Herbst

The Herbst is an appliance that is used to improve the way your upper and lower jaws fit together. The appliance holds the lower jaw forward to encourage it to grow while holding the upper jaw back.

What to expect:

• The teeth and jaws may be tender for the first few days.  Over the counter pain medication may be all that is needed for relief.
• The rods against the cheeks may give the patient’s cheeks a fuller appearance for the first few days.
• When the lower jaw is brought forward it may feel like your teeth do not fit, this will go away in a few days.
• If one of the crowns or screws comes loose please call our office as soon as possible, and be sure to save any parts that come loose.
• If sores appear on the inside of the cheeks, rinse the mouth with warm salt water 3-4 times a day(½ teaspoon salt to ½ cup of comfortably hot water.)  If this does not relieve the discomfort please call our office so we can check the patient.
• It may be more difficult to chew food. Softer foods can be easier to eat during this adjustment period. Also, try to avoid any hard or sticky food.

What to do if your Herbst causes a sore(s) :

• Treat sores before they become larger. DON’T WAIT!
• Use the provided cheek shields to pad the cheek from rubbing against the arms of the herbst.
• Place wax on the herbst by drying the surface well (wax may not stick well to the smooth surface of the herbst).
• Use the Peroxyl rinse to help keep the sore clean. You may also use a salt water rinse ( ½ tsp salt to ½ cup warm water) this will help expedite the healing process and will sooth the sores.
• Use numbing gels for comfort
• Use Ibuprofen for comfort and to also reduce swelling.

If swelling is significant or there is an open wound please give our office a call ASAP.