If your child has been prescribed a Herbst appliance, you may be curious about what this orthodontic device is. After all, many people have never heard of them before. But rest assured that although they may not exactly be a household name, these handy little oral appliances can make a huge impact on your child’s gorgeous grin. Here’s a closer look at what they are, what they do, and how they can help enhance your child’s orthodontic treatment!
What is a Herbst Appliance?
A Herbst appliance is a device used to line up the top and bottom jaws, improving the way the teeth fit together (the bite). It works by moving the lower jaw forward while pushing the upper jaw backwards. They are sometimes prescribed for patients who have either an overbite (when the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth) or an overjet (where the upper front teeth protrude past the lower front teeth). Although treatment times will vary depending on the child and the severity of their bite problems, most patients wear their Herbst appliance for about a year.
What Does it Feel Like to Wear a Herbst Appliance?
When your child first gets their Herbst appliance, their upper and lower teeth may not be able to touch when their mouth is closed. Their teeth and the muscles in their jaws and cheeks may also feel tender, making it difficult to eat in the first few days and weeks. The good news is that these issues should go away in a week or two as your child adjusts to the device.
Best Practices for Using a Herbst Appliance
Wearing a Herbst appliance can make an extremely big difference in your child’s orthodontic treatment and the final outcome of their smile. The good news is that they’re relatively easy to maintain and care for. However, please be aware that certain foods can break the device or pull it apart, so be sure to avoid feeding your child anything sticky, chewy, or too hard, like candy, gum, ice cubes, and popcorn. If they’re eating raw fruits or vegetables, cut them into thin slices.
Herbst appliances can make it a little difficult for your child to brush and floss their teeth, but it is not impossible. Be sure they keep their teeth and device clean by brushing after each meal, even when away from home.
Remember, if your child has been prescribed a Herbst appliance, this safe, effective device is the best way to correct their bite and give them the healthy, even smile they deserve. To learn more about this treatment, or if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your orthodontic team today.
About Dr. Struble
Dr. Blair Struble earned her undergraduate degree at Willamette University and her dental doctorate at Oregon Health & Science University. She then achieved her Master of Science in dentistry and certification in orthodontics at the University of Washington. Today, she is a proud, active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, the Central Oregon Dental Society, and the American Board of Orthodontics, where she is a board-certified Diplomate. To schedule a consultation for orthodontic treatment at Struble Orthodontics, visit our website or call 541-848-6642 in Bend or 541-527-4325 in Redmond.