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threemonkeys · 13 August 2016, 02:16 PM

My apologies that this is a bit long. But I wanted to share this moment with my TRF family.

Ever since I was a child I've had very crooked teeth. To be more specific, I've had a very large overbite. And as an anxiety-ridden little fellow, this only furthered my extreme self-conciousness as a youth and young adult. Heck, even as an adult my teeth really bothered me - especially when it came to smiling for the camera. But like many adults, I got to the point where my positive self-confidence kicked my insecurities (related to my appearance) to the curb. Well...mostly.

So there I was approaching the ripe young age of 50 and getting a bit philosophical. It was during this time that I decided that I would no longer have regrets about my appearance. Throwing caution - and money - to the wind, I opted to get my teeth fixed. I won't go in to the details, but my procedure was medically necessary. Although I was really only motivated by the hopes of a cosmetic improvement.

I'm now 50. To date I've had four extractions and have been wearing braces for over 2.5 years. And four days ago I finally had jaw reconstruction surgery. To those that have had this procedure done, you'll know what I mean when I say it's pretty nasty - pain, impact on diet, length of recovery, etc. But I'm so happy I had the calzones to see this journey to its (almost) conclusion. It's been a 'win' for me in so many ways.

Oh - and if you're curious, pics are below. Thank you for indulging me :)

Before/after pics. The right hand pics show just how far the surgeon extended my lower jaw.

GerardoG · 13 August 2016, 02:21 PM

Dear Craig: Although I have not been through this procedure, some of my best friends are the best surgeons in America (graduated with honors from Harvard medicine school) and they have spoken many times about the complexity of this surgery. I admire your courage and raise a glass for you. Wishing a speedy recovery.

threemonkeys · 13 August 2016, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Dear Craig: Although I have not been through this procedure, some of my best friends are the best surgeons in America (graduated with honors from Harvard medicine school) and they have spoken many times about the complexity of this surgery. I admire your courage and raise a glass for you. Wishing a speedy recovery.

Very kind words, Gerardo. Thank you!

GradyPhilpott · 13 August 2016, 02:55 PM

Good luck with everything, Craig.

I've never had anything like that done, but I do have some experience with painful and protracted procedures.

Based on your OP, I would have to say that you made a very wise choice.

Congratulations!

hdrazor251 · 13 August 2016, 03:21 PM

Congratulations and hopes for a quick recovery.

Gaijin · 13 August 2016, 09:56 PM

Proud of you Craig. Nicely done. Hats off.

cop414 · 13 August 2016, 09:59 PM

Wow Craig, good for you. Here's to a speedy recovery.

TheBluePrince · 13 August 2016, 10:18 PM

One of my friends just had the same thing done but with more complexity so know what you're going through, upper and lower mandibles both reattached, mouth completely wired shut, liquid diet through syringe for 2 weeks etc. Serious, brave stuff! Hope you're happy with the result when it's all settled

Dyim · 13 August 2016, 11:32 PM

50 year old is not a fun age to get this done. But if you are posting 4 days post-op, you must be doing decent

Interesting they split your chin also.

The Joker · 13 August 2016, 11:39 PM

Amazing effort and result Craig.

GoingPlaces · 13 August 2016, 11:54 PM

Wow, that takes a lot of courage. Congratulations on taking the steps, I'm sure t's not easy but well worth it in the end.

Kingair · 13 August 2016, 11:58 PM

Great !

I am wearing braces for 13 months now

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

teqp · 14 August 2016, 01:05 AM

Hope for a speedy recovery. Looks like some serious pain.

I hope the results are better than you expected.

Boothroyd · 14 August 2016, 01:29 AM

Good for you and congratulations! Hope the finish to the process goes smoothly! That took courage to elect to go through that process.

Rolex addict · 14 August 2016, 04:25 AM

I hope you have a speedy recovery. As someone who has also been through numerous dental surgeries, I know the pain you're in. It's temporary and the results are worth it.

roaddog359 · 14 August 2016, 04:58 AM

GET WELL! Another TRF in the injured reserve category. I to am in recovery, get better soon.

BNA/LION · 14 August 2016, 05:12 AM

The before and after x-rays look amazing and the amount of change is fantastic. Congratulations on doing this, your new smile and cheers to a speedy recovery!

superdog · 14 August 2016, 05:15 AM

My man, I'm so happy for you.

This is nothing short of a rebirth. Good for you. I wish you a speedy rebirth and the answer to all of your hopes.

Good for you!!!!

East Bay Rider · 14 August 2016, 06:34 AM

Well done. Gutsy move. Good luck.

jsg · 15 August 2016, 04:28 AM

Craig, Good for you! Results look great. Looks like you had a Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy . I used to do these procedures but haven't been doing for past few years because of paltry insurance reimbursements where I practice. The hardest part is over ....Wishing you a speedy recovery!

dysondiver · 15 August 2016, 04:32 AM

wishing you a speedy recovery ,, a big decision , im sure it will all be worth it.

HL65 · 15 August 2016, 04:33 AM

Well done Craig and hope you have a speedy recovery!

PerioBear · 15 August 2016, 04:41 AM

Good luck Craig. It looks like a nice case. Be sure to follow up with a periodontal exam when completed. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

GB-man · 15 August 2016, 05:55 AM

Speedy recovery craig!

Rebel · 15 August 2016, 06:19 AM

Best to you.

threemonkeys · 15 August 2016, 11:46 AM

Thank you for the wonderful encouragement everyone. It really means a lot to me coming from all of you. I'm seeing improvement everyday. Although I'm still getting used to my new face.

cajunron · 15 August 2016, 11:54 AM

Speedy recovery vibes going your way. I think mouth surgery is probably the worst of all. Glad to see you are happy with the results.

theloxmyth · 15 August 2016, 12:05 PM

Lots of courage, I see.

Well done for taking this surgery on.

Onikage · 15 August 2016, 12:12 PM

Amazing. I'm curious how your back teeth still work after being relocated?

goin camping · 16 August 2016, 02:43 AM

Good for you!

I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

13 August 2016, 02:55 PM	#4
GradyPhilpott 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: 116710 BLNR Posts: 34,349	Good luck with everything, Craig. I've never had anything like that done, but I do have some experience with painful and protracted procedures. Based on your OP, I would have to say that you made a very wise choice. Congratulations! __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

13 August 2016, 03:21 PM	#5
hdrazor251 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Jeff Location: Arizona Watch: is recovered!! Posts: 4,250	Congratulations and hopes for a quick recovery. __________________ 16753 GMT Master, 16613 Bluesy, 16710 GMT Master II, 16570 Polar Explorer II-Stolen & Recovered!! Card Carrying Member of the Global Assoc. of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

13 August 2016, 09:59 PM	#7
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 71,837	Wow Craig, good for you. Here's to a speedy recovery. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

14 August 2016, 01:29 AM	#14
Boothroyd 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Daniel Location: Minneapolis, MN Watch: Wilsdorf(s) Posts: 10,188	Good for you and congratulations! Hope the finish to the process goes smoothly! That took courage to elect to go through that process. __________________ Explorer 214270 MK I/Datejust II Black 116300/Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N

14 August 2016, 05:12 AM	#17
BNA/LION 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,220	The before and after x-rays look amazing and the amount of change is fantastic. Congratulations on doing this, your new smile and cheers to a speedy recovery! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

13 August 2016, 02:21 PM	#2
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Dear Craig: Although I have not been through this procedure, some of my best friends are the best surgeons in America (graduated with honors from Harvard medicine school) and they have spoken many times about the complexity of this surgery. I admire your courage and raise a glass for you. Wishing a speedy recovery.

13 August 2016, 09:56 PM	#6
Gaijin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Japan Watch: ing your back. Posts: 16,181	Proud of you Craig. Nicely done. Hats off.

13 August 2016, 10:18 PM	#8
TheBluePrince "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: London Posts: 2,081	One of my friends just had the same thing done but with more complexity so know what you're going through, upper and lower mandibles both reattached, mouth completely wired shut, liquid diet through syringe for 2 weeks etc. Serious, brave stuff! Hope you're happy with the result when it's all settled

13 August 2016, 11:32 PM	#9
Dyim "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Canada Posts: 2,230	50 year old is not a fun age to get this done. But if you are posting 4 days post-op, you must be doing decent Interesting they split your chin also.

13 August 2016, 11:39 PM	#10
The Joker "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gotham Posts: 9,634	Amazing effort and result Craig.

13 August 2016, 11:54 PM	#11
GoingPlaces "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 5,341	Wow, that takes a lot of courage. Congratulations on taking the steps, I'm sure t's not easy but well worth it in the end.

14 August 2016, 01:05 AM	#13
teqp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Phil Location: SoCal Watch: 116613LN Posts: 3,052	Hope for a speedy recovery. Looks like some serious pain. I hope the results are better than you expected.

14 August 2016, 04:25 AM	#15
Rolex addict Banned Join Date: Oct 2014 Real Name: The Enabler Location: South Cackalacky Watch: me crash my bike Posts: 5,564	I hope you have a speedy recovery. As someone who has also been through numerous dental surgeries, I know the pain you're in. It's temporary and the results are worth it.

14 August 2016, 04:58 AM	#16
roaddog359 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: earth Watch: Bluesy Posts: 865	GET WELL! Another TRF in the injured reserve category. I to am in recovery, get better soon.

14 August 2016, 05:15 AM	#18
superdog 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,703	My man, I'm so happy for you. This is nothing short of a rebirth. Good for you. I wish you a speedy rebirth and the answer to all of your hopes. Good for you!!!! __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

14 August 2016, 06:34 AM	#19
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 11,890	Well done. Gutsy move. Good luck. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

15 August 2016, 04:28 AM	#20
jsg "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: J. Location: North east USA Watch: Rolex, PAM, Omega Posts: 581	Craig, Good for you! Results look great. Looks like you had a Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy . I used to do these procedures but haven't been doing for past few years because of paltry insurance reimbursements where I practice. The hardest part is over ....Wishing you a speedy recovery!

15 August 2016, 04:32 AM	#21
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	wishing you a speedy recovery ,, a big decision , im sure it will all be worth it.

15 August 2016, 04:33 AM	#22
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,414	Well done Craig and hope you have a speedy recovery! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

15 August 2016, 04:41 AM	#23
PerioBear "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 758	Good luck Craig. It looks like a nice case. Be sure to follow up with a periodontal exam when completed. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

15 August 2016, 05:55 AM	#24
GB-man 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 36,875	Speedy recovery craig!

15 August 2016, 06:19 AM	#25
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,062	Best to you. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

15 August 2016, 11:54 AM	#27
cajunron 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Ronnie Location: Southeastern USA Watch: Omega Seamaster PO Posts: 3,853	Speedy recovery vibes going your way. I think mouth surgery is probably the worst of all. Glad to see you are happy with the results. __________________

15 August 2016, 12:05 PM	#28
theloxmyth Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Posts: 6,382	Lots of courage, I see. Well done for taking this surgery on.

15 August 2016, 12:12 PM	#29
Onikage "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: England Watch: 16710, 16628 Posts: 7,758	Amazing. I'm curious how your back teeth still work after being relocated? __________________ GMT II 16710 TRADITIONAL ( D- Serial #) ROLEXFANBOY P-Club Member #4

16 August 2016, 02:43 AM	#30
goin camping "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Real Name: Milo Location: Mojave Desert Posts: 922	Good for you! I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

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