^^^Put on a Happy Face^^^

So for all of you medical term techies here is what the orthodontist deemed me at my initial consult...

Crowded teeth, overbite, overjet, incorrect fit of teeth, jaw joint issues.  Oral Surgeon consult is estimating cost for...Lefort 1, Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomies of the Mandible, Surgical Splints and genioplasty invovling two night stay at Hospital.

Insurance sent request for medical records last week that my oral surgeon is faxing over so hopefully I will hear something soon. I should probably order my oral surgeon records so I have them available for appeal if possible. When I receive those records I can post the medical issues that they listed.  For those of you in the states w/ our "private" insurance plans the total cost with braces included is approximated around $35k if they decline coverage (in my situation) and w/ my insurance plan it will be around $18k if they accept it. I have a high deductible and all oral surgery is out-of-network, so that's that! :)

Now on to the interesting...back in my teens I had an ex-boyfriend that said I looked like Droopy Dog. What a winner. Anyway, the sad thing is I knew what he was talking about. I have this circle around my mouth that has gotten more noticeable w/ age and when wearing makeup. I always assumed it was because of my gums and teeth but my Oral Surgeon said it was because I had over-exercised those muscles around my mouth in order to try to close my lips and it left that circle around my mouth. I guess I never realized all the muscles in my face. I have grown up with migraine headaches and muscle tension in my face and this is why. I just assumed it was only the joints but we can cause much tension in those facial muscles as well.  So, now I just let loose and let it all hang open! It's really interesting stuff. You should research it!!! My sister who turned the big 4-0 this year got this funny lil' DVD called Hapy Face Yoga. It's seriously yoga for your face. I watched a video on you tube and it's hilarious. My husband caught me in the act of doing this "facial exercise" and just shook his head. I'm curious on these results....what if it could help relieve tension in the face as well? I'm going to try it after surgery.

Well, have a great week and don't forget to put on a Happy Face! :)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoNeuAloVlU