Hi we're cutting your face open & you need braces

Total joint replacement was the verdict when my parents and I met with Dr. Bates. I wasn't shocked... I knew that was what was going to have to be done. But, I wasn't ready to hear that I was going to need braces so that was a bit of a shock. Dr. Bates went through the whole process with us and told us what exactly the surgery consisted of and that I would be in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery. Braces would go on for 6-8 months and then surgery would happen and I would have about a full year until I would be 100% healed. There are many risks, but they definitely outweigh the pain of my jaw and how much it will progress if I don't go through with the surgery now. The whole cutting my face open and having screws and bolts inside my face doesn't bother me (I watch surgery video's all the time)... it's having to get braces that got to me the most. I understand that it's only 1-2 years of my life, but it's my 21st birthday, going out with friends, having to smile for pictures with a mouth full of metal that really gets me. 

Enough with the sob story... 

Dr. Bates office printed out a computer generated picture of what my face will look like before after surgery (I didn't notice too much of a difference, I'm sure it will look different in person). My mandible and maxilla will both be moved forward along with the joints being replaced. Because of this, my facial nerves with stretch and there will not be feeling in my face for a while. He did mention that some people's facial nerves are stretched too much and they lose feeling forever, which is a little scary. I really, really enjoy eating cereal and I don't think thats possible with a permanently numb bottom lip..

Of course I'm looking forward to being pain free and being able to open wide enough to eat a triple cheese burger with lettuce and onions, but I'm also very excited for my jaw to be straight. My crooked jaw has always been something I am self-conscious about and after this surgery it will be corrected. 

I got my braces on yesterday. So according to my orthodontist, if my teeth and I cooperate, I should be cleared for surgery in about 7 months. I'm ready for them to be off.

 :')