Perhaps, the hardest part was to muster up my determination to have surgery and, of course, the surgery itself. On the other hand, right after the surgery, when everything went well, I already knew that all of this is temporary, and I’ll be able to enjoy the result for the rest of my life.
Dominykas, in what way did your jaw problem manifest in the day-to-day life? What kind of discomfort did you feel?
Since I had nearly zero knowledge about this field or how exactly a correct jaw should look, I felt no significant discomfort. On the other hand, I’ve always felt that my upper and lower teeth do not “stick” nicely together when I smiled.
When encountering similar problems, patients often invent various ways how to camouflage the existing problem, especially when posing for photos. Have you ever resorted to such “lifehacks”?
Precisely because of the incorrect jaw, I saw that my smile in the photos looks unnatural and unaesthetic. Therefore, I avoided getting photographed, and, if avoiding the lens was impossible, then I tried to be seen posing full-face, and never sideways to the camera.
How did you learn about the solution to the problem – orthognathic treatment method?
Honestly, before the surgery, I knew very little about malocclusion and position of jaws. In my environment, there weren’t many people with such problems, so there was no need to take interest or try fixing this problem. My orthodontist Ilona Tercijonaitė encouraged me to choose this treatment method and get more information about, and to get consultation about it. Ultimately, I decided to seek information on the internet and to consult with Simonas Grybauskas.
Have you considered any other treatment alternatives?
There a few alternatives proposed, but the specialists gave me no guarantees, so I put my trust in Simonas Grybauskas and his team and rejected all other alternatives right away.
Was it challenging to make up your mind? What helped you to decide?
Before making up my mind to have surgery and treatment, I investigated it intensely on the internet, read about the experiences of people who encountered this problem. All their opinions were almost unanimous – having treatment is worth it. My family and friends knew a little about such issues, so they supported my choice. In most cases, when I told about my malocclusion problem and incorrect position of jaws, everyone used to get surprised first. Later, after learning a bit more, they’d understand that such issues do exist, and they can be treated, so they supported me unanimously.
What are your memories of the treatment process?
The treatment process, I’d say, was long, and there were moments when I just wanted to quit and leave it all behind. In such moments, an excellent team of Simonas Grybauskas and its pleasant communication, comprehensive support, encouragement and their saying that all of this is temporary, inspired me to continue with the treatment and finish everything that was planned. Perhaps, the hardest part was to muster up my determination to have surgery and, of course, the surgery itself. On the other hand, right after the surgery, when everything went well, I already knew that all of this is temporary, and I’ll be able to enjoy the result for the rest of my life.
What seems most important for you in the course of treatment?
In my opinion, before choosing orthognathic treatment, accessibility of information and trusting one’s doctors is essential. Of course, the support of the family is also necessary. To my brothers in destiny, I’d like to wish them not to be afraid to ask about everything, to take an interest in the subject, and always remember that all discomfort experienced in the course of the treatment is temporary, and the result will be undoubtedly excellent and comforting.
How did your life change after the treatment?
After the surgery and the entire period of treatment, my life has changed indeed. Self-confidence is the most important thing that occurred. Not just I but also the people around me noticed that my facial features are showing through. I haven’t met a single friend or relative who’d say that I look the same after the treatment. To all of them, I look transformed and more handsome.
If you could turn back time, already knowing and experiencing as much as you have now, would you still choose to have orthognathic treatment?
If I could turn back time, I’d change nothing, and I’d bravely choose to have this treatment. There’s only one thing I’d change: I’d come to Simonas earlier, I wouldn’t have waited for so long.