POSTED UNDER Jaw Surgery REVIEWS
19 Years Old, Unsure Whether or Not to Fix Underbite - New York, NY
ORIGINAL POST
Hey everyone, I was wondering whether or not I...
rpaolino95January 8, 2015
$18,500
Hey everyone, I was wondering whether or not I should have surgery to fix my underbite. I'm 19 years old, almost 20, and was thinking now would be the right time to do so before I go into my final years of pharmacy school and cannot take off for a couple months at a time. My underbite is not so bad, its basically an edge to edge bite, but it is something that has always annoyed me and I feel like it ruins my facial features when I smile. Then again, I am also worried that my bite is not bad enough to warrant surgery and that if I do go ahead with the surgery and it comes out bad, I would regret the decision. Any input would be appreciated, thank you.
Replies (32)
January 12, 2015
Take it from someone who is wondering the same thing. It can only make you look better. You already look great, so my advice is if you feel like you could benefit from it, go for it.
January 12, 2015
Thank you! Yeah I'm just on the fence about whether or not the potential complications are worth it because it isn't really that bad.
May 9, 2015
Actually, take it from someone who's BEEN THERE. This is not a minor procedure. You will be changing your bite--the way your teeth fit together!! The way your teeth fit together affects the way your mandible (jaw) joints work. What does your orthodontist think is the best course of action?
January 16, 2015
It is important to be evaluated by an oral surgeon and your dentist. An underbite or Class III occlusion can effect your joints and your molar teeth because of the misalignment of your maxillary and mandibular teeth. It's a big decision and an expensive procedure.
February 19, 2015
Agree. What is interesting is even a edge on edge bite (not even an under jet) can sometimes affect the joint more, especially if the back teeth that do the chewing don't touch.
January 28, 2015
Got a question, when you chew, how does it feel, does it feels as if you are over using the mastication muscles. What about your neck, area around the temples, or ears do they feel uncomfortable in any way? Or, even without food in your mouth, put your mouth in the position you use to chew your food. Do you feel like you have to strain to make the back (all the teeth from your upper and lower canines and back) teeth meet?
January 28, 2015
Not that I have noticed. I feel like I'm doing it more for cosmetic reasons but I'm not sure if that's justified simply because of the potential risks.
Hi, and welcome to the community! :D
Have you seen our Doctor's Q&A Forum? It's a place where you can ask questions directly to our volunteering doctors and get an answer (for free). I would definitely recommend asking them for their opinions in addition to what you've already done. It's a simple form you can reach here.
Also, have you had any consultations with Oral Maxillofacial doctors in your area yet?
I wouldn't really be allowed to give my opinion one way or another, since I work here :). But only a doctor can really say how severe it is, and they'd probably need pictures that are more close-up. I look forward to hearing what they have to say in the jaw surgery community (I saw that you asked a question--it usually takes more than 2 days to get an answer :).) You may even be happy with something less invasive and more cosmetic, though, like chin surgery. You might want to post a question there as well, and ask whether they think you could benefit from just chin surgery. It's good to know what all of your options are, you know?