Herbst

The Herbst Appliance is a fixed orthodontic appliance designed for the purpose of bringing an underdeveloped lower jaw forward to match the normally positioned upper jaw. This method of overbite correction is referred to as dentofacial orthopedics because the result is a combination of both jaw growth and tooth movement rather than just tooth movement alone.

The advantages of Herbst treatment are many. Elimination of the need for headgear or for extraction of adult teeth are two of the reasons that have made treatment with the Herbst so popular, but the main reason that the doctors of Reading Orthodontic Group recommend the Herbst is its ability to improve the patient’s facial balance and profile.

The Herbst appliance works best on growing patients. It consists of steel bands that cover back teeth on both top and bottom jaws. The bands are connected by tubes, similar to shock absorbers, that hold the jaw in a forward position and allow normal opening and closing but restricted side-to-side jaw movement. The appliance is used in concert with regular braces on upper and lower front teeth. For the first seven to ten days, chewing with the Herbst is difficult because the back teeth don’t meet. Foods should be limited to softer, easier to manage things until patient’s become comfortable with the appliance. The usual treatment time for the Herbst appliance is 12 months, after which the patient continues with a full set of braces for another 12 to 18 months until treatment is completed. As with braces, the Herbst appliance requires excellent oral hygiene. Our oral hygiene instruction will help you learn how you can keep your appliance and teeth clean and healthy throughout the entire treatment. Also, soreness can occur from parts that may protrude into the cheeks or from muscle achiness that is not uncommon when a patient is trying to get comfortable with this new awkward feeling jaw position.

As strange as it initially seems to become accustomed to this new appliance, patients and parents can take comfort in knowing that because of the Herbst they will have a great bite, improved profile and a fantastic smile without headgear, tooth extraction or jaw surgery being necessary. In fact, most patients tell us that the Herbst is not a problem at all, and most parents report that although they had reservations about the appliance at first, their child adapted easily and they are thrilled with the result!