I have been to orthodontists. One was a couple years ago and she said that I would probably need jaw surgery (she would have to take molds to be sure).
I went to an ortho today and based on the consultation (no molds), he said I do not need jaw surgery, but can just use appliances
He estimates my palet needs to be expanded 12mm and that I have an overbite of 2mm.
He claims there are appliances for adults that can expand the palet this much. Do you think it is true given the bones are already fused? Will the results be permanent? Do you think lower jaw surgery is worth it for 2mm?
Jaw Surgery for Adults: When is it required?
Moderator: bbsadmin
-
indecisive1
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:11 am
Hi JawGuy. I am by no means an expert on any of these procedures nor do I have any sort of medical background but as far as the upper jaw expansion goes I would be reluctant to do it without surgery. I too saw two orthodontists, the first said she could probably do the expansion without the surgery but the second orthodontist said he would only go down the surgical route for that exact reason - the bones were already fused. He added that it would be pointless to attempt to do this without surgery on adults and you would only be tilting the teeth not actually expanding the jaw. My maxillofacial surgeon said the same thing. He said if we're going to do this, to do it right. Perhaps get a third opinion. For the record, SARPE or SAME surgery as its called here in Australia is pretty basic. I had it a year ago and just had double jaw surgery. Trust me the SARPE is a walk in the park compared to this one...but having said that it is all worth it. I am currently 4 weeks post op and although I am still recovering that traumatic first week post op has already begun to fade away. I would do it all again without hesitation.