Jaw Surgery?

Well hey. I've started another blog! How crazy is that?! My other blog might suffer. ;)

So yup. I'm having jaw surgery. I guess. Sounds crazy. Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end. This wasn't a decision I made lightly. I've been in and out of MANY orthodontist and dentist offices within the past two years. They've all lead me here. Down this path. After sitting down with my orthodontist of choice and surgeon (twice) I have decided that this is my only option.

For about two years my teeth have not allowed me to enjoy much. I can only eat with one tooth on my right side. That's all that hits. After having one root canal and three crowns put in- my teeth are on their last leg. And I'm only 26 years old. Dentures by age 30 I predicted. They make me miserable about 50% of my time awake. So I said enough is enough. If this is what I need to do to enjoy life again- so be it. The benefits outweigh the cons in my case. I did them:

Pros
* Obviously would help my tooth/gum hurting problem.
* I would LOVE to chew with all my teeth. Instead of just ONE tooth. :(
* My jaw would not ache anymore
* I would not have as many breathing/sinus problems
* My face would look more "balanced"
* Would probably hate my nose less (would be pushed up a little bit)
* My teeth would be straighter and less gappy (even though they don't really bother me now)
* Out of work for 3-4 weeks
* Will probably lose some weight since I'll be on a liquid diet for like 6 weeks
* Very reputable and nice surgeon

Cons
* Braces (again. :() for who knows how long. Before and after surgery.)
* Paying for braces (is not covered by insurance)
* 7-hour surgery... scary.
* Can't eat real food for 4-6 weeks
* Out of work for 3-4 weeks
* Can't exercise for 4-6 weeks
* Will have metal things in my face
* Possible permanent nerve damage or never getting feeling back in some parts of my jaw/lip area.
* Won't be able to talk for awhile. lol Could be a pro.

So, today I made my first appointment to get my braces on. I'm 110% more afraid of having braces again then having the jaw surgery. Seriously. I know that seems silly. But I totally am. That was my life for three long years. And it SUCKED. My self esteem was already low to begin with.

But it'll be okay. Here's my some before pictures:

A smile that needs changing.

My lower jaw is set back from my upper by 3 mm apparently.

I have learned to accept my face as it is.. but the surgeon says I don't have to settle.

Can't even see my bottom teeth. Huge gap too between upper and lower. REALLY hard to chew things.

So yeah. I'm thinking my surgeon and/or orthodontist has way better photos that they already took. Oh well these will work for now.

Ciao for now!