Lower Jaw & Chin

I originally met Dr. Wittenberg in 1998 after completing orthodontics with less than desirable results, both functionally and aesthetically. After removing my top premolars, my orthodontist was successful in straightening my teeth, but they simply didn't align which made biting and chewing (incising mainly) difficult. I was eventually referred to Dr. Wittenberg, who at the time took records and prepared two treatment plans, the first to correct the functionality via maxillary (upper jaw) surgery and a genioplasty (chin) surgery; and and the second to correct both functionality and aesthetics with the addition of mandibular (lower jaw) surgery. As I was a teenager at the time, I was at the mercy of my parents, who declined treatment. I, however, knew from the moment of that first consultation, that I was going to have the surgery, and without a doubt, that Dr. Wittenberg was the surgeon for me.

A few years later, I broke my jaw in an accident and required reconstructive surgery, unfortunately Dr. Wittenberg was on holidays at the time and I was corrected in hospital by the on-call surgeon. After having my jaw wired shut for eight weeks, the end result was even more disheartening, not only was the misalignment worse, but I had also developed TMJ problems. Ten years later, I hurt the other side of my jaw after hitting the window in a car accident. After healing from that impact and being left with additional complications, that I decided that it was time to revisit orthodontics and finally fix my jaw.

In late 2015, after consultation with Dr. Wittenberg (almost 20 years later is exactly how I remember him - this guy does not age), I began orthodontics with Insignia Damon Clear tieless braces (my choice to have braces vs. Invisalign - Dr. Wittenberg is able to surgery with either). My new orthodontist was able to create space where my premolars were previously removed (this will require implants later), and widen my smile enough to eliminate the need for maxillary surgery. From first hand experience I can confidently claim that the use of technology in the last twenty years has definitely improved orthodontics drastically. Dr. Wittenberg has worked with my orthodontist throughout my pre-surgical treatment, and together they got me to where I am now, and that is ready and booked for surgery!

Today I had my pre-surgical consultation and am having mandibular advancement surgery and a sliding genioplasty. Some gore-tex implant material (called e-PTFE if you want to google it) will be required in addition to my own bone (moved forward) to give my chin symmetry. The material is actually pretty cool as it is permeated allowing tissue to go in the tiny holes reducing scar tissue and I think also rejection. I will have four screws total, one in each side of the jaw and one in each side of the chin, and all of my incisions will be inside my mouth. I may or may not require orthodontic elastics post surgery and thankfully Dr. Wittenberg does not wire the jaws shut.

I am actually pretty hyped for my surgery, it has been a long time coming. I have looked after three of my non-realselfer friends that have had a variation of this exact surgery with Dr. Wittenberg in the last year (one with braces, one with invisalign and one with no orthodontics) so I have the advantage of having a fairly good idea of what to expect, and am excited that it is finally my turn.