Friday 20 May 2011

A question about splints

Do you only have to have a splint if your upper jaw is widened out? I think I'll just be having mine shortened, is it likely that I'm going to have to have the dreaded splint?!

4 comments:

  1. Hi Sarah. I always thought everyone had to wear the dreaded splint. Here is what my OS told me. The splint is used during the actual surgery so yes, one was made for me and used. But he removed it before I ever woke up, saying I did not need to wear it post-op because my otho had gotten my teeth into perfect bite position. My OS was very impressed with how well my ortho positioned my teeth. It sounds like I will need very litle post-surgery ortho work. So, that being said, it sounds to me like the splint is used to help you remember your bite. I would assume you will have to wear the splint just because I don't know if anyone but me who didn't need to. Perhaps I am wrong though....this is all a guess by me. Your OS can explain better.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Tina, I really hope I don't have to have one for too long. I've only ever met my OS once so far, and don't think I will see him again unil really near surgery time, so will have to ask about it then. Just had a look at your blog, you're looking great! Can't believe you're only on day 8, you look so good!

    ReplyDelete
  3. For the most part, a splint will be in 6 weeks if you have your jaw split into two parts(or three, in my case). The jaw is split if the top jaw is either too narrow or too wide for the bottom jaw. If you don't have that issue, you may just be having your upper jaw impacted a little bit upwards, and in that case, I don't think you have a splint. BUT, a splint is ALWAYS used on the bottom jaw during the surgery, and then removed before you wake up.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you Dani, as far as I know I won't be having my jaw split apart, all I've been told is that it's being shortened and moved up. Although so far I've only ever spoke about upper jaw surgery with my ortho, not my surgeon - I only met him once and he only spoke about lower jaw, which is a bit worrying considering my ortho's saying I need upper too.

    How are you feeling about Monday?! Nervous? Excited?!

    ReplyDelete