What is the earliest one should get jaw surgery?

[Raphaël]

Hello, I am currently a 16 year old Caucasian male , and I used to grind my teeth as a kid which caused my jaw to extrude, along with genetics. Also, my zygomatic (cheek bones) extrude outwards. Should I wait until 18 or 21 to see a surgeon about my concerns? Thanks!

[kjohnt]

What do you mean extrude?  Outward growth is a good thing.

[thinkingme]

What do you mean extrude?  Outward growth is a good thing.

not in males. normal growth is good thing. i hate john mew stories .

[TMKA]

18 for males, 16 for females

[kjohnt]

not in males. normal growth is good thing. i hate john mew stories .

Outward growth is normal growth.  This is true of males and females.

[molestrip]

Dr Posnick writes 14 in his textbook but I think that's crazy. He thinks it's unlikely to happen after that and even if it does it will be small and the jaws will grow together. Unless you have an urgent need, I wouldn't go less than 20-22. Aim for a college summer.

[april]

14? Damn. Anyone know anyone who has had it that young?
I think the youngest of my classmates was 16.

[Jol]

Anyone know anyone who has had it that young?

My daughter was 13y8m - IMDO - she'll be 17 this year.

For boys I'd say that would be too young.

[april]

IMDO seems to be the exception.  For some reason I dont understand younger is better than older.
Although I know a 45yr old doing it, but it was her last chance after a failed joint replacement.

[molestrip]

IMDO seems to be the exception.  For some reason I dont understand younger is better than older.
Although I know a 45yr old doing it, but it was her last chance after a failed joint replacement.

Younger is better because younger people heal better, faster, and tend to have more free time. The dysfunction hasn't had time yet to propagate to other problems like joint failure. Once you reach that point you're screwed. Otherwise, I'd say it's reasonable to consider electively up to about 60.