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General Category => Functional Surgery Questions => Topic started by: MikeBean on September 09, 2015, 03:14:35 AM

Title: Where do I start?
Post by: MikeBean on September 09, 2015, 03:14:35 AM

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before.

I'm very unhappy with my jaw shape, been told in the past by an ortho that I have an underdeveloped jaw and have issues with cracking/grinding/tired jaw. I want to start the process of getting something done about it but I don't know where to start.

I'd first like to find out what's going on with my jaw, i.e. what's my bite like? Is my mandible/maxilla really underdeveloped? If so how so? etc Would I see a regular dentist to determine these things, or an ortho or a maxillofacial surgeon?

Thanks

Edit - Also if I post pics here should I have my jaw relaxed or clenched?

Title: Re: Where do I start?
Post by: PloskoPlus on September 09, 2015, 03:36:00 AM

Quote from: MikeBean on September 09, 2015, 03:14:35 AM

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before.

I'm very unhappy with my jaw shape, been told in the past by an ortho that I have an underdeveloped jaw and have issues with cracking/grinding/tired jaw. I want to start the process of getting something done about it but I don't know where to start.

I'd first like to find out what's going on with my jaw, i.e. what's my bite like? Is my mandible/maxilla really underdeveloped? If so how so? etc Would I see a regular dentist to determine these things, or an ortho or a maxillofacial surgeon?

Thanks

Edit - Also if I post pics here should I have my jaw relaxed or clenched?

See a max fac who does a lot of orthognathic surgeries. There aren't many of those.  Most just pull wisdom teeth and do dental implants.

Title: Re: Where do I start?
Post by: chinnychinchin on September 09, 2015, 06:42:52 PM

Quote from: MikeBean on September 09, 2015, 03:14:35 AM

Hi all, sorry if this has been asked before.

I'm very unhappy with my jaw shape, been told in the past by an ortho that I have an underdeveloped jaw and have issues with cracking/grinding/tired jaw. I want to start the process of getting something done about it but I don't know where to start.

I'd first like to find out what's going on with my jaw, i.e. what's my bite like? Is my mandible/maxilla really underdeveloped? If so how so? etc Would I see a regular dentist to determine these things, or an ortho or a maxillofacial surgeon?

Thanks

Edit - Also if I post pics here should I have my jaw relaxed or clenched?

Your jaw should always be in a relaxed position. For those of us with recessed jaws, we're used to protruding the sensation of protruding our jaws forward but it is actually quite bad for your joints.

Title: Re: Where do I start?
Post by: Gregor Samsa on September 09, 2015, 08:21:10 PM

Where do you live? In countries with universal healthcare you might need a referral to get to see a maxfac surgeon while in others you can just book a consultation right away.

Title: Re: Where do I start?
Post by: MikeBean on September 10, 2015, 03:59:46 AM

Thanks for the answers, I need to see a dentist for a check up soon anyway so I plan to ask what (s)he thinks of my jaw in general (malocclusions, TMJ, etc) and then see a maxfac in a few months (probably Paul Johnson) after some more research. In the meantime I might post some pics to get your opinions.

Title: Re: Where do I start?
Post by: mouth on November 28, 2015, 01:10:58 PM

Maybe go back to your ortho since he/she picked up problem. Could suggest someone who ortho has seen results of their work. It is important to have a good surgeon.  They usually have a relationship since it requires each does their part. By the way are u using a night guard for grinding?