Son need Orthognathic Surgery - Need some advice

[Cheryl]

My son is only 12, but his orthodontist says he needs orthognathic surgery to bring out his lower jaw. He will not be scheduled to get braces until he's 13 or 14. He'll be in braces for about 2 or 2 1/2 years and then get the surgery.

Here are my questions:

1) I'm scared of my son getting this kind of surgery at the age of 16. I always thought that one had to be "done growing" for best results....but he's a boy and sometimes boys have growth spurts in college. Is there anyone out there that's had this done in their teens??


2) How did you guys choose your doctor? I'm going to my second consultation today (guy #2 as kindof a second opinion). My orthodontist recommended both guys, so I guess they're both qualified. Should I ask for a list of patients that have similar issues that I could call for references -- would the office give me that?? Do I go on gut?? Do I rate the medical schools they went to?? LOL Sounds silly but I feel so inadequate.


My son's teeth are mess right now (teeth all over the place, and his lower bottom front teeth hit the roof of his mouth when the poor guy bites). My orthodontist wants a couple of teeth pulled before braces eventually go on, so he'd like to know which surgeon I'm going to choose soon so they can begin their gameplan together. I feel overwhelmed.

Thanks for any advice/support you can lend.

[mikeg]

Seems a bit young for me.. My jaw grew even in my upper 20's. I have heard of people getting it too young and having a relapse due to growth... You may want to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion.. def wont' hurt.

As for choosing the surgeon.. def go by a recommendation on not by a list from your insurance... I like to see orthos that work with just one surgeon.... What area are you in.. i'm sure someone can recommend a surgeon here too .

good luck and good for you for being on top of this for your child

[Cheryl]

Thanks for the response, Mike. Just got back from consultation with dr.#2, and he seems as qualified as the first, so I suppose either way I'd be in good hands. And yes, both were recommended by my orthodontist.

Dr#2 did say he's on the conservative side, and would feel more comfortable with a 17-18 yr. range. Since my son just requires the lower jaw moved forward, I've been told this is not unheard of. Hope this is true.

By the way, I'm in Orlando, Florida.

I feel bad for my son because waiting for this procedure means waiting on getting braces until he's at least 15. His teeth are wildly crooked and has overcrowding problems, and kindof looks like some sabertooth animal in the side xrays. But I guess
that's better than us starting him too soon and having to fix a problem as a young adult.

[mikeg]

Sounds like you found a great doctor. I know of a great one in Boca Raton, Florida if you wanted another opinion....

Good luck

[Sunny]

Hi Cheryl it's great you're doing this research and taking such an interest.

Often going with a recommendation and gut feeling will be the best. Having more than one consult, as you're doing, is definitely the best way to help develop this gut feeling.

Part of the role the surgeon plays is to check if your son is still growing. A few males do continue growing past puberty, and some mature later than others, which may result in growth spurts still occuring in late teens and occasionally beyond that. A surgeon would not operate before that, as the outcome would be compromised.

It's a shame your son has to wait, but it's for a great result that he needs to do this. Also it will mean a lifetime with a great bite, as long as he continues with retainer wear ... instead of having to have treatment again, if it's done at the wrong time.

Good luck to him!