• Harmful Habits • Removable Appliances • Orthodontic Implants • Retainers
Herbst Appliance
Herbst appliance therapy is one of the most useful orthodontic appliances available today. It is primarily used in the correction of more severe skeletal malocclusions and if the appliance is recommended for you, it is an indication of a more substantial orthodontic correction.
The Herbst happens to be more useful during the pubertal or post pubertal growth phases than other appliances. In our practice, there have been many instances where the Herbst appliance eliminated the need for jaw surgery.
The Herbst design can be modified and the manner in which it is used can be adapted to different malocclusions, it can be controlled to:
- restrain the growth of the upper jaw
- encourage growth of the lower jaw
- help correct mandibular growth asymmetries
- pull back the upper front teeth
- push the lower teeth forward
- align the upper front teeth with intrusion or extrusion as needed
- provide arch expansion to provide space to correct crowding of the teeth
How will it feel?
At first, the Herbst will feel like a mouthful but within a week it will become quite comfortable. It may irritate the inside of your cheeks at first but soon the tissue will toughen up to the appliance and not be a problem. Please call us to report any prolonged cheek or tongue irritation.
What about eating?
Chewing will be awkward at first. You may want to stay with softer foods for a day or two. But very soon you will be back to a normal diet (with the exception of sticky and brittle foods, of course).
How long will I wear them?
Normally, the Herbst Appliance is in for a minimum of 12 months.
What is the best way to get used to it?
First, don't play with it with your tongue or fingers. Secondly, don't fight it! Let your jaw go where the Herbst lets it. Don't try to force your jaw where it is difficult to do so.
Other things to report immediately:
- If a rod gets stuck inside a tube limiting movement of your jaw.
- Crowns that come loose from the tooth.
- Any other breakage.