I have an asymmetrical bite where the upper jaw is slanted (one side is higher up than the other) and the lower jaw grew out on one side. The result is that my lower jaw and chin are on one side of my face. The problem is obvious, especially in pictures (one side of my face is longer and fatter and my mouth juts out to one side). Because of this I can usually only bite on one side of my jaw. When I sleep my jaw is constantly grinding and moving around (mentioned to me by others) making it hard to fall asleep and resulting in pain.
My oral surgeon sees no need for a surgery for me because it would just be "cosmetic." Also, he says that my problem is "nothing" compared to my sister's underbite so I should just deal with it. He says if I really want I could have chin surgery to make it look like I have a symmetrical face but it won't be covered by insurance so I'll have to pay a couple thousand dollars for it! I don't want to just cover up the problem with cosmetic surgery! Since when did this turn into a cosmetic procedure?
Can someone help me with advice or something? I'm super depressed, no one understands my problem and they always compare it to my sister. Help?
Jaw Surgery Forums » Pre-Surgery Questions
Asymmetrical Jaw Bite not Covered by Insurance!
(17 posts)-
smithbob12
MemberPosted 9 months ago # -
ceanna
ModeratorYou need to find another surgeon who will listen to your concerns. What you're describing sounds like your bite is affected and not just cosmetic. Start by looking for an orthodontist who deals with patients with TMJ issues and jaw surgery cases. The orthodontist will be able refer you to an oral surgeon. If you're not sure how to find an orthodontist with this specialty, you may want to ask your general dentist for recommendations, as he or she should have professional contacts and would have some recommendations.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Ryan
MemberI second what Ceanna posted. You definitely do not want to get a genioplasty on just your chin. This will only mask your underlying problem. I've had braces twice to try and get my bite to come together even though I'm asymmetrical. As soon as the braces come off, my bite wanders back to where it was. You will most likely need upper and lower jaw surgery to completely correct a "cant". Where are you located? I've traveled around a bit to find a good surgeon so I could possibly help you out.
Posted 9 months ago # -
justafewquestions
Memberi can totally relate to you. i have the exact same problem, and i had braces previously, but never had surgery to correct the issue. a surgeon i was recommended to said insurance would not cover it, as it was cosmetic, but i move my jaw a lot and stretch it to relieve stress and tightness. so, i went to a TMJ specialist (neuromuscular dentist), but he does not do surgeries, and only recommended a splint and TENS treatment to realign my jaws (which were moved when i had braces). he said the issue is too minor for surgery, even though he said they would have to lower my jaw "quite a bit" which has me thinking that it is not as minor as he states. dentists have also recommended adjusting the location/position of my chin, as every dentist i see says i have a "prominent" chin. the bad thing is, i never had a prominent chin until after braces. my teeth meet, but they are all slanted to compensate for the asymmetry, and my bite is off, even though my teeth match up (though they also look slanted). but, it's only getting worse, and i don't want to wear a splint, i don't want a genioplasty, and i don't want to just mask the issue anymore.
anyhow, i believe i am going to go forth with the surgery, even if they consider it cosmetic. i would rather spend $20,000 on feeling comfortable with how i used to look before my jaw growth, a proper bite, and even wear on my teeth. some people spend $20,000 on new cars, i would rather do this for me. i would not recommend doing anything to mask the issue. i would do it right the first time. simple solutions are usually not the best. jaw surgery is tough, and braces are annoying, but in the end, it will all be worth it. i hope insurance will cover it for you. i am having a tough time finding not only a good surgeon, but one that understands my concerns. although, the surgeon i am planning on using is Dr. Trimble in Seattle, which was recommended to me by a very good team of orthodontists in Seattle (Leone & Vaughn). anyways, this is YOUR problem, not your sisters. do what's best for YOU. you obviously have an issue, as it seems to be genetic, and if it makes you happy, go for it. i understand your concerns, and i hope you can find someone who can treat you and billing insurance. i hope to start a mini blog once i start my journey later this year. good luck!!
Posted 9 months ago # -
smithbob12
MemberThanks so much you guys, it feels great to have support from others who understand my problem!! I know I really don't want the chin surgery because it will just make me feel worse! My family thought we should do it cause then I wouldn't be all depressed anymore but they don't get it.
I live in Boston and I want to find a good oral surgeon who can fix my asymmetry which will hopefully be covered by insurance because my family can't really afford to spend $20,000 on it especially when they don't understand how I feel about it.
Oh and by the way my orthodontist is my oral surgeon but since he thinks I'm just a "perfectionist" compared to my sister he is against the surgery.Posted 9 months ago # -
smithbob12
MemberQuestion: For what specific reasons can insurance cover jaw surgery?
Posted 9 months ago # -
Ryan
MemberEvery insurance policy is different. Check your policy to find out the exact details. Usually it is covered if the overbite or underbite are quite severe. Asymmetry is tough to get coverage, as I am in the middle of this process. Most policies I've seen state that asymmetry must be greater than 3mm.
Posted 9 months ago # -
smithbob12
MemberSo I've heard back from the insurance (my orthodontist only applied/asked for lower jaw surgery cause he thought they would never accept double jaw surgery) and they finally approved it.
Do you think the insurance would still cover everything if I ask for upper jaw surgery too and just pay the necessary fee to the surgeon and not the hospital/anesthesia stuff that the insurance would cover??Posted 1 month ago # -
Hatemyunderbite
MemberHey im not sure they would. But what a blessing it is that your insurance approved it. Im so nervous even though my surgeon told me he was 90% sure my insurance would cover it and rarely they get a insurance company that doesnt cover it, i only have a 2mm space i think but my bite is open pretty wide and i have a skull deformity. But i dont think they would cover double jaw surgery, but then again you could always look into getting extra coverage but getting more insurance from a different company that may cover it. Hope this helps
Posted 1 month ago # -
Antbee
Memberthe same thing happened to me, my ortho said I needed double jaw surgery and then he also suggested just genioplasty and cheek implants to 'cover' the issues (both jaws have a cant). I don't want to just do a half-assed solution that masks the problem. I've had braces three times and even my fixed retainers couldn't stop my bite going sideways again! I say get several opinions from people who are willing to discuss all the possibilities openly. Good luck!
Posted 1 month ago #
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