Let's learn everything about the Herbst Appliance, which corrects the position of the lower jaw!

Have you ever felt like your child's upper teeth are too far forward? Or does the lower jaw seem a little small or receding? It's normal for parents to feel a little scared when they see these things. But don't worry, most of these conditions can now be fixed very simply and successfully. So today we're talking about a special device that is used to correct these things.

What is Herbst Appliance?

Simply put, this is an orthodontic device that is placed on the teeth. Orthodontists use it to move our children's lower jaw forward and align the upper and lower teeth.

This device works best when children's bodies, especially their jaws, are still growing . It is usually best used in children between the ages of 9 and 14. It is rarely used in adults. When it is used, it is often as a treatment for sleep apnea .

What conditions does this device correct?

It is mainly used to correct certain misalignments in the position of the teeth. Doctors call this a 'Class II malocclusion' . That means "the teeth fit together incorrectly." If your child has one of the following conditions, your doctor may recommend this Herbst Appliance.

How does this work? Will the other kids see it?

This device works by pushing the lower jaw forward while applying slight pressure to the upper jaw and pulling it back. Over time, this continuous force causes both jaws to move into the correct position and the teeth to align properly.

Often, braces are also placed with this appliance. Sometimes these are placed before the braces, and other times both are placed together.

The biggest question you may be asking yourself now is, "What will other kids think when my child wears this to school?" Many kids don't like to look different. But the good news is, it's not as visible as the big orthodontic headgear that used to be around their heads. It's usually only visible when the child laughs loudly or opens their mouth wide. So don't worry too much about it.

How long does it take to get used to this?

It takes a while to get used to anything new. This is no different. Most children take a week or two to get used to the new appliance. During that time, they may feel a little strange inside their mouth, and they may feel a little uncomfortable when talking or eating. But after that time, the new jaw alignment becomes normal.

Think about it, when you first put a ring on your finger, you always feel it. But after a while, you don't even remember that you put it on. This is the same thing.

How to eat and drink while wearing the Herbst Appliance and how to keep it clean

You should be especially careful about what you eat and drink and oral hygiene while wearing this device.

Take care of your food.

Eating soft foods like rice, lentils, and sourdough bread for the first few days will help your baby get used to this. Some foods may need to be completely avoided during this time, as they can damage the device.

How to keep it clean?

Proper oral hygiene is essential for the appliance to last. There are many small places where bacteria can hide in this appliance. So help your child do these things properly.

• Brush your teeth and appliance thoroughly at least twice a day.
• Floss around the metal bands on the device once or twice a day.
• You might consider using a water flosser to remove large pieces of food stuck in your mouth after eating (but remember, you can't stop flossing just because you've used a water flosser).

Your dentist will clearly show your child how to clean around this appliance.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Like any medical treatment, this one has both advantages and disadvantages.

How long should I wear this?

The length of time you need to wear this varies from child to child. It depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the problem. But in general, most children need to wear it for about a year . Some may finish treatment sooner, while others may take a little longer. Only your dentist can tell you exactly how long your child will need it.

When should you see a doctor?

This is very important. If your child's appliance breaks, comes loose, or is damaged in any way , you should talk to your orthodontist right away. Having a broken appliance can delay treatment. So your orthodontist will want to fix it as soon as possible.

If your child is not in pain due to the broken device, you can make an appointment during the doctor's regular business hours. But if your child is in pain, it is an emergency. If you cannot reach your doctor at that time, take them to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .

Does my child really need this?

Not every child with braces will need a Herbst Appliance. It depends on the type of malocclusion and the severity of it.

The biggest advantage of this is that these problems can be fixed while the child's jawbone is still growing. Because, once the jawbone stops growing after puberty, it is very difficult to fix them. Then, you may have to have jaw surgery . So, it is great to be able to prevent something like this from happening at a young age by using a device like this.

The Herbst Appliance is a device that has been used by doctors for over 100 years and has very successful results. So, if your doctor says your child needs this, don't be afraid to ask. Discuss any questions you have about it with your doctor and make the best decision.

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