Teeth, Teeth, And More Teeth!

Well, we are gearing up for some major changes regarding the girls and their teeth. The first one we have known about for a while. Hannah will be having surgery in about a year (maybe next Aug. 2009). As most of you know she has been in braces for a long time. She is getting a bit of a break since they took off the top braces. However, what needs to be done for her can't be accomplished with braces alone. She needs a surgery called Orthognathic Surgery to bring her bottom jaw to meet her top jaw. It just didn't grow out like it was supposed to. Here is a link that explains a bit about it.

Also, this (below) explains it some. The part about the chin also applies to Hannah.

Mandibular Osteotomy (Lower Jaw)
This procedure is typically used for patients with a receded lower jaw or an open bite. When operating on the lower jawbone, the cuts are made behind the molars and lengthwise down the jawbone so the front of the jaw (teeth and all) can move as one unit. Once completed, the jaw slides smoothly to its new position, and screws hold the jawbone together until it heals. A severely receded lower jaw is often accompanied by a deficient chin, which can be remedied with cosmetic surgery. Typically, surgeons can alter the jaws and restructure the chin, if needed, during the same surgery.

We thought that was it until we took Catrina in for another issue she was having. We noticed a while back that she still had one of her baby teeth. Apparently , this is a fairly common condition and is referred to as having an impacted tooth, specifically an impacted canine. After looking at the x-rays you can see the adult tooth that was supposed to emerge, in the roof of her mouth! Whoa! I have never heard or seen such a thing so this is very interesting. The recommendation is to have all of her wisdom teeth removed also (x-rays clearly show them growing directly into the other teeth) pull out the baby tooth, and then have surgery to "expose" the tooth. Then the tooth will be brought down over time with braces. Here is a link that explains it better. That is what is supposed to happen. However, there is a chance that it will not work. If it doesn't they will plan to give her a tooth implant.

After explaining all of this we would certainly appreciate your prayers. The first part is of course, the finances to cover all of this. As you might imagine this is not going to be cheap. (God is faithful and HE is our provider.) Secondly, we ask for your prayers that all will go as planned. We are praying that there will not be ANY complications from wisdom teeth removal or the surgeries. I am also praying that the recovery go quickly with as little pain/discomfort as possible. For Catrina, we are praying that her surgery will work and there will not be a need for a tooth implant. It is always best to have your own teeth. :-)

Anyone reading that has had either of these surgeries be sure to leave a comment. I would rather hear only good stuff though so if you have something bad to say...keep that part to yourself.

(Don't forget to pray for ME! These are my babies you know. Choosing to do something that inflicts pain or discomfort on my perfect angels is not something I like. What? You think I am going a bit far saying they are perfect angels?

The photo above proves it is true...see...it says it right there! )