Jaw Surgery?

Reply 20

Intensity

Do you have to get your jaw wired shut whilst it heals?

Nope. But you have tight elastic bands attached to your top and bottom braces which restricts movement. Then when you have your 1 week post-op check less tight bands are put on. However, you still can't open your mouth enough to say, clean the inside of your teeth and mouth (that was a horrible moment; only being able to clean the front of my teeth for a couple of weeks. But you're given 2 different mouthwashes to use.). Then about 1 month on you're given removable bands by your ortho that you're meant to take out when you eat and change daily. You have to use them for about a month, although I can't quite remember.

jaw

doh, I didnt think I needed an op on my lowers :laugh:

Reply 21

Hello Laura!

12

Intensity

Do you have to get your jaw wired shut whilst it heals?

No.

At least, I didn't.

They put different brackets on my braces so they could wire my mouth shut whilst I was still under the GA, but it was away by the time I was awake.

When I mum had the same operation (must be 20 years ago?) they did wire her jaw shut though, but that was a long while ago. Don't know if they still do that now. Maybe depends on the operation...

Reply 22

jelly1000

21

I had braces put on a month ago so I can eventually have this operation in summer 2011. Unfortunatley I have the lowest pain threshold possible, but also a big gap between my teeth, with my jaw too narrow and my top jaw too far forward, so I feel like I have no choice really but to have this operation.

Reply 23

felt_monkey

12

jelly1000

I had braces put on a month ago so I can eventually have this operation in summer 2011. Unfortunatley I have the lowest pain threshold possible, but also a big gap between my teeth, with my jaw too narrow and my top jaw too far forward, so I feel like I have no choice really but to have this operation.

May not be the most pleasant of experiences (to quote my medicine PS :biggrin:

) but you'll be so happy with the result.

Reply 24

jelly1000

21

felt_monkey

May not be the most pleasant of experiences (to quote my medicine PS :biggrin:

) but you'll be so happy with the result.

I hope so!

Reply 25

wordsearch

OP

1

Did you all have to pay for the braces? I read that you might be able to get them for free as they are necessary for the operation but I'm not sure; so now I don't know whether to go to the stupidly expensive orthodontist first or the dentist first :s-smilie:

Reply 26

wordsearch

OP

1

bikipip

This depends on whether the treatment it is for aesthetic or physical functioning purposes. If you need an operation for jaw realignment etc. then I'd imagine braces will be free if they are necessary as part of the treatment. If it's definitely not for aesthetic purposes, I'd actually recommend going to your GP first, who will most likely refer you to a specialist on the NHS.

If it is for aesthetic purposes then you will most likely have to take the private route as it will be considered 'cosmetic surgery.' The surgery and brace will cost about £5-£7K depending on complexity and which surgeon you go with. For more info I suggest the 'LookYourBest' UK forums.

Second option for aesthetic purposes, if your looks are affecting you badly, is to see a GP and try and get it done on the NHS. This is a lengthy process and requires you to talk to someone (a psychologist etc.).

Thanks for all the information! I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow and my dentist next week for entirely different reasons so I guess the best method would be to bring it up with both of them rather than pay £100 for another ortho consultation!

I'll admit it is mainly the cosmetic side of it that bothers me as the misalignment is quite significant but it would be nice to eat properly again and to be able to yell at someone without the risk of my jaw popping out slightly, haha.

I just don't think I can risk going the psychologist route; I'm in the application process for the RAF and they've always been quite clear that absolutely no history of depression is acceptable for applicants, and I presume they'll link it to that!

Reply 27

wordsearch

OP

1

bikipip

You are absolutely right to be worried, if you take the psychological routes, it will be listed in your medical record. I've read about these cases on the LookYourBest forum, some people have taken the psych routes only to be diagnosed with a 'mental disorder' and then refused surgery elsewhere.

I almost went down the cosmetic route last year for jaw surgery (bring my bottom jaw forward). The private surgeon I saw told me I had a reasonably attractive face and he thought I didn't need it at all :yes:

. He said that if I had the surgery it would only slightly improve my looks, and explained all the risks etc. It was great to have such an honest surgeon who wasn't only after my money.

If it's affecting your eating and speech, then I'd definitely try on the NHS. Best of luck!

Thanks! Do you think it would be better to go via a dentist or an orthodontist? I'm not sure which, as obviously I can only get private orthodontist treatment so I'm not sure if they can refer me to the NHS or not? As none of my teeth meet I'm hoping I can try due to the fact that I eat in a peculiar cow-like way, haha :frown:

Reply 28

Justels

HI there, lond time have passed but how did you claim this health operation, as you said, to be for free?

Reply 29

snowystarks

12

Original post by Intensity

Do you have to get your jaw wired shut whilst it heals?

I did. Liquid foods for 5 weeks. I cried and dreamt about food...

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Reply 30

snowystarks

12

My dentist referred me like the other posters. They said they missed my nerves so I have feeling in my lower jaw. There's places in some areas where I can feel a numb sensation (like rubbing your hand over tissue paper) but I don't know if that's permanent or will get better. Recovery takes around 1 year so I have a few months left..

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Reply 31

philip murray

2

Sorry just come accross this. Had surgery for protuding lower jaw in 1967. Very many problems afterwoods.By the age of 25 it had grown back re lower teth in front of top, but jaw not so pronounced.
Advice- stay away from doctors and find the inner peace that being happy with yourself brings. Philip

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 32

Itsneursula

Has anyone gone private and recommend somewhere, my local hospital for jaw surgery is a 18 month wait for a consultation

Reply 33

furryface12

21

Original post by Itsneursula

Has anyone gone private and recommend somewhere, my local hospital for jaw surgery is a 18 month wait for a consultation

This thread''s really old but have a look at this one, there's plenty of people on there might be able to help you! Or ask your GP or dentist for a recommendation :smile:

Jaw Surgery?

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