March 2007 I got braces on to straighten my teeth out for the surgery. September 2007 I got my wisdom teeth out so they would not be in the way during the surgery. Then April I went into the doctors office early in the morning. I got put to sleep for the first time in my life (The most painful thing the first day was the sore throat from the tube that was down my throat) When I went into surgery they were not sure whether they would have to wire my mouth shut. I was relieved when I woke up to find they only had to use rubber bands to keep my mouth closed (this made the whole experience a lot easier). I was on a liquid diet for 6 weeks (well almost, i cheated a little). They broke my jaw and put it back together with titanium plates and screws. The doctor said they had to stretch my mouth to my ear just to get the screws in perpendicular (Can you imagine?). I had some stretch marks for the first week. It all went really well and so far I am really please with the out come. Its amazing that they can change 25 years of teeth/jaw issues and insecurity in a matter of week :).
Before
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four (The most swelling was on this day)
Day Five
Day Six (I started showing bruising on my face and neck)
Day Seven (My first day back to work)
Day 8 (One Week)
Day 9
Day 9 was the last day I had someone with me to take care. My mom and sister-in-law, Michelle, were awesome in helping me get through the first week. Unfortunately I don't have any more in between picture.
6 Weeks (Back to eating as normal, kind of)
I went for my first orthodontist appointment today since the surgery. He said it looks great and that he didn't have much work to do (as far as straightening out my teeth). It has been an experience learning to chew and smile. I have to look in the mirror every so often to remember that I no longer have an under bite. The most painful part was drinking food for 6 weeks. Everything else was way easier than I expected, as easy ask getting your jaw broken can be :).
