Hi Brandon, you have a very interesting and informative site for people. I think it is great that anyone can ask you questions; they know that someone has gone through the procedure and can tell the honest truth on what to expect. How many preparatory procedures are needed before having this surgery? I have read that braces are needed and adjustments along with having wisdom teeth taken out, how many and what speciality doctors have you seen? How do you deal with the emotions that your bloggers are going through? Do you seek support from other individuals for direction on some of your bloggers? From reading through the blogs and the great information on the site,this is a very expensive procedure with out insurance. If your insurance didn't cover it, knowing the outcome that you received, would you still proceed on having it done? Just curious.
Thanks
Deborah@Baker
Jaw Surgery Forums » Pre-Surgery Questions
Cosmetic versus medically necessary
(4 posts)-
Deborah@Baker
MemberPosted 1 year ago # -
Brandon
Site AdministratorThanks Deborah! The main preparatory procedure is extracting the wisdom teeth, which is the only one I needed, though some people need other work done first, like a palate expansion, for example. I only needed to see my orthodontist and oral surgeon throughout the process. Everyone deals with this surgery, and life in general, differently, but I just tried to maintain and positive attitude and had confidence in my ortho and surgeon, knowing that if I followed their instructions, I'd be fine. The great thing about these forums is there is such a diverse group here, there's usually at least one or more people who share the same feelings or emotions, so it's become a self-supporting community. Absolutely, it would have been tough to figure out all the financial details, but I would have done everything possible to have it done anyway.
I'm Brandon, the creator of JawSurgeryBlog.com. I personally had upper and lower jaw surgery on October 30, 2007. Thankfully, everything went beautifully, so I'm trying to make sure everyone else's surgery goes smoothly as well!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corrective-Jaw-Surgery/114627165257701Posted 1 year ago # -
Rocco
MemberHi Brandon,
I am a Baker College Student. I have some questions for you about your surgery.
1. How did he choose your surgeon?2. Why did you decide to have your surgery?
3. Did the surgeon discuss the degree of malocclusion with you explaining that the surgery might not be covered?
4. Did you have to prepay for your procedures?
5. What procedures did you have completed prior to the surgery?
6. Typically, how many preparatory procedures are required?
7. If preparatory procedures are necessary, did the insurance company pay for the work?
8. Is there anything “pre” surgery that would have given you pause to not consider having the procedure done?
10. Why did the surgeon wire (or use arch bars) on you?
11. Did the surgeon discuss implants and grafting materials that he was using?
12. What fracture management has a similar procedural approach?
13. Since you developed your blog and clearly are interested in supporting individuals planning on surgery, what emotional support have you had?
my email address is rmarti02@baker.edu
Posted 1 year ago # -
Brandon
Site AdministratorHi Rocco,
1. My surgeon was actually referred to me by my orthodontist who already knew him and had worked with him before, which was an ideal situation for all of us.
2. My underbite was severe enough that only a few of my teeth touched when I bit together, which made chewing very inefficient and could have led to greater problems down the road.
3. Yes, he mentioned there's always a chance it won't be covered, but cases as severe as mine usually aren't a problem.
4. As for the actual surgery, I had to pay a $300 deductible before hospitalization, but my insurance covered most of it, and the full financial breakdown is here: http://www.jawsurgeryblog.com/faq/
5. I had my wisdom teeth extracted and my braces put on.
6. The above two are the most common, but I was also on the borderline of needing a palate expansion, which it turned out I didn't need to get in the end.
7. I'm sure that varies from insurance company to company, especially based on the procedure.
8. I had made up my mind that I wanted to get it done, and some of the risks definitely concerned me, but didn’t stop me.
10. As far as I know, I was banded shut to prevent the jaw from moving out of place and ensure a full and fast recovery.
11. He walked me through the entire procedure and even showed me on a model bite and skull what was going to happen. I don’t remember anything specifically about grafting, but he was open to any and all questions.
12. That I don't know, as this was my only major surgery.
13. I was lucky to have the full support of my family and friends throughout the process, and I'm glad the Jaw Surgery Blog is providing some of the same support to others.
Posted 1 year ago #
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