Baldy

Got a routine tooth cleaning, fabulous as usual. I've never had cavities, dentist said "your teeth are disgustingly healthy."



However, due to crookedness, gums have worn in a couple spots, as far as they can go. No biggie, a periodontist can do a sort of skin graft, grow me some new gums, I can deal with the pain or whatever. However, the initial problem, crooked teeth, will still be there. So the gums would still erode if not corrected.



So I need braces. Saw an orthodontist today. He says my jaw doesn't shut straight (which I already knew), and that to have braces would mean I'd have straight teeth, but a bad overbite. Or the front teeth would be angled backward to close the gap, which would look retarded. I'm too old (25) for orthodontics to correct my jaw.



So I have to get freaking jaw surgery, provided insurance will cover it. Orthodontist will write my Dr. a letter, he'll see me, I'm supposed to inform my Dr. that my jaw has been locking, and lots of pain (which I'm not saying has or hasn't happened, since this is a public forum), and he's supposed to write a letter to my HMO requesting they cover the surgery.



We're talking eating through a straw, weight loss, all that. But hey, if insurance will cover it, and it's good for the long run, I'm game.



Perfectly healthy teeth, and here I am trying to get my jaw broken.

defprun

My sister went through the skin graft procedure...she said it was the most painful thing she ever went through.



Good luck

1988RedT2

Wut, are you contemplating making a career change to being a model?



No way I'd ever let them sawbones near me!

Baldy

I've had my wisdom teeth removed (sucked), a 4 hour tattoo session (first 5 mins. made me woozy), and a rectal exam (nearly passed out/puked). I'm pretty sure I can handle some gum pain.

defprun

I just say im clostrophobic or something so they knock me out

j9fd3s

dont do it! they did that same jaw surgery on me (it was covered) and now nothing lines up, i run out of the bottom of the sandwich first etc.



you can also feel neat things like where one of the screws backed out (ive got a screw loose!) and where they sliced



but basically my lower teeth push on my upper teeth.



so unless you really really need it, i would just stay away from surgery, its like taking your car to the dealership, its never right after

Baldy

That's the thing, I like how my teeth look currently, this would be strictly for the health of my jaw/gums. About 2 weeks ago, for a whole week, I couldn't even bite down all the way, it just hurt too bad.

j9fd3s

braces hurt more than pulling toe nails out, or getting bitten by a dog (actually that didnt hurt much at all), or the stitches to get the dog bite closed up...

defprun

It's more than "some gum pain" it still hurts sometime to this day...people dont generally complain about their tats hurting a year later..

defprun

LOL we're all here to support you man...