short lower jaw - Forsus any good?

funkey_monkey

Hi,

I'm going for my second opinion for braces in the next month and was just browsing the net today looking for information so that I go prepared this time.

The overjet has been a problem due to my shorter jaw. I was told previously (years ago) that this could only be solved either during my growing years or by surgery where the jaws are broken.

Whilst trawling about the net I found this device called the Forsus appliance. It seems that although aimed primarily at children that it can be used on an adult.

At 35yo would I still be in scope for one of these and are they effective?

Last question: most wire used on braces is the normal bare metal look. However, there are some photos of patients with a wire coated with some type of white coating. This makes them stand out even less. Are these any good? I've read some reports about the coating coming off the wire.


Thanks.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Your orthodontist will recommend the treatment best suited to treat you problems, I would highly recommend not trying to find medical devices on he net they won't apply to you. A orthodontic specialist will have a lot of knowledge, and know how to evaluate different treatments and their application. You don't want somebody experimenting, and these non mainstream treatments will be somewhat experiential.

Dianthus

I'd never heard of that appliance....a single metal ortho wire would have far less of an aesthetic impact though,it looks somewhat cumbersome!
Ask the orthodontist at the consultation- as well as studying general dentistry for 5 years, followed by a few years in hospital/general practice, they are then trained for a further 3 years in orthodontics alone, plus will likely have years of practical clinical experience on top of this. Why spend hours trawling through Google when you can get answers within minutes from an expert whose time/knowledge you're paying for regardless?
You don't really need to "prepare" yourself by researching treatment modalities, in basic terms all you need to say is (from what I understand from your post) "This-x,y,z- is what bothers me about my teeth/jaws/appearance. If possible, I would prefer to avoid surgery. I would also prefer that any appliance looks as unobtrusive as possible. What are my options? What are the pros &cons,limitations, cost, ect?"
A follow-up letter outlining these answers is generally standard practice also.
Have faith!

funkey_monkey

I forgot to ask this of my ortho at the time. I've sent an email asking about it now even though I've booked my treatment, not paid so I presume it can be altered.

Is it possible for soemthing to be done at my age - they can tell me the specifics, but I'd like to know if there is any hope other than a chin implant for someone at my age. My understanding was that the stretching can only be performed during the growth phase.


Thanks.

funkey_monkey

Back again...

Sorry, I don't know if this is the correct place to post this, but it is all related in a way.

I've got a gummy smile and prominent teeth. I've signed up for my braces and am awaiting the call to get them fitted. I've asked about chin augmentation as I have a weak jaw, but was told I'd have no hope of that.

In relation to my gummy smile/short top lip whilst googling the problem I found the following video on Youtube. I was wondering if this technique is becoming more used in the industry and whether there are any drwabacks been reported:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8JDF3yFt1I


I know some of you might think that I should not be looking online and trust the professionals, but I've already brought something to the attention of my doctor which they were not aware of and now it might be given to me (and other patients) for our condition.


Thanks.

Dianthus

From the video, sample size of 10 female patients, mean reduction of gingival exposure 3.27mm.........only 13,048 views since 2009, 3.5years ago...it doesn't seem to have made much of an impact, or maybe YouTube is the wrong medium to guage its' impact on clinicians....
The orthodontist treating you is best placed to advise on correcting your high smile line, best chat before you begin treatment as opposed to during! Certainly the orthodontist could never accuse you of not taking an interest anyway:D

btkm8unsl0w5r4

That just stops the lip moving up, its a bit of a cheat. Botox is a much simplier way to do this. However treating the cause of the gummy smile (short teeth, lack of passive eruption, gingival excess or maxillary excess) is often a better fix. Your orthodontist will know exactly what is needed to be done to fix our problem.

funkey_monkey

Just seen some recent photos of myself and am totally embarrassed by my smile. The wonky teeth will be sorted out hopefully soon by the braces (still have not got them on - downside of the cheap option - having to wait for the approval) but I also want to get the smile corrected.

I see from online that the main way of doing this is by Gingivectomy, Crown lengthening surgery, or Lip Lowering Surgery. Are any of you able to inform me of what the dangers/risks of this type of surgery might be be, its cost and its success rate?

Thanks.

day dreamer

It is not clear exactly what the gum problem is. If you show to much or too little, uneven levels etc....
If you are having treatment in the UK, which I assume you are because you are waiting for approval, then some of these surgery options may be available on NHS
Again ask the dentist/orthodontist who has seen you and is the only one who can give you an accurate answer

funkey_monkey

I'm showing too much of top gum. At a guess I'd say about 3 - 4mm gum is visible.

I'll ask him when I get an appt. I'm not loving the idea of botox. Can anyone share any experience of Gingivectomy, Crown lengthening surgery, or Lip Lowering Surgery with me?