expanders, braces, 4 molers and wisdom teeth removed, top and bottom jaw surgery

[sassygirl]

it all started june 2007 a month before my 18th birthday!!!!!!!

i had a narrow top jaw area and about 8mm overbite and what some would refer to as "buck-teeth" and alot of overcrowding on top and bottom and too much gum showing when i smiled.

i had 4 molers removed at the beggining (2 at top and 2 at bottom - 1 each side)

i had my expander put in during june 2007 on the top and it remained for months until august 2007.

i then had metal braces put on and it all went from there.
after that my overbite become 10-11mm from the bottom teeth.

my smile looked so good and had improved soo much and i was becoming more confident within myself i was begining to think i didnt want to go through with the surgery as it was for person preferance not medical.

but i did go through with it as i thought "i've come this far i may as well complete my journey".

2 years later in june 2009 my teeth were ready for surgery.

september 16th i had my surgery and wisdom teeth removed over a 6 hour procedure to move my top jaw back a couple mm and my bottom jaw forward 10mm.

they secured it with permanent plated at the top and bottom.

there was a lot of swelling and bruising as to be expected, the pain not as bad as i thought it would be but still painful.

i was able to eat that day surprisingly enough, though it wasnt much and it was mashed up hospital food that tasted like shit i had 2 try to eat it.

i was in hospital for 4 days. i was on a mashed up diet which was revolting to say the least, i didnt like the medication but had to put up with it.

being back at home now is great, at first i didnt eat much and was in pain and felt like shit and started to doubt my decision.

i didnt get much sleep in the first week after surgery as i was so uncomfortable.

ice packs helped numb the pain alot and i still use them.

my nose also bled a lot - randomly - it drove me insane almost. and it has only just stopped and settled down.

another annoying thing is random drooling - its so embarrassing!

now its a week and a half since i had the surgery there is still some swelling and bruising and my lower face (under the eyes down) is still reasonably numb.

my oral surgeon said this is all normal and im healing quite well.

at the moment i still look like i have "down syndrome" in the face because of the swelling but its looking less each day.

i am eating propper meals now also and have my appetite back - although i am still on a mashed up diet as that will last another 5 weeks.

im looking forward to the full recovery and getting back to work as being at home is so boring! ive started an exercise routine to take my mind away from the pain but it is a lot more tollerable now and i am going longer without having any pain killers.

i have also lost 5kg im hoping i dont lose too much more as there isnt much too lose in the first place!!!

during the recovery time, my support network has been great - you will need someone around u a lot of the time for company and re-assurance, i have my bf whom i live with and have been with for 4 years with me as well as support from my family and friends.

the day i look forward to the most is my 21st next july 2009 as the braces will be off a month or 2 before that and the surgery will be fully healed.

i treating as if its a "make over journey" - the beggining of a new life... fitter, healthier, HOTTER, and more confident.

anyway thats my journey so far, just thought id share it with whoever may be interersted.

ill try and come back to update how i am recovering, i dont get on the computer much so ill see how i go.

[Zoso]

Congratulations - you're through the worst!

Take lots of pictures - you'll find it amazing to look back on the changes your appearance goes through during the upcoming weeks. And I bet you'll reach a point (probably pretty soon) where you'll go through a positively narcissistic phase, sneaking peaks at yourself in the mirror at any opportunity, to admire your wonderful new smile, and bite, and profile.

Good for you on the exercise, btw. It will help. I think (opinion) that it can help the swelling come down, and it should certainly help with your mood too. Just make sure you get enough calories in to fuel the extra work you're doing

[Sunny]

Wow Sassy ... so good to read your journey!

I love your attitude and here's to your recovery continuing to go soooooooooooooo well! Fantastic!

[amberlauren]

Wow you've been through a lot, i bet your glad you went through it all, i have to go through top jaw surgery soon because its too small but you had top and bottom done and you didn't make it sound so bad
congrats and hopefully mine goes well

[mikeg]

good luck with your treatment.. i look forward to seeing your lovely results