Lander was like most kids; curious, friendly, and caring. At seven years old, his pediatric dentist shared he had a “severe overjet.” His front teeth jetted out far enough that they would always be exposed. Mom and Dad knew something was different, but a diagnosis changes everything. With top teeth always landing outside his mouth, Lander had to create a seal with his top jaw and lower lip. This created ongoing sores on his lower lip. Mom was worried he would feel different from the other kids and be teased, though Lander never complained of this.
Lander’s dentist recommended seeing a specialist orthodontist that could help with the severe overjet. But didn’t recommend our Clinic that is closer to home. Twice a year Mom and Dad drove Lander about two hours each way to visit the Orthodontist and check progress until he was ready for braces. Lander enjoyed the visits because he would get prizes, just like we provide our patients! Lander had also visited an oral surgeon and learned he had a 16 millimeter overjet! A hypoplastic mandible, or extremely small lower jaw, meant future surgery was a real possibility.
Warning: plot twist!! A few years later it was time for braces. Lander got in the chair like always but kept sitting back up. He would not be still and allow the placement of brackets for braces. After five minutes the Orthodontist from an outside clinic gave up and called Mom to pick up Lander. Understandably surprised and confused, Mom asked for an explanation. Unfortunately, the Orthodontist ran a busy practice and was not willing to support a patient with sensory differences. It would take too much time.
Mom and Dad were very surprised and unsure of next steps. They knew Lander needed braces, but their plan just fell apart. Mom knew of our Clinic and understood the care we provide for patients with a cleft. When it was recommended she contact us, Mom was concerned we were not the right fit. But we absolutely were and still are! As a Clinic that offers a team approach to care with up to 13 different medical, dental, and allied health care specialties, we were able to meet Lander’s needs and thrilled to support.
Mom made an appointment and Lander was immediately comfortable. Our Orthodontic Technicians and Orthodontist knew exactly what to do to make Lander comfortable. It took more time to place brackets for braces to meet Lander’s sensory needs, but no one at the Clinic expected to support him in any other way than how he was comfortable. There was greater discussion of what was happening, smelling of everything going into his mouth, and repeated verbal approval for each next step. Mom watched all of it and was so happy!
Unfortunately, it is not possible to move a jaw forward 16 millimeters with braces and appliances. Ten millimeters was the best outcome possible and surgery would be needed. Without surgery, Lander’s teeth would wear down prematurely from improper alignment. Our Pediatric Plastic Surgeon was now part of Lander’s care team and prepared 3D models of Lander’s jaw. Lander could see what his face would look like after surgery! He already liked computer aided design, but this solidified his passion and got him excited.
Lander was in surgery for eight hours. His top and bottom jaws had to be broken and reset with supportive medical devices. Lander also had his chin advanced, called a genioplasty, for esthetics. Recovery was uncomfortable the first two weeks; eating and communicating were a challenge. But Lander’s face was transformed and he fell in love with peanut butter smoothies. Lander started his senior year of High School with lots of surprise from his classmates.
Lander says he “fully trusted everyone at the Clinic.” The transformation helped him feel like less of an outcast in social situations and more comfortable around other people. “It definitely made me feel more confident,” says Lander.
Mom says, “the Clinic was transformative in Lander’s life. From the front desk to the hygienists, I really got to know them. So personable and so inviting. I recommend everyone through and through.” Mom even began to take Lander’s siblings to the Clinic for orthodontic care. Our efforts to support the whole family include accepting siblings for care.
Lander may have “graduated” from our care, but he will never forget how his life has changed with our support. Today Lander is in college studying to be a mechanical engineer. He says the care provided by the Clinic gave him the confidence to go out and work towards fulfilling his dreams.
