I am amazed to see that this blog is still getting quite a bit of traffic! I hope that you will find some useful information within these posts.
I am now 7 years post-braces/surgery. Though it's been a long time, I still think of my ortho experience quite often. I am active on Facebook's "We Need/Got Jaw Surgery," which I highly recommend if you're looking for up-to-date stories and advice.
Though my surgeon originally mentioned cheek implants and rhinoplasty, I did not opt to have those surgeries alongside my lower jaw procedure. To be honest, I think of rhinoplasty from time to time, as the shape of my nose changed after my jaw surgery. I also have a bit of a double chin now when smiling, and I feel like my profile is not quite what I hoped it would be. I have some numbness starting at the left lower lip and extending down to the bottom of my lower left chin. Occasionally my jaw becomes sore or tired if I'm eating taffy or chewing gum.
Other than those minimal issues, there are no long-term side effects from my surgery. I can bite into apples, I love my smile, and I am still ecstatic that I went through with the whole process. I couldn't imagine having it any other way.
If I could give one piece of post-braces advice (I'm sure you've heard this before), it would be to wear your retainer! I haven't worn mine in a couple of years and my bottom teeth have moved quite a bit; my bite is not the same as it was when I had my braces taken off!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Melissa@happyby30.com. You can also find me over at HappyBy30.com.
Thanks for looking, and good luck on your journey!
