Is surgery necessary on my anterior open bite?

Q.
I have had braces since September 2010 due correctdion of an open bite. I have only recently suffered with an open bite, the last 2 years, I am now 40 years of age. My Maxillofacial surgeon and Orthodontist are working towards me have surgery to resolve my open bite, whereby a part of my upper jaw bone is removed each side. I have had various tests to find the cause of this but have found nothing. Is the jaw surgery necessary or could my problem be related to my jaw joints not fitting together any longer and that’s where the problem has occurred?

Thanks

A.
Yes, you are correct in that your anterior open bite (AOB)could be being caused by a problem with your jaw joints. It’s quite rare, but I saw a similar patient recently and we needed to first make an acrylic bite guard to help prevent any further damage followed by some dental treatment to correct her bite.
It is important to establish the cause of this AOB especially before surgery is contemplated. Otherwise the AOB may re-occur again. A suitable investigation by a TMJ specialist ( most dental hospitals have a TMJ clinic)could be an MRI scan of your joints to look for anything wrong with your joints.
A second opinion is always worthwhile. I would be more than willing to have a look for you. One of the dentists at Kissdental has an interest in this area (Dr Richard Malloch)
Dr Kailesh Solanki Kissdental – UK Practice of the Year 2007 157 Woodsend Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 8GN.2 New Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2QS. 13 Stanley Street, Manchester, M8 8SH. Web: www.kissdental.co.uk Tel: 0161 748 5250 View My Profile Dr Solanki

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