Pre-surgical bite on the left and post-surgical bite on the right
I have been self-conscious about my smile most of my life and grew up in a family where dental work and orthodontics could not be afforded. So, I was determined to make it happen as soon as I possibly could.
Once I finished college and was able to support myself (with the help of my husband as well) I decided that I couldn't wait any longer to correct my smile. My smile was taking away from my quality of life since all people could look at were my teeth. I covered my mouth when I laughed and refused to show any teeth in pictures. I wouldn't talk to anyone unless I absolutely had to because of the amount of anxiety I would experience wondering what people would think when they saw my teeth. |
I had a a severe overbite, a 10 mm over jet, narrow arches, spacing on the top row, slight crowding on the bottom row, and an underdeveloped lower jaw.
My orthodontist was (and still is) excited about my case because of its severity. He said that the changes would be so dramatic that I wouldn't even recognize my smile. Which was fine by me! I am in graduate school to become a therapist and being self-conscious about my mouth would compromise the quality and effectiveness of my work. So, my goal is to be 100% completed with my journey by May of 2015 when I begin seeing clients during my first internship. So, I saved as much money as I could over the course of two years to afford braces and on March 5, 2013 I was able to have them put on. |
During my consultation at the orthodontist's office, he informed me that my overbite is so severe that surgery is the only option to correct it. I was honestly relieved to know why my mouth looked odd beyond my crooked teeth.
A good portion of my life I held my lower jaw forward to look more aesthetically pleasing and it felt more comfortable. Basically, about when I was 11, my lower jaw stopped growing while the rest of me continued to grow. I am beginning this website because in my preparation, I have found it difficult to find a blog where only the lower jaw is done. The recovery time and experience is different from double to single jaw, therefore I hope this will help those of you who are on the road to lower jaw surgery! |
My number one goal in beginning this website is to help others who are, or know someone, about
to undergo this procedure. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!