Introduction

Hello,

My name is Tina (aka Trixie). I am writing this blog as a record of my long journey to my new face. When I was a teenager I was often teased for my extreme overbite. People would refer to me as a chipmunk or bugs bunny. I was often asked what’s up doc? When I was in my early teens I had braces put on. I had them for 3 years. I was told I had a small mouth and my teeth were too crowded so they pulled 2 of my upper teeth to help correct my jutting front teeth.

As it typically goes I did not wear my retainer after I was done with my braces so the new smile did not stay how it should have. My lower teeth started crowding each other out. I had always hated my smile, even after the braces, because it was very gummy. I never liked my profile either because my chin was so small. In photos it made me look like I had a double chin.

I had brought this up to many dentists and orthodontists over the years. I had one tell me about a procedure where they could cut the muscles in the top lip so it wouldn’t stick up so much and cover my teeth more. Seemed a little odd to me. One day after a cleaning my dentist suggested I look up something called orthognathic surgery. He said it was a pretty extensive surgery but it could correct my overbite and gummy smile.

He explained that they would essentially cut the bottom jaw, slide it forward and then reattach it. This is called mandibular advancement. This would correct the overbite and the small chin. I would also need the upper jaw corrected as well. This meant they would cut the upper jaw all the way around, remove a layer of bone, and reattach it higher than it was before. This is maxillary osteotomy. He explained I would need to be wired shut up to 6 weeks.

This all sounded very scary but also very exciting. I had always wanted a modeling career and was told I was photogenic but not to smile very large. So many of my photos are of me looking serious and sexy.

This blog is to help all of you out there considering the surgery or something like it. I will be posting throughout the journey to help you understand what is in store for you. Remember though, we all heal differently and all surgeons do it differently.