Braces and surgery

[HotLadybird]

DD19 just found out she needs braces. She has a cross bite which makes her teeth and smile crooked. She could have the invisalign type brace which looks like a clear retainers. It would take 18-24 months and will cost £4,230. They do a 0% interest finance package.

She also needs surgery on her jaw to correct her crooked face and smile. The braces alone would not do this. They would break the jaw, realign it and plate it. If she chose to have this done, she would have the metal train track type brace. The NHS would cover the cost of the surgery and the braces.

I'm a single mum and full time carer for my elderly, disabled dad so don't have much money.

The orthodontist we saw today is referring her to the surgeon so we'll know more when we see him. I say 'need' but neither procedures are essential. She could chose to do nothing.

She's in absolute bits, the poor lamb. She's beautiful as she is and this crookedness I refer to isn't really noticeable until it's pointed out, but of course she is very aware of it and it's really getting her down. She's absolutely terrified of the surgery.

Her options are...
A Do nothing and try to accept herself as she is. Or put it off until she's left uni.
B. Have the nice braces at £4K+ but only correct her teeth, not her jaw.
C. Have the surgery and the not so nice braces and not have to pay anything.

So... What would you do?

And do you have any knowledge about coping after jaw surgery? How much will it hurt? How long until it heals? Can you eat normal food? Does it have to be soft, puree, liquid? How long for? Would she cope at uni after having this done, or should she be at home?

Any thoughts gratefully received!

[Iluvthe80s]

That's really tough for you DD and worrying for you seeing her so upset. I don't have experience of jaw surgery but did wear braces from the age of 11.

Personally I would not be in a position to pay over £4k for braces. I'm sure your daughter would understand this is not possible, due to your circumstances.

In deciding what to do, I guess it would be weighing up the operation- pain, risks etc. and balancing that against whether the outcome of the operation would help your daughter would feel happier

You may find when you talk to the surgeon that they can reassure your DD about the operation and make is less frightening. She may also feel that she wants to wait until after she has finished her uni course.

Hopefully other people on here will have experience and be able to offer advice.

[Spinderella9]

Hi there,
I am in similar situation as you. My 11yr old girl has crooked teeth and an upper jaw that is too small for her tongue due to years of mouth breathing. I was told a similar thing to you - that this is beyond a normal brace and it requires moving the jaw bone which is difficult. I was given two options - the £5K super swish braces or go to hospital and be under NHS for jaw surgery and braces with them. The idea of breaking her jaw to realign it horrifies me - plus I am always sceptical of NHS choosing the cheapest method rather than the best method. BUT I don't want to pay £5K unless I am sure it will work.

For now we are waiting for the hospital appointment to hear what they have to say. Might get a second opinion from another Orthodontist too.

My daughters problems have affected her speech and hearing so I want to get it fixed - plus her teeth are so so crooked doing nothing is definitely not an option for us.

Can't advise you but thought I would share !!