The Herbst Appliance

The Herbst® Appliance

There are many methods that orthodontists may use to correct a particular problem. In your case we may decide that the Herbst® appliance will help bring your chin forward and improve your bite better than any other appliance we could use.

How does it work? By holding your lower jaw forward, three things will happen…

	You immediately look better
	Inasmuch as your face is still growing, this position will help speed the growth of your lower jaw
	Your total treatment time will usually be shortened

Now some precautions. Please don’t play with the appliance. If you open too wide, the little plunger attached to your lower jaw may slip out of the sleeve that is attached to your upper jaw. Should this happen, look in the mirror, open very wide, slip the little rods or plungers into the tubes or sleeves on the upper part and close normally.

Toothbrushing with your Herbst® appliance requires some extra time.

	Brush thoroughly all around and leave no food trapped under the tubes. If you have a water irrigator, such as a Water Pik, rinse thoroughly once or twice a day.
	Rinse each day with a fluoride rinse. If you prefer, brush normally, rinse, and then brush with a fluoride gel. Don't rinse after you finish brushing.

Take care of your appliance and you will be amazed how quickly your jaws will change.

* Herbst® is a registered trademark of Dentaurum, Inc.