How Do I Get My Overcrowded Mouth And Small Jaw Fixed?

Q.
Hi,

I have had problems with my teeth since around 14, but could never afford surgery or braces. I am now 28 and have trouble closing my mouth as my teeth are overcrowded and my lower jaw looks too small (like my jaws did not widen properly when I was growing). I can breathe through my nose if I use my tongue to close the gap, but cannot do this with my lips, as the teeth get in the way. I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled 3 years ago, but my teeth were already crowded by this point and have just continued to push out forwards rather than sideways. If I push out my lower jaw, my face looks much more ‘normal’, which is why I think the lower jaw may the the issue. But how would I go about getting this corrected? Or should I just get a chin implant at my age rather than go through a year or so of braces and surgery to widen the jaw? I am not signed up to a dentist at present (recently moved home), and have no idea where to start or what I would need to do. I am also very short of time due to work commitments, hence the question about a chin implant rather than jaw/teeth surgery. What would you suggest? I know what I want as the end result, but have no idea what my options are, how much it would cost or where I would need to go? I live near Bath, Somerset if that makes any difference. Many thanks.

A.
Thanks for writing in with your questions. My advice would be to go and see a specialist orthodontist for a full consultation – you need to choose someone who treats adults and who also has a lot of experience working with an oral or maxillo-facial surgeon, as one of your treatment options may require surgery.

Good luck and I hope you find a solution

Regards.

Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes
January 19th, 2014 at 08:47 PM
Same person Says :

Thank you for the reply. How would I go about choosing a good surgeon/orthodontist? I’ve now signed up with a local dentist and have an appointment in a week (I’ve started grinding my teeth when sleeping, so some are cracking), so should I just explain the issue and let them suggest a good orthodontist? I know next to nothing about the procedure and wouldn’t know how to judge if a surgeon/orthodontist is good or not. I don’t know anyone who’s had this done, so I’m a bit in the dark! My main concerns are just getting the problem fixed, time and cost. So I’d be happy to jump at anyone near me who offers this surgery.

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