Caring for Your
Herbst Appliance

  • What is a Herbst Appliance?

    A Herbst appliance is an orthodontic device used to correct overbites by holding the lower jaw in a forward position, promoting its growth, and developing an ideal bite. It consists of bands on the molars connected by metal arms, which gently guide the lower jaw forward, in addition to braces.

  • We'll do the prep

    One week before installing the Herbst, we will place separators – rubber bands flossed between your teeth – that will stay there for a week, creating enough space to seat the appliance comfortably.

  • How will it feel?

    The appliance's installation is a simple procedure with minimal discomfort. You may experience tenderness, muscle soreness, and some cheek irritation for the first few days as your mouth adjusts. Over-the-counter pain relievers, dental wax, and a soft food diet can help manage this temporary discomfort.

Care & Maintenance

  • Brushing and Flossing

    Brush and floss daily.

    Brush gently in a circular motion.

    Make sure to get the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Don’t forget to clean your gums!

    Brush for 4 minutes (instead of the usual 2 minutes) to ensure all surfaces are clean and healthy.

    Brush after snacks and meals to remove any leftover food.

    Continue to see your general dentist for regular cleanings throughout treatment.

  • Loose or Broken Appliance?

    Loose or broken appliances can be uncomfortable — call the clinic immediately if these issues arise, and we’ll determine the urgency with you and schedule a comfort appointment or make a note for your next visit. These visits are expected from time to time and are included in your treatment plan at no additional cost to you.

    You can avoid breaking your bars by avoiding chewing on hard objects and crunchy, sticky, or hard foods.

    See below for do’s and don’ts of home repair.

How to Fix a Loose Arm

DO:

Try to carefully tighten the screw on a loose Herbst arm by using a small Allen wrench (hex wrench).

DO:

Remove a completely detached arm by unscrewing the lower screw and bringing the loose parts to our clinic for repair.

DON’T:

Try to re-cement or force the appliance back into place. It is acceptable to remove a single loose arm mechanism and keep it in a safe place until your next appointment, but you should call our clinic immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.