Herbst Appliance

The Herbst appliance is used to correct the front-to-back relationship of the upper and lower jaws. The rod and tube, affectionately known as the “shock absorber”, actually connects the upper and lower jaws. This really does not interfere with the opening and closing of your mouth or with eating. You might find that side-to-side movement is somewhat restricted, but this has been improved with the new telescoping Herbst that you have.

THINGS TO GET USED TO

1. The bottom screws will initially irritate the lip and cheek area, which will toughen up like a callous in a few days. You can use a topical product such as Orabase on the inside of the lip and cheek where it is sore, and wax can be placed over the screws to make them smoother. On rare occasions it may be necessary for us to give you cotton rolls which are placed inside your cheek to prevent contact with the screws.
2. When the appliance is placed, the lower jaw is brought forward and the back teeth do not fit together like they did prior to the placement of the appliance. Those teeth will make contact so that you can chew normally in about four to six weeks.
   NOTE: It will be difficult to eat for a few days.
3. The teeth may be sore when the Herbst appliance is placed, but soreness will disappear in a few days.

POSSIBLE BUT NOT PROBABLE PROBLEMS

1. Occasionally a screw may come loose causing the telescope mechanism to dangle in your mouth. If this causes pain, remove the loose part, call our office, and we will replace the parts as needed. If this happens when we are out of the office, you can wait until the next business day to call even if it occurs on the weekend provided you are comfortable.
2. If you open extremely wide, the appliance cannot come apart since it telescopes; however, you could break the cement bond or telescopes. Please be sure not to play with the appliance by constantly opening to the maximum limit and moving the jaw side to side since this will fatigue the appliance. If you are having any problems with the appliance, please call the office.
3. If any part of your Herbst appliance becomes loose, call our office to let us know on the next business day provided you are comfortable.
4. The Herbst appliance is the fastest, and we feel the best appliance to correct your bite problem. It is fully contained within your mouth and does not show. Anytime something new is placed in the mouth, it takes time to adjust. Please be patient during the adjustment period; it will be over before you know it.