Totally understand where you're coming from. My daughter went through something similar—braces alone just weren't cutting it. Getting that second opinion was a game changer for us too...sometimes you just need fresh eyes on the problem. Glad you're finally seeing some progress!
Did the second opinion suggest surgery or just a different orthodontic approach? I've heard mixed things about surgery for underbites...was it ever on the table for your daughter, or did you manage to avoid it? Curious how others navigated this.
"I've heard mixed things about surgery for underbites...was it ever on the table for your daughter, or did you manage to avoid it?"
We were told surgery was the only real fix for my underbite, but I pushed back and got a third opinion. Glad I did—ended up using braces with elastics and a palate expander instead. Took longer, sure, but no regrets here. Surgery's not always the only route, even if some orthodontists make it sound that way...
Glad you found a route that worked without surgery. I had a similar experience—my orthodontist initially said surgery was pretty much inevitable for my underbite, but I was hesitant. Ended up going the braces and elastics route too, and while it definitely tested my patience (felt like forever at times), I'm really glad I stuck with it. Surgery can be a great option for some, but it's not always necessary, even if they make it sound like the only way.
Did your daughter find the palate expander uncomfortable? I remember mine being a bit of a pain at first, especially when eating or talking...but eventually got used to it. Curious how others handled that adjustment period.
I remember the palate expander being pretty annoying at first too—felt like I was talking with marbles in my mouth for the first week or so. Eating was definitely tricky, especially anything chewy or sticky, but after a while, it just became second nature. My granddaughter had one recently and she adjusted way quicker than I did, barely complained at all. Maybe kids are just more adaptable than we give them credit for...
Did your daughter have trouble with certain foods early on? I recall popcorn and caramel being off-limits—definitely missed those movie snacks for a bit.
