Considering orthodontics (TADs for anterior open bite).

[gtrguy2886]

Hi,

I'm a 24 (soon-to-be-25) year old guy, and I'm thinking about going through orthodontics for a second time. My bite has opened up in the last few years, and now I'm concerned not only about the function of my teeth, but what I think is a worsened facial profile. I have a recessive chin... It's behind where it should be (ideally), and my lower jaw is rotated downward. I've been to a couple orthodontists. One of them has proposed the idea of using an Anterior Open Bite Splint with mini-screws (6 months), followed by orthodontic treatment with Damon braces. He also mentioned the idea of intruding my maxillary incisors and then filing them down, as they are fairly long.

I'm just a little apprehensive because I know this is a fairly new treatment in the United States, which is where I reside. The splint the orthodontist is talking about using is supposed to intrude the posterior teeth in the upper jaw in an effort to close the bite. I'm sort of intrigued with this treatment because it may allow me to avoid orthognathic surgery, which I was considering but am not so sure I want to risk it at this point (a board certified surgeon has recommended that I try more conservative approaches like this one first). But I'm still worried that I'll be unsatisfied with my facial aesthetics, and that my profile won't improve much.

I had some pictures taken at my most recent appointment, and after looking at my facial profile I got a little concerned.
I'm just wary of going through treatment a second time. I thought about waiting for a while since the technology for this kind of thing is fairly new. Is this worth it? I'm not sure. I guess the other option would be surgery for the aesthetic benefits. Any opinions on this method? Thanks!

[sjs8906]

I am currently undergoing treatment with an bite splint and TADs to close my open bite. In 5 months of treatment my open bite has closed more than 2 mm (I'm not positive of the original measurement), which is positive progress according to my ortho. It may interest you to read about my experiences, the link to my story is in my signature.

So far I am very satisfied with the process...especially if it causes me to avoid future surgery!

Good luck and I look forward to hearing more of your experience!