Well, here it is. Welcome to the final stages of the Great Jaw Journey.
On August 22nd, I am having orthognathic surgery on my lower jaw.
I began this journey back in June 2011 with a full set of braces and an amazing orthodontist, Dr. A. (He has had the same surgery himself!) My jaw is genetically built shorter than normal. This means that when I bite, I am not biting properly. The teeth do not line up. I also have suffered with an overbite since I was a child.
I have been in braces for nearly two years. Yesterday, I received my surgical splint, which will help align my jaw and strengthen the muscles for the surgery. I have to wear it as much as possible (I can remove it for eating, tooth brushing...). It is not uncomfortable, but it is making speech difficult. I find myself essentially learning how to speak again! The letter 's' is frustrating.
I decided to start this blog to document the final part of my quest for an aligned jaw to serve as a resource for anyone considering undergoing orthognathic surgery themselves. It took me a long time to become comfortable with the idea, and I hope that my story can help someone else make the decision that will best fit their needs - be it surgery, or not.
Thanks for joining me on my adventure.
