I have a Class II malocclusion with moderate-severe crowding in my front lower teeth, and jaw misalignment. Only my front teeth touch when I bite down, unless I force my jaw into an uncomfortable position, and I'm starting to have sensitivity problems with the teeth AND the jaw because they're being ground into one another. My dentist said he could try braces and removing 2 teeth on top and 2 teeth on bottom, as well as a retainer, but he didn't think that would be quite as effective as option #2. He said my lower jaw is too small and he may have to break it, let it heal so that it becomes slightly bigger, and then take care of the other issues. I'm confused, and I have to say, scared about option 2. Does that generally work? I'm willing to wear a retainer for as long as I need to (he said probably for the rest of the time I have my teeth, I'll be wearing one at night). I'm 25 right now, and plan on getting started with either option in November.
Anyone with advice, please help.
Answer:
Option #2 is the second choice for a reason. There are many cases in which the jaw has been broken to complete ortho therapy, with much success. It is not as bad as it sounds. But with the extractions and retainers, you also have a good shot of correcting your malocclussion. A bonded lingual retainer would also help keep your teeth in the proper position once your ortho therapy is complete.Check with youe dentist to see if he/she has the software program that shows you what you'd look like with and without your jaw broken. He may nort have it as you have not heard of it up to now; but several orthodontists do have it.Don't worry, everything dental is mental. If you anticipate pain or problems with your treatment, you'll psych yourself out! Just relax, I'm sure you'll be fine!
With posterior open bite and jaw displacement, overbite and overjet, looks like your case is quite complicated. As you are over the age of puberty, the most ideal treament option which yield satisfactory result would be a jaw surgery. Of course option #1 works, but as your orthodontist said, it may be not as effective as option #2. Now, I understand your fear for option #2. Before you go for jaw surgery, it is important for you to understand the risks of this procedure. There are several complications that you may endure following a jaw surgery, such as swelling, bruising, limited mouth opening, paraesthesia (tingling sensation), pain (but this can be controlled by painkiller). These complications are only temporary and are the result of our body's normal/physiological reaction towards injury. It is not as scary as you imagine, there are actually lots of people out there who have undergone jaw surgery with success. I believe the pros and cons of each option will be explained to you further by your orthodontist. However, it is up to you to make the last decision. Whichever options you go for, i wish you all the best. :) The most important thing is to be happy with your decision.
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