I received an email from a reader in his late 30s. Skip to the bottom of this story for my bottom line about this jaw surgery recovery topic. The initial email read as follows:

Subject: Ugh..Should I do this?

Jordan, I researched and found your site. I am [in my late 30s] and have been debating this for years. I have an under-bite that I am outrageously self conscious about. It certainly impacts my self esteem. I don't get any comments on it. My wife says she doesn't think it is holding me back. I do see people look at my mouth, and make move their mouth, which is certainly an indicator that they are observant about it. As I mentioned I am [in my late 30s], and from the sounds of it, this is a long process. I would hate to get metal braces at this point. Any idea if the invisalign option would work? How long of a time line am I looking at here? How much money would I be looking at (and I know you can not give me hard figures)? We have fairly good health insurance. We also have dental insurance (but most dental doesn't cover a whole lot.) I live in [Massachusetts]. Any information and feedback you have would be greatly greatly appreciated! - Thanks - Joe

I answered Joe:

Hi Joe,

I think the best first step is to go for a consultation at an oral surgeon's office so they can tell you what kind of surgery may be necessary. They will likely do x-rays (3D models) so they can look at you in 3D on a computer, and then let you know a week or two later (or sooner). The one thing that kind of stung when I first went in for a consultation is that it's their job to tell you what the current state of your mouth is, so while I didn't ever hear anyone make fun of my jaw, hearing someone say "you have an underbite and you speak a bit to the side" was kind of rough. But it's their job I guess!

Surgery isn't fun, and while the first few days and weeks of recovery drag on so slowly, it's all over in just a few months. You should schedule an appointment just to find out if you need it, and if your insurance is accepted by the surgeon's office. You'll also be able to find out if you need braces, though the surgeon might just refer you to an orthodontist.

I hope it all works out well. Let me know if you have more questions.

Joe responded:

Jordan,

Thanks for the quick response. A few quick questions. Most blogs I went to indicated braces. I think you indicated invisalign (or invisible braces) how long were they on for? What portion did your insurance cover (or how much out of pocket did you spend, total)? Lasty and most importanly.......was the whole thing worth it?

Thanks again,
Joe

I replied to Joe again:

I actually have something called Incognito braces which are behind the teeth only. My insurance never covered orthodontics, but did cover my oral surgery 100%. I had Cigna at the time.

I believe the surgery was worth it. I look different than before. Here's a before/after.

I continued:

I know it's unfair because on one I am in Grand Central wearing a suit and the other I'm on New Jersey transit under horrible lighting not wearing a suit, but it gives you an idea of things.

These emails were from 2014. Years after I traded messages with Joe, here’s my full advice.

The bottom line is that most insurance providers do not cover orthodontics for adults. However, look into it because it’s possible you’re one of the few with coverage. (Don’t get your hopes up though.)

As for whether or not someone should undergo jaw surgery, that’s a personal decision.

Finally, products like Invisalign might be recommended by your surgeon prior to surgery, but for some cases regular braces might need to be used. I had to get regular braces in my late 20s in 2012 before my first surgery.

If you have to choose braces that go on the front of your teeth or behind your teeth (incognito), as someone who had incognito braces I highly recommend not getting them. When I went in to have adjustments, it was excruciating to have the orthodontist reaching behind my teeth to add and remove wires. I didn’t want people to know I had braces, but trust me when I tell you that it’s far more worth it to have them placed on the front of your teeth. Adult braces were a joke in an old and hilarious “Family Guy” episode long ago, but now in 2021 so many people are fixing their smiles with so many companies to choose from. Don’t let any potential embarrassment get to your head.

If you determine on your own that jaw surgery is right for you, when you’re done with braces and/or surgery, you’re going to be so happy you did it. Jaw surgery recovery is a major thing. It’s serious stuff. But once you’re healed around 12 weeks later, you’ll be relieved. I know I was.

Photo credit: spyffe | Flickr