Herbst appliance

A Herbst appliance helps gradually shift the upper and lower jaws to align them into the proper position. This orthodontic device consists of four caps that fit over the back molars. The top portion contains a looped wire which runs along the upper jaw or palate, while the lower section uses two metal bars connected to the steel caps on your upper and lower teeth for stability.

Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may entail a Herbst appliance with braces or as a standalone treatment.

Once the Herbst appliance is in the proper position, it will move the lower jaw forward while gently moving the upper jaw backward. This gradual pressure helps align the bottom jaw and the teeth of the upper jaw.

With a Herbst appliance, your child will improve their bite, smile and enhance the appearance of their jawline. Patients will visit our office throughout their treatment so we can monitor their progress. If necessary, we may make adjustments to correct your child’s jaw growth.

While you can treat an overbite at any age, we recommend correcting an overbite while your child’s mouth and jaw are still developing. Using a Herbst appliance to correct your child’s bite will prevent the need for more extensive procedures later in life. Using a Herbst appliance offers many benefits for your child, such as:

• Preventing damage to teeth and gums.
• Reducing the risk of pain in the jaw and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) disorder.
• Correcting facial structure.
• Improving speech impediments.
• Creating a bright and beautiful smile they will enjoy throughout their life.

The exact length of time your child wears a Herbst appliance will vary depending on the severity of their overbite. Children generally wear a Herbst appliance for at least 12 months, but they may see an improvement in their bite much sooner.

While a Herbst appliance is a durable piece of equipment, you’ll have to perform some maintenance to extend its lifespan and properly care for the teeth it touches. Your child must brush, floss and use mouthwash daily to clean the areas touching the device. Your child should also avoid touching and playing with the appliance with their fingers or tongue to ensure it stays in the proper position.