Appointment with Orthodontic surgeon, what do I need to know/remember to ask?

[Frontier]

DS1 has a 15mm overbite and was referred to NHS Orthodontist for the first time about 18 months ago. At first they said his mouth wasn't mature enough for a brace (he's now 13) and we'd have to go back in 6 months, which we did, then he was sent for X-rays, which were delivered to the practise at Easter, today I have heard he's been referred to the Orthodontic Surgeon at the hospital and we have an appointment next week.

So, do I assume that since seeing the x-rays they've decided it can't be fixed with a brace and surgery is required?

I hate the idea of subjecting him to that and taking the associated risks if it's simply for cosmetic reasons, but is it? He's always been very dribbly/wet around the mouth. Doesn't dribble as such now but still very wet with permanent sores at the corners of his mouth but I have no idea if that's down to his jaw deformity.

So, what should I expect next week and what do I need to ask to make sure we make the right decision(s) for him?

[Frontier]

anyone?

[Sparklingbrook]

Hi Frontier I have no experience of orthodontists at the hospital, just the one the dentist referred DS1 to.
I would think the referal appointment would be to discuss what exactly is going to be done/could be done (or not done).

They do very much like the parent to make the decision as to what is or isn't going to happen in my experience as of course you don't have to agree to anything. But be guided by what they suggest.

[Frontier]

Thank you Sparkling

[spudmasher]

It's very scary as a parent. I think you need to listen very carefully and don't be afraid to ask them to repeat things. Bare in mind that things may change too. They may start treatment, then go off in a different direction and it may not be as extensive as you first thought, or they may need to do something different. Ask about all the different possibilities.
DD had treatment at Guys. Brilliant.

[Frontier]

Well, that was a lot of fuss over nothing!

Apparently the overbite isn't caused by his top teeth sticking out but by his bottom jaw being small - DH and I had actually been saying that it was odd that the overbite was considered so large because you don't look at him and think his teeth stick out. We (or DS) had never identified his teeth as being a "problem" but our dentist referred him simply because of the measurement of the overbite.

Apparently the back teeth all line up OK so there are no future problems building there. The only way to correct it would be an operation but it doesn't need correcting so the advice was to do nothing, not even a brace.

We went out for lunch to celebrate although now I'm wondering if that's the advice because that's the cheapest way.....