I have what is called a Class II Malocclusion (retrognathism): Meaning that I have a severe overbite and the upper teeth and jaw significantly overlap the lower jaw and teeth. This causes a host of problems, the first being that it's hard to bite or chew anything. I have never been able to bite through pizza or a sandwich with my front teeth. Before braces, my lower jaw actually touched the roof of my mouth instead of the back of my teeth so it was painful to even try to bite normally. I would have to use my premolars to tear through food, but most of the time I just cut everything up. The misalignment also causes TMJ, breathing and swallowing issues, and a weak side profile.
I learned all of this information at my first Orthodontic appointment in early February of 2014. I knew I had a bad overjet (see photo below) which is why I finally decided to get braces, but wasn't fully aware of how severe things were. My Orthodontist did a great job of explaining my options to me. The first option being braces with no surgery to align the teeth the best he could, but my bite wouldn't be fixed. He was also concerned with how far he would have to move the front teeth to try to make them functional and the root damage that could cause. Option 2 was double jaw surgery to align the jaw properly which in combination with braces, would give the best overall functionality and look. He referred me to Dr. Ochs, who he felt was one of the best surgeons in the country at this type of surgery. I agreed to at least go to the consultation to see what he said.
I had my consultation with Dr. Och's at Pitt School of Dental Medicine in April. My friend Neil who is a student at Pitt Dental, agreed to come along with me and help translate dental speak. Dr. Ochs and his staff were great and explained things very well. He showed me on a skull where the cuts would be made and how the jaw would be repositioned and put back together with plates and screws. I would be having a Lefort I Osteotomy and a Mandibular Osteotomy. It would be roughly a six hour surgery, I'd spend one night in the hospital, and I'd be banded shut for around six weeks. It would be a liquid and soft food diet for six weeks, and six months to a full recovery. He explained the risks of nerve damage, and that most people don't have serious damage but some people have a quarter sized spot of numbness in the lower lip area.
Now here comes the kicker - If I wanted the surgery done through Pitt Dental it would have to be done by December due to Highmark Blue Cross and UPMC insurance issues. At the time, I didn't even have my braces on yet so the braces would have to go on ASAP and wisdom teeth had to come out in MAY! It was going to be cutting it close since it usually takes a years worth of adjustments to prepare for surgery. I had roughly a week to make the decision, then I had to call back and schedule the wisdom teeth removal. I took the whole week to make the decision after talking to several friends who have undergone the same surgery, as well as my best friends Katie & Neil, and Neil's dad who is also an Oral Surgeon. I talked it over with my family who was concerned, but supported my decision to have the procedure done.
I had my wisdom teeth out in May which went well. I also got to practice the liquid and soft food diet for about a week and a half. I got my top braces on 10 days after the wisdom teeth came out, and the bottom braces on in June. After what I feel is nothing short of a miracle, Highmark and UPMC reached some kind extended agreement so I was able to have my surgery pushed back to 2015. I have my next Orthodontic appointment on Monday and will find out how much closer I am to being able to schedule the surgery.
(Day after Wisdom teeth removal)
Thanks for your interest in my jaw surgery saga, and I hope to be able to keep it updated on a regular basis. I won't make every post this long, I just had a lot to cover!
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