Jen Markey’s Braces and Help With Surgery Recovery

If you know me, you know I’ve always had crooked teeth. And I’ve always been ok with that. But, nearing 50, it was becoming a medical issue. My bottom front teeth were beginning to slant outwards, causing irregular biting, chewing and significant gum recession. The wear patterns on my teeth, because they were crooked, were starting to create sharp edges and pain while eating. I had permanent dents in my tongue from the two front teeth that were always chomping down on it, and my jaw is asymmetrical, which causes clenching and pain even when I’m at rest. Two of my upper molars don’t rest on their bottom counterparts at all, so all of my chewing takes place on one side of my mouth. I was prone to sinus problems and post-nasal drip and I very often woke during the night to sneeze and blow my nose (I didn’t often go back to sleep). I’ve been going to a very awesome dentist for the last eight years who started talking about braces; I had a few consultations and, because of my narrow jaw, corrective surgery had to happen if the braces are to do their job. So I took the plunge and had a very expensive jaw surgery (which is 100% covered!); and I got braces! At 50! There is no coverage for adult braces, even when medically necessary. BUT-I’m starting to enjoy smiling! At $7000, or even $250 a month, braces would be an incredible hardship for me (I teach preschool and I make about the same salary as I did twelve years ago)if it weren’t for all of these incredibly generous donations.

Edit: I have added to the goal to make it 12k; I will need one more periodontal surgery and possibly another, after my braces come off and after my next major surgery.  I have had complications with the three conscious surgeries I’ve had thus far, so I have chosen IV sedation for the next ones, which costs around $600.  I am also choosing to start myofunctional therapy to make sure I can properly re-learn how to use my lips and tongue; it costs $2200 and I want to get started soon, as eating is still quite difficult for me. I hope all of my very generous donors can understand my choice of adding to my goal.  Thanks for reading and I appreciate ANY gift you can give.

Update: BRACES:PAID!!!  THANK YOU!!!