Just landed braces today, im 25 years old, and have put off the journey of surgery for nearly 5 years. I spent the last 5 years, simultaneously ignoring and acknowledging i had a serious issue to deal with..in that time i traveled many places, seeking my niche somewhere..From Alaska to the East Coast. All the while being on the edge about fixing my "Jaw" issue..well the time has come to finally have my say through action. I am back where i started, in Northern CA. Imagine that? I am very happy to have the ability to work with a excellent orthodontist and the hard earned money to pay for this out of pocket, that meaning the braces. I had braces in high school, however the issue came after HS. I always thought i looked pretty decent for the problem i currently have, but my open bite CONSISTENTLY bugged me, as it would put a hole in my confidence sometimes. Plus, talking was a little bit of a task at times..Reasons for surgery? Be able to breathe better, more formulated speech, straight teeth, no further problems down the line, eat more efficiently, and not have the worry in my mind about the gap between my top and bottom teeth. Everyday it crosses my mind, which now is quite acceptable as the journey has begun! I am finally doing something about it while i still have insurance..im looking at a 2 year process, maybe a little less..and surgery time in the winter of 2015. Exciting stuff, i am very pleased. I look forward to talking with others, and getting to know about the others who have had, or are going through..even planning the journey of "Jaw Surgery"! I could talk about this issue for hours, and the effects that it has on self esteem and awkward social situations, among many others..I grew a big beard to sort of hide my prominent jaw..they plan on moving this part of me back a bit. I meet the surgeon in the coming weeks, or days. That is still being figured out at this time..as i literally, got my impressions, x rays, and file for the doctor to see for approval. Oh and braces in just 2 days! There was a cancellation this morning at the office and jumped on that opportunity as fast as i could! Good to meet everyone!