It has been quite awkward for me to be in braces at 38, especially being a surgical patient. My orthodontist explained to me that he had to make my bite worse before it could get better in order for the surgeon to correct it properly. This has been the hardest part both for my self-esteem and physically. It's much harder to eat now. I had braces as a teenager from ages 12-14. My teeth and bite were beautiful and we thought that would be the end of it. At about age 15, I hit a growth spurt and my lower jaw grew back to its normal state which was an underbite. It actually ended up being worse than it was before. My orthodontist tried to put me back in braces, but being a teenager, I wouldn't have it. He also mentioned surgery to correct it and it terrified me. I didn't want to go through all that. I look back now and wish I hadn't been so stubborn. Now I'm having to go through this as a mother of a teenager and a 6 year old myself. We live and we learn....:)
The exact procedure should take around three to five hours. My upper jaw is going to be pulled forward and my lower jaw will go back. The total recovery time for everything will be around 9 months and my biggest fear is permanent numbness in my lower face which does happen about 10% of the time.
I'm really trying to be excited about next Tuesday. I know that I'll finally have a normal smile, eat foods that you need to use your front teeth to bite, and most importantly sound and look normal when I talk. I will continue to update with posts and pictures.
I've never tried to let my jaw define me, but I've always been bothered by it. It is a major self-esteem problem for me. I've always been quiet and shy and I feel like it's because people will notice it more the more I talk. I feel like when I talk people automatically are drawn to stare at my teeth. It's a terrible feeling. I absolutely cannot wait until all this is over. Five more days of real food, then good-bye to the old me and on to the road of recovery.
You are beautiful just as you are, inside and out.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the blog. I am proud of you. You are , have been, and will be beautiful!
ReplyDeletewell beautiful woman that has always been beautiful,and always will be, you are in my thoughts and prayers each and every day, and if i can help you and your beautiful family(loved the pictures)please let me know.keep up the blog so we will know how things are going and if you need anything.May God Bless and he will be there with you each step.Take Care
ReplyDeleteI did not know until just now when I saw the well-wishers on FB that you were having surgery. You have always been beautiful to me - both inside and outside - but I certainly support you in your decision to do this. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. God be with you during the surgery and in your recovery process. Love from the O'Quinns.
ReplyDeleteElaine O'Quinn
I'm thinking of you Tricia!! You're a brave lady, that's for certain. And I never thought you were shy, I just figured I talked way too much as I still do! Let me know if I can help with anything and I love you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteJean Cameron Nipper