Getting family on board...

I've been lucky that most of my family has been pretty supportive about my decision to do what may seem like extreme measures. The only hold out was my dad.

He is a TMJ specialist who's primary focus is now sleep apnea. Even though he referred me to orthodontist Dr. Hang and touted him as "the best", he was not enthusiastic (to say the least) about surgery. Being in the field he's in, he knows how detrimental botched jaw surgeries can be to TMJD and breathing, having seen countless patients over the years with problems post-surgery. Since I really needed his emotional support and medical knowledge in my corner I brought him to a consultation appointment with Dr. Hang yesterday (my 3rd consultation since 2007!). He walked in with doubt, but left fully supportive!

Lucky for all of us currently on this journey, jaw surgery techniques have changed in the last 30 years.

- Amanda

And it begins...

I'm 35 with a terrible bite. I had braces when I was about 12, by an orthodontist who had a business relationship with my dad (a dentist). It was free. You get what you pay for. I now have an open bite and crooked teeth. My airway is the size of a straw. Oh, and I have a deviated septum. So if you ever want to kill me, just place one finger over a nostril and place the other gently around my throat.

I first went to Dr. Hang about 3 years ago with the hope of invisalign. Seemed perfect! Well, after x-rays and imaging of my jaw I was sadly told that braces and surgery were the only option. I left the office and thought "I can handle teeth that don't close and limited breathing, right?" Flash forward 4 years and I just received approval from my insurance company. Even they agree that the surgery is "medically necessary."

All I need to decide now is metal or ceramic...