The Herbst Appliance

How Does It Work?
This appliance simply holds your lower jaw forward and by doing so stimulates it to grow in length thus eliminating your overbite. Plan on wearing your Herbst appliance at least 12 months.

What You May Expect While Wearing Your Herbst
Some muscle discomfort and eating difficulties for the first one to two weeks. After that you will hardly notice it is even there.

Use wax or cotton balls to cushion the sides of the Herbst if it is rubbing your cheeks.

The front portion of the Herbst will be noticeable for the first week or two while your muscles adapt to the appliance.

Always avoid any hard or sticky foods.

Brush your teeth and the appliance carefully and often. Plan on taking at least 4 minutes to brush. See us for adjustments on a regular basis usually every 8 - 10 weeks.

Before:

During:

After:

Precautions
Do not play with your Herbst and keep fingers out of your mouth. If you open too wide, the long rod attached to your lower jaw may come out of the tube, which is attached to your upper jaw. Should this happen, look in a mirror, open wide, and slip the rod into the tube of the upper part and close normally. Please call the office if you should have any additional questions.

This appliance is an integral part of your treatment. It is important that you follow our guidelines for proper care. Your appliance is a sturdy instrument, but it will fail to work properly if it is continually abused or otherwise not cared for. If you keep the appliance clean and remember the kinds of food you can and cannot eat, your treatment should be smooth and trouble-free.

Please call our office should you have any questions regarding your appliance or your treatment.