Hey there.. First Post :)

Hello Hello Hello..
My name is Rhianna I am 23 and currently living in Sydney Australia. I have decided to start this blog to track my journey through jaw surgery (also known as Orthognatic Surgery). I have just under 3 months until my surgery date on June 9th 2011.. YAY!!!!

I hope this blog serves as a great insight and source of encouragement for anyone wanting to understand or find out information about jaw surgery, or to help others who are going through similar jaw procedures. Enjoy :)

Firstly here is my background dental information.
I was assessed by my orthodontist at the age of 8yrs with the following dental conditions.

* A severe anterior open bite - Class II malocclusion

* Elongation of lower vertical face height

* Strong convex profile due to vertical growing Mandible (lower jar)

* Lack of chin prominence

* Short upper lip and gummy smile

* Bruxism (grnding of teeth) causing TMJ Joint pain

So from a very young age my orthodontist was presented with a VERY challenging orthodontic scenario. My parents decided that it was best to treat my condition as my facial growth continued in order to achieve the best outcome.

Chosen Option: Expand the upper arch using a Herbst appliance, straighten the teeth with braces, place retainers and then revisit the bite correction and jaw position with surgery as a young adult.

My first set of braces were taken off around 16yrs during Highschool. Since 2003 my open bite has actually gotten worse as my Jaws have continued to grow apart from each other. The gab between my upper and lower teeth has opened up dramatically. There is no contact at all on my front teeth.

In early 2010 I decided to find out more information about having jaw surgery as I was really unhappy with my profile aesthetics and bite function. It was causing me a range of physical and emotional problems. The last 12 months have gone incredibly fast.. I have had many consultations with both my Maxillofacial surgeon and Orthodontist. On 14th September 2010 my 2nd pair of braces were finally put on :) Above is a very BIG smile from my fist day with braces.. notice the very gummy smile :(