Jaw Surgery Forums » Pre-Surgery Questions

Need your advice

(31 posts)
  • Started 9 months ago by nikhilsg
  • Latest reply from streo
  • 4 Members Subscribed To Topic
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  1. nikhilsg
    Member

    Ok so here is a pic of my jaw from an underneath angle:

    I don't have any under-bite/overbite/cross-bite that I know of. In fact, I had my braces removed last year and I talked to my orthodontist about my jaw being crooked or asymmetrical and he said it was minor and that as long as it didn't mess with my mouth functioning it wouldn't need surgery.

    But personally, I'm very uncomfortable about it and REALLY REALLY want a symmetrical jaw and a strong jawline.

    So here are a few questions:

    1) Looking at that pic, do you think I could get my desired result, which is a symmetrical jaw and a strong jawline? Upper and lower jaw surgery or just one?

    2) Will getting this surgery done change my cheeks and the way I talk? Because whenever I talk it seems like something is wrong with my lips and mouth structure lol

    4) Also, I was wondering if I could even get this surgery done, because I'm pretty sure I have TMJ but at a very mild level. Will this help or make my TMJ worse?

    3) And finally, in your opinion, how much of a change do you think I'll see if I do go ahead and get surgery?

    Thank You,

    NSG

    Posted 9 months ago #

  2. Brandy Jane
    Member

    Personally speaking - if you don't have a "under-bite/overbite/cross-bite" then I would not risk jaw surgery because it's a major surgery. This is something you basically need to decide for yourself. If it means that much to you to have such a big surgery to change such a minor thing then go for it, I don't believe I would - but that is only MY opinion.

    Brandy =)
    Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. ~Malcolm S. Forbes
    Posted 9 months ago #

  3. KevinsJaw
    Member

    I have the same thing as you! But I actually do have an overbite and a crossbite. Why don't you post a pic of your teeth?Are you sure your bite is good? Cause I have an openbite on my right side which makes my jaw lower on one side.

    Posted 9 months ago #

  4. Ryan
    Member

    I have the same thing. Without an even bite, you are running the risk of increased TMJ symptoms.

    Ryan's Jaw Surgery Blog
    Posted 9 months ago #

  5. nikhilsg
    Member

    Thanks for the replies guys.

    Here is another pic:

    As you can see from the pic...one side of my jaw is different from the other side (left vs right). Another thing is the area around my cheeks and nose. It seems disproportional. Can both these aspects be rectified with jaw surgery?

    RYANvaughn: I've never been diagnosed with TMJ by a doctor, I'm fairly certain I do though because I have a constant grinding noise whenever I open my mouth. And the first time I can recall of me having any TMJ symptoms was when I was 12 or 13 when I had a jaw lock on one side. But it slowly subsided away. So the only real symptom I think I have is the grinding sound with no real pain. And I've read online that having jaw surgery for TMJ patients makes the condition worse. Or am I confusing this with a SPECIFIC jaw surgery for TMJ patients?

    Thanks guys.

    NSG

    Posted 9 months ago #

  6. nikhilsg
    Member

    Any suggestions?

    Posted 9 months ago #

  7. Ryan
    Member

    Hey man,

    I would recommend that you see a couple surgeons to get some opinions by professionals. I have a very similar jaw to you and it took about 6 or 7 surgeons to finally tell me that my problems, although minor, can cause a lot problems with dental health and function. It is extremely important to have a solid and level bite. I have some pretty uncomfortable joints and I'm hoping that surgery to level out my "cant" will improve this. If you need some names of surgeons who I feel are some of the best in the nation, let me know. I went to a couple local surgeons and they all told me the same thing, that I would be fine without surgery. Good luck and keep in touch. It's rare to find people with identical problems.

    Posted 9 months ago #

  8. nikhilsg
    Member

    Thanks for your reply RYANvaughn.

    This may be a stupid question, but what exactly is a "cant"?

    And I feel as if your motive for this surgery is to improve functionality, while for me it is more cosmetic with the added benefit being that it might help out my minor TMJ situation.

    I feel like if I do not get the surgery I'll always have that lack of confidence in myself that I live with right now. And say if it does not DRASTICALLY improve my facial balance I'll know that I tried everything I could and this is how I'm supposed to look and to live and enjoy it.

    That is why I'm really wondering if fixing my jawline/bite will improve my facial balance?

    And I'd love to know some surgeons around Houston. Thanks

    NSG

    Posted 9 months ago #

  9. Ryan
    Member

    A "cant" is a term used to describe a jaw structure that is tilted or uneven. Basically it is when one side of your face/jaw is longer than the other, including your upper jaw. You can tell if you have a cant by biting on a popcicle stick so that it is parallel to the floor. You'll notice that it actually isn't parallel and that it is tilted. Upper and lower jaw surgery are required to fix a cant.
    I have actually been to Dr. Wolford in Dallas. Not Houston, but I think its reasonable to travel around a bit to find a surgeon you're comfortable with. Let me know if you have any more questions.

    Posted 9 months ago #

  10. OpenBite
    Member

    An advise I'd give is to have a MRI to make sure about your TMJ problem, and also, as RYANvaughn have already said; I'd recomend you to see a couple of surgeons.

    Posted 9 months ago #

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