What is a Herbst Treatment for?
If your child has an overbite – where the top teeth protrude beyond the underdeveloped lower jaw – braces may not fully correct the problem. Most often, the child will need additional treatment to move the lower jaw forward, and that nearly always means a Herbst orthodontic appliance, or equivalent.
At Queen City Orthodontics, we may recommend the Herbst appliance for this condition, which we call a Class II malocclusion. The design of the Herbst can vary depending on orthodontist preferences. This device is made of stainless-steel crowns and “piston like” extensions and eliminates the need for elastics or headgear. Instead, in most cases these stainless steel crowns are cemented over the upper and lower back teeth with a telescope mechanism attached that stimulate the lower jaw bone to grow forward as they hold the upper jaw back. Some orthodontists like Dr. Viecilli, an orthodontist Austin TX trusts, use a similar appliance called a MARA (mandibular repositioning appliance), which performs the same function.
Some parents are surprised that braces alone cannot correct their child’s overbite or other bite issues. Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the Herbst appliance:
How Does a Herbst Orthodontic Appliance Work?
The Herbst orthodontic appliance is a really interesting functional appliance for mandibular advancement and Class II correction. It’s primarily used to correct overbites by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward and the upper molars to move backward. This is achieved through the use of a metal extension that connects the upper and lower jaw. When you open your mouth, the appliance guides the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This movement gradually encourages the lower jaw to catch up with the upper jaw, which helps to correct the overbite. The Herbst appliance is unique because it allows you to move your jaw sideways, forward, and open it wide, which means you won’t have any trouble eating, yawning, or speaking. The appliance is typically worn for about 12-15 months, but this can vary depending on the individual. One of the best things about the Herbst appliance is that it’s fixed, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to wear it. So, in a nutshell, the Herbst Orthodontic Appliance works by gently guiding your jaw into the correct position over time. It’s an effective, user-friendly solution to correcting overbites.
What are the Benefits of Herbst Appliance?
The Herbst appliance is a device that orthodontists often recommend for correcting overbites in children. It’s a popular choice for several reasons, and I’d be happy to share a few of the benefits with you! Firstly, the Herbst appliance is very effective at correcting large overbites. By holding the lower jaw forward, it encourages the upper and lower jaws to grow in harmony with each other. This not only improves the bite, but also enhances facial aesthetics, giving a more balanced and proportional look. Secondly, compared to other orthodontic appliances, Herbst appliance is more comfortable and less noticeable. It’s securely fixed to the molars, so there’s less risk of it slipping or causing discomfort. Plus, because it’s hidden at the back of the mouth, it’s less visible. Another great advantage is that it allows normal functioning like eating and speaking without much hindrance. You don’t have to worry about removing it during meals or cleaning, which makes it quite convenient. In conclusion, the Herbst appliance is an effective, comfortable, and convenient way to correct overbites. It’s a great option that combines both functionality and aesthetics, bringing about a beautiful, healthy smile.
When should my child start treatment for overbite?
Sometimes your child will need a jaw adjustment as well as bite correction, the Herbst appliance is most effective at younger ages, while the jaw is still developing. These devices are infrequently used past the teenage years. Adults who seek this type of correction usually must undergo surgery.
If my child is OK with the way her teeth and profile look, why bother with orthodontic treatment?
Straight-appearing teeth doesn’t mean the bite is correct, and a bad bite is associated with a higher rate of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. Taking care of these problems can be expensive. Treatment for overbite needs to begin before the time youngsters generally become concerned about their looks; once they’re self-conscious about a receding chin, it may be too late for non-surgical treatment. In addition, in correcting alignment, the Herbst appliance can improve speech clarity and temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ) and in some patients, reduce sleep apnea.
How long do you wear the Herbst appliance?
Normally, the appliance is worn for 9 – 12 months. Improvement in bite and appearance can usually be seen much sooner.
Is the Herbst appliance uncomfortable?
Your child may feel some pain initially, but over-the-counter medication in the correct doses should control it. Warm salt-water rinses can help both pain and healing. He will likely also find chewing and swallowing difficult at first, so soft foods – yogurt, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, puddings – are best to eat for a couple of days. Your child should be able to return to normal eating in a short time, following his orthodontist’s few food restrictions.
Does the device require any special care?
The child should not let his fingers or tongue fuss with the appliance or try to move his jaw out of its new position. If slurred speech is a problem at first, reading aloud can help retrain the pronunciation. If a little rod on the appliance slips out of its sleeve, it is not hard for you or your child to put it back in place – we can demonstrate. Your child will need to brush more carefully because food can become trapped in the appliance – we recommend also using a water pick. Be sure to brush with fluoride each day, and call our office with any questions or concerns.
Don’t despair for your child when your orthodontist tells you she needs a Herbst appliance. The discomfort is minimal. The results will not only give her prettier teeth but a more perfect facial structure – and a healthier mouth for the rest of her life.
Is a Herbst device painful?
Absolutely not! A Herbst device is designed to be comfortable and pain-free. It’s true that you might experience a little discomfort or soreness initially as your mouth adjusts to the device, but this is temporary and should subside within a few days. Just like getting used to braces or a new pair of glasses, it takes a bit of time for your body to adapt. So, don’t worry! The Herbst device is a helpful tool in orthodontics and any minor discomfort is definitely worth the beautiful smile you’re working towards.
Why does my Herbst appliance hurt my cheeks?
This can happen in a few cases, especially in the first few weeks of wearing the appliance. The reason for this is that your mouth and cheeks are not used to the presence of the appliance yet. The metal parts may rub against the inside of your cheeks causing irritation or even small sores. But don’t worry, your mouth will gradually adapt to it. In the meantime, using dental wax over the parts that are causing discomfort can provide some relief. Remember, it’s important to keep your orthodontist informed about any discomfort you’re experiencing so they can help you manage it effectively.
Is it hard to eat with Herbst appliances?
Absolutely not! While it may seem a bit challenging at first, eating with Herbst appliances isn’t as hard as you might think. Like with any new dental device, there’s an adjustment period where your mouth is getting used to the appliance. You might experience some discomfort or difficulty when chewing in the beginning. But don’t worry, this is completely normal and temporary. After a short while, you’ll be able to eat most of your favorite foods with ease. Just remember to avoid hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods to prevent damaging your appliance. So, keep your chin up! You’ll be a pro at navigating meals with your Herbst appliance in no time.