Is There A "Perfect Functional Bite?"

[shoebox]

Here's my situation: I have a surgical case Class III underbite and have been meeting with highly regarded orthodontists in my area to gather opinions. Every orthodontist has confirmed that my case is surgical. However, one orthodontist told me that my bite could be corrected simply by moving the lower-jaw back and another orthodontist told me that my bite can be corrected by moving my upper-jaw forward. The 'lower-jaw back' ortho told me that my upper jaw appears to be in the correct place and the 'upper-jaw forward' ortho told me that my lower jaw had grown correctly and that my upper-jaw is deficient. Confusing, right?

I will be pursuing other opinions since these two seem to contradict, but here's my question: Is it possible to correct a bite using both approaches? Does it make a difference which jaw I choose to move? I was under the impression there was just one "perfect functional bite" where the jaws are supposed to be positioned, skeletally. Is this not the case? I expect further consultations to shed more light on my case, but this might be an issue others will face so it seemed worth posting.

[Stephanie]

it really depends on the case, but in many Class 3 cases, they will move the upper forward AND the lower back. However, as you have said in some cases only 1 jaw is needed to move. The orthos/surgeons will play with your molds and it should be fairly obvious.

Those that truly only need 1 jaw moved, recover a bit faster, especially if it is the lower jaw...

Can you give us a little background on you? Age, had braces before, etc?

[mikeg]

I'd get a few more opinions. I don't want a surgeon who is not exactly sure on what is the best method.

I have read here, than in some cases that someone went in for lower, and they had both done when they woke up as the surgeon made the call on the spot.

Do you have any idea how many Millimeters of advancment you need? How long you will need braces before after/surgery?

[boatsink]

I do highly encourage for you to gather additional opinions. Reading your post, it may benefit for you to get an oral surgeon's opinion as well. For surgical cases, orthodontists will not create the whole treatment plan themselves; it is a combined treatment plan among both specialists. I would recommend for you to consult with an ortho who works closely with an oral surgeon. Determine what the surgeon recommends. Compare that with the ortho and see how the two treatment plans meet. Be careful with seeing an oral surgeon though; it may create a pre-existing clause should you switch insurances though. My two cents.