Jaw Surgery and Braces In Your Twenties

[ooglesnboogles]

Since someone else posted on wisdom teeth, I figured I'd post on something that's been in the back of my mind for a few weeks: jaw surgery and braces. I suppose it's important to note that I'm in my early twenties

 

I've got an issue with my jaw where the lower grew faster than the top, so while my teeth are still straight from my years of braces/retainers, they don't line up correctly. You probably couldn't tell it until I grinned, and only if you paid attention (saying as most of the people I know had no clue I didn't have perfect teeth). My orthodontist says I'll need a year of braces, jaw surgery that'll likely involve moving both upper and lower jaw bones, two weeks of jaws wired shut in recovery, then another year or so of braces. From what I've seen in my own research, that's pretty typical. If I don't do the fix-it work, I will likely have issues later on (since the teeth will clack instead of fitting together) and I may need to do all this then if not fixed now.

 

I've decided that I want to commit to this and fix the issues. Mainly because I figure it's easier to go through it now when there are a fewer chances/risks of damage being a factor. But I'm worried because of a few things:

1) The social impact. I'll be getting clear braces (not Invisalign), which are even less conspicuous than ceramics, but I'm still worried that they'll be noticed. I'm finally getting down to a slim weight again, I feel more confident, I feel good, and I'm afraid that my worrying about the appearance will undermine all that. Also, I'm afraid having braces will deter girls from considering me.

2) The recovery time. My jaw will be locked shut. I know I'll still be able to talk, but the liquid diet doesn't sound like much fun. I haven't talked to a surgeon yet, and I'm sure they'll help calm some of my nerves here, but I think it's hard not to be nervous about this part of the process.

 

 

Has anyone else gone through a similar process? Now that I've been paying attention I notice more adults with braces. From my research, it appears it's more common than I thought, but I still think that it might hinder my chances at finding a girlfriend. Two years is a lot to give up when you're in the prime of your life, but I know it's better than whatever it would be later on. I just worry quite a bit.

 

Thoughts? Thanks!

[pureinheart]

This is real easy for me to say, so just take this for what it's worth.

 

If your jaw needs surgery do it while you're young...healing is much faster, and it's not only the clanking of teeth, but if your jaw is that much out of align, then I'd say TMJ could be in your future. TMJ is no joke and is very painful.

 

IMO ....just do it. If a girl doesn't like you with braces, she will not sincerely like you without them...you are you and you want someone to like you for you? No?

[whichwayisup]

These days braces are SO different, you can get clear ones, not the kind that I had when I was younger..just lots of metal!

 

You're older and not a young teen, so people aren't gonna be snotty and pick on you for having braces. Just tell it as it is, you have a teeth alignment problem that needs to be fixed now and braces for year, by doing this it'll prevent future problems with your teeth and soreness in your jaw.

 

Try not to worry too much what others will think. It's only a big deal if you make it be one.

[ooglesnboogles]

Thanks for adding in!

 

Yeah, I don't really see any way that delaying it benefits me. It's just, I feel like I'm so close to something, and like I said I feel like having braces my set that back a bit. Kinda sucks, though I don't see a way around it.

 

I don't think I'll be teased, and I'm smart enough to outwit anyone childish enough to make jokes. The models of the clear braces seem pretty subtle actually. Really, the only easy-to-spot part is the metal band, and that'd only be visible when I laugh.

 

 

Can anyone speak first-hand on the jaw surgery? For this, or jaw surgery in general? I've never been worried much by anesthetics or surgery, I'm more worried about the recovery period and how things will change.

 

 

Thanks!

[SpiralOut]

I'm planning to get braces soon and I'm in my late 20s. I've had them before but my wisdom teeth weren't removed, and they pushed my teeth forwards again. So am getting those removed, then looking into getting braces put on again....

 

I wouldn't worry too much about how it looks. It's a short-term thing you are doing so you can feel better about yourself long-term. Anyone with any amount of maturity should be able to respect that.

[ooglesnboogles]

SpiralOut, you've stated it in a way in which I may memorize for future use =P well said.

 

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement.