24 and about to get braces...

[Lillaree]

Hello my name is Laree, and I just joined the site.

I am 24yrs old and about to get braces. The orthodontist wants to break my jaw to extend it, but I'm not gonna let him.
I have no jaw pain or anything like that. He says to be "perfect" it would have to be done, but I just want them straight.
I can't see breaking my jaw for cosmetic reasons only, if I had a lot of pain I would consider it.
I've been told it would take 2 1/2 - 3yrs w/ or w/o breaking my jaw.

If anyone has any "heads up" for me as to what to expect I would appreciate it.
Also, if anyone knows of a good Orthodontist in AZ, as the place I went to is a school and they won't accept me if I don't break my jaw.

Thanks, and looking forward to meeting/talking to you.....
lillaree

[IHIC]

I cannot recommend an orthodontist but I would suggest having a few consults with different Orthos to see what they say, if you can. Each ortho may vary on treatment plans and seeing as you have only spoken to one and you feel unhappy with him wanting you to have surgery I think it would be a good idea to compare.

[sehick19]

My ortho also wanted me to have jaw surgery in order to reach "perfect" results. However, he understood that I just couldn't do that (especially since most insurance won't cover any part of jaw surgery if it's simply cosmetic). He gave me other options that are going to give great results and I was pleased. I really don't have the time or money that it takes to have surgery. I encourage you to seek multiple opinions in this case.

[abbaker]

I'm 23 and have braces (got them at age 22.5). When I was 16 I had a consultation with an ortho who said I would have to have jaw surgery too (at age 16!). So naturally we said eff that and now I'm with an ortho that I love who is making great changes to my underbite through elastic wear and braces. No surgery. So yes, definitely consult more than one ortho. If I'd gone to that other dude when I was 16 I would've gone through surgery for nothing.