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 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.

What may you expect now that you are wearing this appliance?

                               1.)  The first few days you may have some light tenderness of your jaw muscle.

                               2.)  You may have some irritation to the inside of your cheeks.

                                     This is usually due to the extra fullness made by the heads of the screws.

                               3.)  The screws are necessary to allow the jaws to work up and down

                                      freely so you may chew with as much ease as possible.

                               4.)  Placing soft wax over these places will help.  As your mouth becomes

                                     accustomed to having the appliance in place twenty-four hours a day, you

                                     may discontinue the wax.

                               5.)  If soreness persists after a few days, call us.  We want you to be as comfortable as

                                     possible.

                               6.)  During the first few days you may have to eat a soft diet until you become

                                     accustomed to chewing in the new position.  Gradually you may go back to

                                     your normal diet.

Now some precautions.  Please don't play with your new appliance.  If you open too wide,

                    the little plunger attached to your jaw may slip out of the sleeve that is attached to your upper

      jaw.  Should this happen, look in a mirror, open very wide, slip the little rods or plungers into the

                    tubes or sleeves of 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 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 this brushing.  Take care of your appliance

                       and you will be amazed how quickly your jaws will change.

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