Question for people who already had braces as a child

[cheezy744]

I'm considering jaw surgery but really don't want to have to wear braces for a long period. My bite itself is perfectly fine, it's that my jaws are recessed. How long did you guys have to wear braces for jaw surgery, if you already had orthodontic treatment earlier in life?

Also, does anyone know if any UK surgeons are known to offer a surgery first approach?

[thinkingme]

U must get braces %99

[marcus3415]

just go through with it, it wont be more than a year. its doable

[kjohnt]

Wore braces for 2.5 years from 11-14.  On round two with estimated timeline of 18-24 months total with the op somewhere in between.  Would not recommend a surgery first approach both because it is relatively new and also because it seems risky given that the surgeon won't have the teeth for guidance.

Ceramic braces are an option.  Otherwise just man up and do it.  It's not so bad.

[Dharma]

I had orthontia as a teen and my bite has been good since--saw two orthodontists prior to jaw surgery who gave me the green light. 

Guess I'm the 1%? 

[PloskoPlus]

I had orthontia as a teen and my bite has been good since--saw two orthodontists prior to jaw surgery who gave me the green light. 

Guess I'm the 1%?

How were your teeth fixated during surgery?

[molestrip]

Dr Alfaro in Spain does surgery first. It's not wonderful, I wouldn't do it.

[cheezy744]

Dr Alfaro in Spain does surgery first. It's not wonderful, I wouldn't do it.

Yes, I was considering going with him for that reason. Why do you think it's a bad idea? I can see how it would be, for more complex occlusal cases, but I have a good bite and as far as I can tell tick all the boxes as a candidate for this approach.

[chynee]

I had braces for 18 months as a teenager. Now as an adult, I thought I could skirt that part of the process since my teeth were straight. The surgeon and orthodontist said no way. If I'm going to have such a major surgery, they wanted my teeth and bite to be perfect and wanted to do it right the first time. This time around, I have had braces for 9 months and have surgery schedule for a week before my 10 month braces anniversary. They think they will be off 3-6 months after surgery.

[molestrip]

Yes, I was considering going with him for that reason. Why do you think it's a bad idea? I can see how it would be, for more complex occlusal cases, but I have a good bite and as far as I can tell tick all the boxes as a candidate for this approach.

You likely have dental compensations that after surgery you will be committed to keeping. That means poor oral health and stability. It's hard to convey to you reasons in more detail that you'd understand and, more importantly, appreciate. Most surgeons don't do surgery first for good reason and lack of skill is not it. There are only a few instances where it makes sense in my books, one being someone who can't tolerate CPAP and is having major complications from sleep apnea for example and needs relief yesterday or people who's roots have already been damaged and need to minimize orthodontic movements in general. Convenience is not a good reason except that some patients may not consider surgery otherwise and end up with bigger functional problems down the line.

[Kenziie_m]

My teeth were very straight prior to braces and I was hoping I could skip or at least reduce the braces wearing part. Unfortunately, it looks like I will be in braces for 18-24 months prior to surgery and then another 6-12 months after surgery.

I was told that my bite needs to be perfect prior to the surgery. My orthodontist and surgeon both are in regular contact and are planning tooth movement together which I guess speaks to the importance of having teeth in perfect position.

Good luck! Honestly, braces do suck but they are doable. After the first few weeks I forgot about them and I am sure it will be worth it in the end. 

[cheezy744]

You likely have dental compensations that after surgery you will be committed to keeping. That means poor oral health and stability. It's hard to convey to you reasons in more detail that you'd understand and, more importantly, appreciate. Most surgeons don't do surgery first for good reason and lack of skill is not it. There are only a few instances where it makes sense in my books, one being someone who can't tolerate CPAP and is having major complications from sleep apnea for example and needs relief yesterday or people who's roots have already been damaged and need to minimize orthodontic movements in general. Convenience is not a good reason except that some patients may not consider surgery otherwise and end up with bigger functional problems down the line.

You still have orthodontic treatment after surgery first approach though, so wouldn't these problems be moot in non-complex cases?

[Dharma]

How were your teeth fixated during surgery?

No splints after MMA.  I was banded for a night and a day and then they were removed until 2 weeks post-op.  I've been in bands for 8 weeks since then (note that I had a partial revision 4 weeks out). 

[molestrip]

No splints after MMA.  I was banded for a night and a day and then they were removed until 2 weeks post-op.  I've been in bands for 8 weeks since then (note that I had a partial revision 4 weeks out).

Surgery first isn't an option for multi-segment procedures, not sure why.

Splints are almost always needed after multi-segment procedures, even if MMA. I think maybe also when restorations are planned in conjunction, to prevent the teeth from settling in the way.

[immaculate.beast]

I had braces/headgear as a preteen/teen. Now as an adult I am having them for one year before surgery, half way there already.
I was interested in the surgery first option but like others said, I believe there is a reason it is hard to find a surgeon that will actually do it.