Braces at 50?

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by Hattrick

I am now 1 year into wearing my braces and I have to say the teeth are looking way better. My orthodontist wants me to have an evasive surgery to correct a slight cross bite on the left side rear of my mouth. The procedure he wants me to have is called a LeFort 1. This proceedure basicly cuts the whole upper jaw away with cuts from upper molar to molar then the upper palete is fractured away reset to the correct position and rescrewed back into place providing a permenant correction. The upper jaw is then tied down with the lower draw until healed which will mean eating only milk shakes and soup broth for two weeks. I will also miss work for 3 weeks as well. I do not have any issues chewing, no pain and and it will not really be providing any cometic benefit either Though it will provied perfect orthodontics with straight teeth with perfect bite. Am I crazy to have this proceedure? Please respond I am scheduled for surgery May 24th.

I have hardware in my back & can feel it. I've never heard of this procedure & the way I feel is why fix what isn't broken?

Have you done any google searches to see if there is feedback from others that have had it done? My concern would be any long term pain. My daughter fractured her wrist a few years ago; she's always had pain since.

[norcal_dj]

Originally Posted by Hattrick

I am now 1 year into wearing my braces and I have to say the teeth are looking way better. My orthodontist wants me to have an evasive surgery to correct a slight cross bite on the left side rear of my mouth. The procedure he wants me to have is called a LeFort 1. This proceedure basicly cuts the whole upper jaw away with cuts from upper molar to molar then the upper palete is fractured away reset to the correct position and rescrewed back into place providing a permenant correction. The upper jaw is then tied down with the lower draw until healed which will mean eating only milk shakes and soup broth for two weeks. I will also miss work for 3 weeks as well. I do not have any issues chewing, no pain and and it will not really be providing any cometic benefit either Though it will provied perfect orthodontics with straight teeth with perfect bite. Am I crazy to have this proceedure? Please respond I am scheduled for surgery May 24th.

I am looking into adult braces and may have to have similar surgery to correct my crossbite. I hope all went well with your treatment. May I ask for an update since your last post??

[katie45]

One of the dentists at the dental office I go to recently had braces put on. My guess is that her age is around 45. More power to her! Course I'm sure she ended up getting a discount from a fellow dentist?

[Hattrick]

I have had the braces off now for three years. The teeth still look good. My bite is good but not perfect. I should of listen to the orthodontist and had the more evasive approach done which is called La Forte which they remove your whole upper portion of your teeth from your scull align them perfectly with the bottom row of teeth then screw them back into your upper jaw. If your doctor recommends this and you want perfect results get this done. If you opt for the minor surgery which they but a mouth appliance in your mouth which you have to move daily with a lever you will get very good results but not the best. I also have been wearing my retainers every night which is important as well. I have seen some motion in the teeth but nothing worth worrying about. I will be seeing my orthodontist this year and may get some clear braces which one can wear for minor adjustments. If you want straight teeth get them done at any age. You will be glad you did.

[cresta]

Try to fix an appointment with a dentist or an orthodontist nearby to find a suitable type of braces based on your teeth nature and complexity.