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Orthognathic surgery

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BasketzatDawn · 28/07/2014 20:29

DS2, now aged 21, was told years ago he needed orthognathic surgey. However, we've all been very unsure whether to have it done. We've spoken to local dentists, dental surgeons (you know the ones at the hosp who do actual ops), orthodontists. There' s a slightly different view from all of them ..... and because ds has learning diffs, his dad and I are very much part of the decision-making process.

His teeth don't meet at the front so he has significant problems biting down. And we - his parents - think he doesn't chew properly. However, one surgeon said surgery won't necessarily help that problem as 'chewing is a learned behaviour' (Yes, well if it's a LB, then surely with better dentition a new technique can be learned). Local dentist reckons his chewing will be helped if his jaw is 'rearranged'.

All of them tell us it's 'very major surgery'. Yes, it is, we know that. But my feeling is surgeon might be trying to put us off, maybe due to boy's LDs. Nobody has said as much, but it kind of is alluded to. Orthodontist was even more helpful in that she thinks 'wonky teeth' are less of a problem as he's not a girl. I wonder if she says that to all the private male patients who come her way!

He will need orthodontic treatment regardless of whether he has surgery. BUT we need to decide which pathway to follow from the outset. Regular O/P visits for brace adjustments etc - he'd need to be accompanied - would be easier to facilitate now as DH has retired in the last few months. Ditto for time in hospital for op and recovery at home. We do need to make a decision. In next few months, I think.

DS himself wavers from 'just do it' to not being sure. Cognitively, I think he's not up to a major decision and understanding the ins and outs.

Another question is about funding - we are in Scotland. As an adult with a low income, would he get funded on the NHS, for all or some of this treatment? I think it's regarded as a 'functional' problem, more than purely to do with looks.

Any opinions/ideas welcome. Thanks.

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BasketzatDawn · 30/07/2014 21:10

bumpety bump!!

I'd be most grateful for some MN help in deciding how to deal with the above ....

Though DH and I are getting away tomorrow for a few days so I'll not be online again till Sat/Sunday.

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MyFairyKing · 30/07/2014 21:26

Sorry, can I clarify - has he had orthodontic treatment? I thought it was usual to have to before the age of 18. There is funding for ortho treatment for adults in England.

I have very similar and was offered jaw reconstruction surgery. It was considered functional but I never felt my function was impaired enough to need that. I have managed to chew perfectly adequately and of all the things that have bothered me about my appearance, I can't say I've thought much about my jaw.