More Anna Orthodontia

After we were told Anna needed jaw surgery, we paused for a bit and then met with the oral surgeon. After that visit, we did more research. I really wish I had done more research immediately after jaw surgery was suggested, but I believed the orthodontist that there were no other options (other than removing teeth). I thought about getting a second opinion, but procrastinated. Ugh, a full six months wasted!  Of course, we also didn't realize how much time was of the essence. Anyway, after meeting with the surgeon, I finally began to look for options to avoid surgery and learned about the MEAW technique. It seemed like it was mostly for kids with an underbite, while Anna has an overbite. But, I thought it might be worth having a consultation, particularly since it is marketed as a way to avoid jaw surgery. The closest practitioner was in South Florida, 189 miles away; we were able to get an appointment over Christmas break. In short, he felt like it was excessive to tell a 13-year old she needs jaw surgery. He didn't believe the MEAW technique would work for her, but suggested we try another type of device called the Forsus. He stated that he believed she would have success and would be surprised if it didn't work for her.

That device is much more common than the MEAW technique, so he told us there was no need to drive to him if we could find someone closer. After researching orthodontists in our area, we found one who seemed promising (offers devices, close by, excellent reviews). We had that appointment today. He was very nice and straight-forward. He believes the likelihood of success is essentially a coin-flip. And, rather than the Forsus, he suggested a Herbst, which is a similar device. She would have her current braces taken off, wear the Herbst device for 12-15 months and then braces again. So, she would be around 16 before all was said and done (probably closer to 18 if the device doesn't work and we have to add in a surgery before round two of braces). And, since she got her braces at the age of 11, and before that wore a retainer, it kind of stinks. Well, not kind of, it really stinks. 

The doctor said, without saying or, maybe I am projecting, that her overbite is really severe (that he did directly say, the next part is where I may be projecting) and that this should have been done in the first place. Now that I know more about orthodontia than any non-health professional should, I definitely agree. It is easy to play Monday morning quarterback, but I really don't know why we didn't do this in the first place, either in Maryland or here? Obviously, I am not an orthodontist, so I accept there is likely something I don't know. But, I wish we had started with someone who had offered some alternatives or discussed the severity of the overbite and what it meant for her future treatment. Because she has likely stopped growing, her options for success are much lower now than they would have been at age 9, 10, 11 or 12. And, she had her first orthodontist visit at the age of 7! So much wasted time (and money)!

But, here we are. It is going to cost us around $6000, because we have exhausted our insurance, to try this route. And, there is only a 50/50 chance of success. So, why not just do the surgery, which has a 80%+ chance of success? I don't know, it just doesn't seem right. Surgery carries major risk and it seems very extreme at her age. I don't have a lot of confidence that the Herbst will make much of a difference, but at least we will know that we tried the least invasive method first. And, we had decided to wait until she was older for the surgery, so we might as well fill the time by trying something less drastic. Maybe it will at least save her from having to get the premolars removed.

We go on Monday to get her braces removed. Then, she will have a few weeks to enjoy the feeling of no braces before we get the Herbst put on. Anna is in for a long road ahead. Hopefully, there is a beautiful smile at the end of it!