, but my jaw was underdeveloped, so they didn't do much good.
I had 3 lots of surgery. One surgery involved cutting through my lower jaw bones, bringing my jaw forward and bolting it in place. A second (or first - I cant remember the order) surgery involved cutting through my upper jaw between my 2 front teeth and widening the upper jaw. I had a thingy in my mouth that needed daily widening - excruciating pain. They started it in surgery and then I had to do it myself. Eventually I could fit my index finger between my 2 front teeth. I then had braces to close the gap.
The 3rd surgery was to remove the bolts and remove my wisdom teeth. This was my preference as I found the bolts painful.
I can't remember how long the process took. It was over a couple of years I think. It made a big difference to the pain I had in my jaw when eating. It also made a big difference aesthetically. For me, it was worth it. I had a huge overbite though.
It's worth getting a second opinion for things like this. I imagine techniques have changed over the years, so you may not need all that surgery.
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Jaw surgery for correcting bite
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