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Re: Jaw Surgery
I am in the exact same situation as you, and also have opted for jaw surgery after dealing with pain since my early teens. I'll try and give you all the info my doctors have given me concerning your questions: Hello I am a 19 year old male. I have been suffering from pain around the jaw area since I was 13 and I have an overbite. I visited a doctor when the pain first started but he told me it was just stress and I just need to massage the area. Yea.... stupid doctor.... I have already talked to my parents and I am getting a surgery. I was wondering if anyone could answer a few of my questions.
1. I had braces for three years in the past during high school years. I really dont want to have another time with braces. Are they necessary? Recommended?
--I also had braces in high school and was reluctant to go through them again, however in my case (and i believe in most cases) it is required. the teeth must be manipulated into the appropriate places for when your jaw is moved. I have had them for a month now, and have gotten use to them AGAIN. braces aren't fun, but its only about 5-8 months before and after surgery. in my case, less than that.
2. What is the average cost of a overbite surgery? including the braces and all?
--i believe braces run about $2000 once you add in all the appointments. I'm not sure about the surgery, it depends on the hospital and your insurance provider. i was researching the surgery on youtube and one man's surgery cost about $40,000 all together. however, he had his done at a MayoClinic. Talk with your surgeon and insurance provider about that. It can be very difficult to get the "ok" from insurance, they must be provided with a medical necessity form, and be badgered about it pretty much.
3. How long does the operation take?
--my surgeon told me from 3-6 hours including the going under and coming out of the anesthesia. they sometimes keep you over night at the hospital, but some people go home the same day.
4. How long does recovering period last?
-- i've been told that you will be miserable for about a week, then things start getting better. also, liquid foods from 4-6weeks.
5. If I am supposed to get braces before or/and after the operation, how long does it take to take them off?
braces usually go on before the surgery, and remain on during surgery so that they can place the jaw in its correct position. the braces stay on for a few (4-6-8) months after surgery for fine tuning.
6. Are there side effects?
--apparently there can be permanent sensory nerve damage. this does NOT control movement, only sensory. meaning, parts of your lip, chin, or cheek could be permanently numb. they say that this occurs 10% of the time, but my surgeon has only seen it in a few cases. this is one of the things that worries me the most. most people say its not a big deal, but its still concerning.
7. Do I need to remove some of my teeth? (It is totally fine if I do because I didn't get to remove any when I had braces)
--i haven't heard about this... i would think that would only apply to underbite surgeries where they have to shorten the upper jaw. but i could be wrong so i would ask your doctor.
8. Do they pull your jaw to the point you want or they do they just do it bythemselves?
--i believe they move it to the point that gives you a correct bite; again, check that with your doctor.
9. Can I expect my face to look better?
--everyone has told me yes.
10. My chin is quite short lengthwise. Does this surgery cover that and lengthen it? If not, is there a way to do that?
--they told me that sometimes surgery is done on the chin as well as the mandible. in my case, they tell me it is not necessary, so i opted not to.
11. What is a 'jaw implant'? Is it different from this surgery? If it is, could you explain a bit?
--i have not heard of this, but i do know that if they need extra bone, they sometimes remove some from your hip during surgery.
i hope this helped somewhat. I am still researching myself to prepare for surgery. Good Luck!
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