Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi,

I'm having surgery next Saturday, a BSSO on my lower jaw, advancing about 1cm. I am a bit confused about what happens to my jaw to keep it stabalised after the surgery? I understand during the operation my jaws will be wired shut, as I had the surgical hooks put on today. My jaws bones will be repositioned using screws.

I think I remember my surgeon telling me that I won't be wired shut after surgery, but I'm hearing lots of people talking about having to wear elastics for a good amount of time afterwards.

What are people's experience of this, in particular anyone in the UK, as I know practice varies between the UK and US.

thanks

depends on surgeon.
it seems to depend somewhat on the patient, too, but mostly on the surgeon.
I know a surgeon who wires all his patients and one who uses no wires, no elastics and no splint for most, and a splint for very few.
they are within a couple of hundred miles.
I'm not sure why they can't get together for a weekend and decide whether that stuff is really necessary...

bottom line, ask your surgeon.