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Review content:
If you’re an adult needing orthodontic care, especially if it’s needed to fix major bite issues, and needed as part of treatment with jaw surgery, Drs. Leone and Vaughn is your answer.
I was referred to Leone and Vaughn after spending five years consulting with other orthodontists and dental professionals.
After having my wisdom teeth out in 2003, I began to experience pain, and by seeing several medical professionals, I found out that my bite was really out of wack. I had an open bite and my teeth were not touching in the back; biting with my front teeth was not happening.
As time went on, my issues with biting and chewing (and pain) continued; not to mention my teeth were getting ruined.
I was told early on that in order to fix these issues and live out the rest of my live happy, healthy, and "normal," that I would need to get braces and then have lower jaw surgery. In addition, I was going to need to have four permanent teeth extracted. I was like "no way."
So, after spending five years consulting with different orthodontists and other medical professionals, I decided I would consult with one more orthodontist, and make a final decision to move forward with orthodontics and surgery.
I was referred to Leone and Vaughn. They took records—photos and x-rays, and said what everyone else said: braces and surgery will fix my problems. But, they said they could do it without any teeth extractions. I finally decided to go for it. This decision did not come easily or lightly.
Another detail about Leone and Vaughn that attracted me to them is the fact that about half of their patients are adults, which means they are very familiar with adult issues.
I got my braces (clear braces) on in November of 2008, and after four to six months, I had my first consultation with the jaw surgeon, Dr. Douglas Trimble, who works out of Overlake in Bellevue.
After meeting with him, he was able to explain my situation to me in relation to the lower jaw surgery, and I was feeling even more comfortable about the process.
I had my surgery in June of 2010, and during the time before that a lot of adjustments had to made to my teeth per Dr. Trimble for the surgery. Drs. Leone and Vaughn worked closely with Dr. Trimble to set my teeth up for the lower jaw surgery. I have to admit, my teeth had to look worse before they could look better. Large spaces had to made that I didn’t like, but they told me that’s why I keep my braces on for at least six months after surgery. And it’s true.
I had my braces on nine months after the surgery, and Drs. Leone and Vaughn were able to bring those spaces back and make my teeth look even better than they did before I started the process, and this was NOT something I did for cosmetic reasons.
Along the way, I always had a lot questions about why this tooth was here, etc., and they were so patient in explaining why they were doing what they were doing. As adults we like know exactly what is happening, and Leone and Vaughn are very good at making you feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the situation.
Now, after being complete with my orthodontic care and surgery, I am so very happy with my bite and jaw placement and teeth and smile. I can’t thank the doctors enough for doing such a wonderful job. It was a long road, but I have no regrets, and would refer anyone in my same situation to work with Drs. Leone and Vaughn.
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