Another Underbite thread

[Danny]

My story is bit unique like everyone else.

Im now 20, first had a pallid expander and wore head gear at night when i was 12. Then had braces for about 4 years. Ill admit i wasnt the best patient with the head gear but i did get to the point where my orthodontist took out the expander and focused on my braces. on the 4th year my orthodontist wanted to put the pallid expander back in and wear the head gear again. I wasnt having that so i got the braces off all together. After all i was happy with my smile at that point.

Over the years my jaw has grown and now it is noticeable especially when i talk(atleast to me). The underbite itself isnt too extreme i dont think, but my top and bottom jaw arent aligned (crossbite?) I feel like im acquiring a lisp or simply scrambling over words due to my situation.

Once im home for winter break i will be seeing an oral surgeon. Ive read on here that braces are mandatory for the surgery. Im not willing to put braces back on after my past experience and where i am in life right now. Just looking for some advice if anyone has had any experience in a similar situation of mine. Thanks in advance.

[Trigger08]

It sounds like you're looking for an easy fix. I don't mean that to sound rude, but if you're not dedicated to doing what the Ortho and Oral Surgeon require for your particular case then your really just wasting everyone's time. Fixing your bite is YOUR choice and you already gave up once. I do understand from your post that you did go through a lot and are frustrated at this point, but why not do it right the second time, because you can? Why risk doing a quick temporary fix if you're willing to go through surgery? You need to talk to your Ortho and see what he/she suggests. You may only have to have the braces for a short while to fix your bite right.

[Sunny]

Danny you do need to consult with the people who specialise in how our teeth bite together ... and those people are the orthodontists. Ask about all your options and then you can make a decision with regard to going any further or not. As a wise consumer, you should consult with several orthodontist's so you have some good material to work with.

Oral surgery nearly always requires the person to have braces before and after, this is due to the surgery moving your jaw(s), but work being needed on your teeth before and after. Also your bite needs to be 'held' after the surgery ... and again the brackets do this job.

All the best finding out what is best for your bite/gums and teeth!

[Danny]

I wouldnt call it a quick fix, like i said im willing to go through surgery. I just figured at this day in age there might be newer methods afterall some of these threads are pretty ancient. If it comes down to it i probably will opt to put the braces back on, sorry if i dont sound too eager to feel like im in middle school agian.

[mikeg]

does your lower jaw extend further than your upper?

with your case you may be able to get the bite you want with just braces... You'll get used to them fast danny...

[Danny]

Yes it does, and its off to the right as well. trust me i was used to them. im not sure if i want to deal with the "youll have em off before next year!" and repeat, again.

[mikeg]

I hear ya. I'm actually in the same boat. Not quite an underbite, but def a crossbite on one side that is screwing up my bite...

The stability just wasn't there after braces.

In most cases, you need braces on before and after surgery.. They use the braces during the surgery actually...

Stressful thinking about getting them on again, I know.. but hey you have to play the cards you are dealt in life sometimes...