Early planning stages, needing advice
I'd like some advice on how to proceed because I'm worried about condylar resorption d/t age, gender, and hormonal risk factors:
My dentist has confirmed overbite and retro/micrognathia and referred me to an in-network surgeon, but I won't be able to get in for a consult for 4-6 months. I had braces more than 10 years ago and my dentist guessed some camouflaging was done, but I never wore retainers so it's unclear how much of that effect stuck. As far as I know I had an overbite before and after braces.
I have a sleep study scheduled and know I need a CBCT but don't know where I'm going for that yet (looking for in-network/insurance approval).
I can get in for a consult with a different surgeon sooner who is recommended by my dentist (I trust him, so trying to use him as a resource as much as it makes sense), and who is out of network but it'd be a good starting point/reference for me.
Main questions:
What specialists do I need to see to establish "medical necessity"? I'm worried about sleep and breathing issues, as well as future TMJ issues. Also have severe aesthetic/social concerns, but that's necessarily secondary. Do I just need to look for a TMJ specialist and ask about condylar resorption? Do I need a super specialist for that?
Would it be advisable to try to get a consult with one of the world-class guys (Gunson, Movahed, Wolford) since condylar resorption is kind of a sticky issue, and do any of them currently do virtual consults? I've read mixed things on here but not gone as far as trying to schedule an appointment. I'm just trying to avoid a situation where a less knowledgeable provider clears me for jaw surgery when I really need TMJ replacement or am just too high risk a case.
Thanks for reading, any advice appreciated. I have some pretty serious functional and aesthetic concerns but also this surgery seems super scary and high-risk, so I'm trying to assess.