What is a Herbst Appliance?

The Herbst Appliance is very effective at correcting large overbites due to small lower jaws in patients that are growing. It is made of three parts:

1. Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) in the palate to widen the upper jaw.
2. Lower lingual holding arch in the lower jaw to hold teeth in place while movements occur.
3. Spring arms which help move the jaws into the desired position.

What can I expect?

When you first get your appliance, there is an adjustment period.

• At first, your mouth will feel unusually full and speaking will be awkward. Practice reading aloud to help your ordinary speech return quickly.
• You may produce more saliva than normal and will decrease as you become accustomed to your appliance.
• When the lower jaw is positioned forward, your bite may feel off. This is temporary and will improve with time.
• Chewing may be awkward at first - stick with softer foods for a few days. Sticky or hard foods should be avoided throughout treatment.
• There may be some tenderness or soreness at first, this normally disappears after a few days - take Tylenol or Advil if needed.

How often do I turn the Herbst appliance?

The expander, which is placed in the palate, needs to be turned by you at home using the key we provide. The frequency of this expansion will be advised by our doctors.