Can surgey that is not life saving ever be justified? One writer knows the answer is yes every time she smiles
SIX months ago I decided it was time to fix my teeth. I was aware of the fact that braces were my only resort but when a tempting offer of a four-hour surgical procedure, which would guarantee a perfect smile in 3 to 8 months, came along, I was sold and, despite the pain in the initial days after the operation, I have not regretted it since.
I was never self-conscious about my smile or my teeth but after years of looking at perfect women with perfect pearly whites, I decided it was time for perfection. Ah, those magazines, those models, those beautiful women, who have girls all over the world popping in and out of plastic surgeons’ offices. I figured I was more or less happy with the rest of me and therefore, wouldn’t even consider messing around with Mother Nature, but surely a small procedure to improve my smile would be worth it.
I visited an orthodontist in January to enquire about the possibilities and discover if anything could be done. Braces are for kids, I thought to myself. There must be something else. Not so apparently. “You will need braces,” said Elena Petrou, orthodontist, “and because you are slightly older than the norm, I would say it will take 2½ years for your teeth to straighten out completely.” I was devastated. Meeting new people is something I do on a daily basis and I wasn’t keen on doing so wearing braces.
A month went by and I got over it although I was still concerned about not bring taken seriously because of the braces. But then I was told about this new method, which would guarantee straight teeth in less than eight months. “It is a four-hour surgery, which will make it easier for your teeth to move and gain their proper position in less than a year,” Petrou and Michael Papademetriou explained. “Wilkodontics, also known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO) is a relatively new treatment in the field of orthodontics. It promises to radically shorten your time in braces with a dental surgical procedure,” explained Petrou. However, I still had to wear braces prior to and after surgery. I was sold and decided to go ahead with the surgery. While my family was supportive, my fianc?e had second thoughts; the word ‘surgery’ freaked him out but my heart was set.
For four long months I duly wore the braces, in preparation for the procedure. The pain, to start with, was immense, I was even forced to take to my for a few days. I was told I could expect some swelling, which was certainly true. The surgery was done under local anesthesia and jaw surgeon Dr Spyros Papacharalambous told me that before I knew it, I be finished and “looking gorgeous in a few months”. What he failed to tell me was that I would have to be patient.
So what was involved? In a nutshell, after anesthesia, the surgeon cuts flaps along the surface of the gum and behind the teeth, exposing the bone adjacent to the teeth. The bone is then scored and sealed to prevent infection. The final straw was being stitched up – I really felt like I had been. Although, I was completely numb, just before the operation was completed, I felt a throbbing pain in my mouth, which made it difficult to fight back the tears. Over the following days I was so swollen, I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t eat and I didn’t dare to leave the house. (On the plus side, I did lose 6 kilos).
Two weeks later and the stitches were removed. OK I suffered for a week but a month later and I was singing the procedures praises. My teeth had inexplicably moved into place and within four months of the operation I was out celebrating with my friends that I was out of braces. I couldn’t stop smiling for the first couple of weeks and now every time I look at photographs or I stare in the mirror, I know it was worth it!
l Orthodontics: Elena Petrou – Michael Papademetriou: 22 510323. Surgeon: Dr Spyros Papacharalambous: 22 375160
Pros and Cons of AOO Surgery
Pros
* You are in braces less time than traditional orthodontic treatments
* After AOO, there is more bone to support your teeth and facial profile
* History of relapse has been very low
* There is less need for appliances and headgear (depending on the case)
* In the eleven years since AOO was first established, the patients’ outcomes were good and have remained stable.
* The technique has it’s roots in proven orthopedic research and treatments
* You can wear either metal or ceramic braces
Cons
* It is an expensive procedure, often not covered by insurance
* It is a mild invasive surgical procedure and, like all surgeries, it has it’s risks
* You will experience some pain and swelling and the possibility of infection
* It is not for you, if you take NSAIDs (Non-Steroid Anti- Flammatory Drugs) on a regular basis or have any other chronic health problems
* Some form of anesthesia must be used
* You will probably miss a week off school or work
* It is not ‘pain free’; your teeth will still hurt when the braces begin to move them
