Hello my names Sophie I'm 19. I'll try and keep this brief, but I have alot of specifics.
I have an asymetrical jaw, TMJ, leaning noticably towards the left. My right side of my jaw began to 'click' and 'lock' when I turned 13, this was put down to the alignment of my jaw - putting preassure on my right side, which to this day causes headaches which results in a fairly high intake of basic pain killers, and can even affect my vision as it makes my right eye feel tired and heavy.
I was discharged from hospital, as there was nothing to be done back then, as I hadn't stopped growing and surgery would do more damage.
I'm now 20 in August, and yesterday signed a concent form to begin treatment starting with train track braces, top and bottom to in effect, make my bite bad, as my currently straight bottom teeth will be pushed outwards, to prepare them to sit in my mouth when my lower jaw is pulled back and symetry is achieved.
I am told and am fully aware that this surgery will not fix whatever damage my right side has already endured from the strain of my lopsided jaw, but it will definatly not get any worse after the surgery, where as it might if I don't fix it now. But a big part of this is cosmetic.
I have never once doubted I wanted this surgery, I took my fair share of abuse in school, and despise my face shape which has resulted in me becoming a very reserved person (I bite my nails, just so that my hand can cover my chin!) but after being told how terrible my currently fairly straight and white teeth will look for the 2-3 years of braces before the surgery, and having two top teeth removed that otherwise have no need to come out, plus the risk of 'numb/tingling' in my chin and lip? I'm suddenly in a panic.
It's all going to be done via NHS over the next 2-3 years, and in some way this is my only chance to fix my jaw at this age and with no cost on my part. But do I really need it? and am I just being vain and messing around with something that i can and have been living with.I like my teeth,...but it would be nice to beable to bring my teeth together and have a resting point - without having to clench my jaw tight to keep it there..but am I just taking what I have for granted? or should I seize this opportunity that is being offered to me?
I can ask my doctor all the questions I want and be read to from a leaflet, but I would really benefit from talking to someone who has had surgery that required a similar process, specifically the lip numbness, and the state of teeth for the duration of the before surgery braces.
Thank you soo much for reading, Hope someone can give me some perspective :)
