What are the risks of NOT having a surgery (with an underbite)?

[ShcShc11]

Ok so I'm 21.
An orthodentist told me that he could do it without surgery (though 1 other ortho and a General dentist told me that it would be ''impossible'' to fix the problem without surgery).

My question is:
What are the risks of NOT having surgery and just doing it through braces?
Would the results be pale? Would there be the risks of relapse?

p-s: Is there any ''official guide'' showing the risks of having surgery?
I understand the general risks such as swelling, but is there anywhere where I can get full accounts|opinions from people's experiences and|or a detailed page with the risks associated?

Thank You
First time here.
Just started reading some of the topics. Very informative.

[ports]

I can't answer all of your questions. When you get to adult age, your facial bones are pretty much done moving/growing and are fused together. So braces can't be used to pull your jaw and adjust your underbite. This needs surgery to fix.

When you're younger and the bones are growing and still changing, it can be done without surgery.

[coconut]

I had almost this very experience, so can identify with what you're asking. The ortho who treated me said surgery would get me a better outcome for my underbite, but agreed to take me on as a non-surgery patient. I got a very satisfactory outcome with braces alone and the results have been stable for a few years now. At least one of the orthos who posts here regularly would offer the comment that what mightn't have seemed possible in the past without surgery, is now being achieved with braces alone. Perhaps he - or others suitably qualified to comment - will chip in to give you some reassurance.

Re your first question: this is one for the orthos to tackle. Be guided by them and them alone.

Re your second question: there are that many surgery blogs on the web, just put in your search criteria and you will find them. Go also to the Archwired forum and you will find an abundance of help on orthognathic surgery.

Good luck.

[ShcShc11]

Thanks for the reply. Well the general agreement is that we'l put on braces for a good 6-8 months and then decide whether surgery is necessary or not.

I'm just curious about the long-term effects of jaw surgery. I can take the "2 weeks of hell", but my definite worry is whether it could have major long-term consequences.

[William M. Hang, D.D.S.]

Obviously a non-surgical approach would seem preferable than a surgical one from the patient's perspective. Most orthodontists would likely prefer that, as well. I would urge you to make sure that nothing is done to make your teeth fit that would, in any way, encroach on your tongue space. For instance, in order to make teeth fit on jaws that don't fit well (someone with an underbite) a lower incisor or even two bicuspid teeth may be recommended for removal. This makes space for the orthodontist to bring the lower teeth back. I'd think very long and hard before allowing that to happen. The tongue won't go away, and decreasing your tongue space with such treatment is not a recipe for a good result. Believe it or not it might even cause snoring, and in extreme instances, Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The health of the TMJ's is terribly important, and nothing should be done which results in your teeth forcing your lower jaw back as you bite. Other things to consider include whether you are pleased with your basic facial balance the way it is or want a change in your facial balance. Surgery is more likely to give you a change in your facial balance. Best of luck.

William M. Hang, D.D.S., M.S.D.