Have you ever felt like your child's upper teeth are too far forward? Or does the lower jaw seem a little small, or does the chin seem to be set back? Sometimes, when your child closes his mouth, the upper teeth may completely cover the lower teeth. It's normal for you to feel a little worried as a parent when you see this. Today, we're talking about a special device that orthodontists use to treat such conditions.
Simply put, what is this Herbst Appliance?
The Herbst Appliance is a special device used to straighten teeth. However, it is not like the braces we usually see. Its main function is to bring the lower jaw forward and adjust the upper and lower teeth so that they meet correctly (create a bite).
This device is most effective when children are still growing. This is usually between the ages of 9 and 14. Since the jawbones are still developing at this time, this device can help them grow in the right direction. This device is rarely used in adults. When it is used, it is usually as a treatment for a condition called ``Sleep Apnea''.
What are the uses of the Herbst Appliance?
Orthodontists use this device to correct a specific type of dental malocclusion called a ``Class II Malocclusion.`` A ``Malocclusion`` is simply a misalignment in the way the teeth fit together (the bite). If your child has a ``Class II Malocclusion`` condition, it means that they may have one or more of the following:
| Type of Issue | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Overjet | The front teeth of the upper jaw protrude abnormally further than the front teeth of the lower jaw. This is called "overbite," as we speak. |
| Overbite/Deep Bite | When the mouth is closed, the front teeth of the upper jaw cover the front teeth of the lower jaw more than normal . |
| Reduced jaw growth | The lower jaw is smaller in size compared to the upper jaw. This can make the chin area appear to recede. |
| Enlargement of the upper jaw | The upper jaw is abnormally large or protrudes forward in relation to the lower jaw. |
However, not every child with this condition will need a Herbst Appliance. Only your orthodontist can determine whether your child is suitable for this or if it is necessary.
What does this device look like? How does it work?
The Herbst Appliance has several main parts. Imagine that you attach metal bands to two teeth at the back of your upper jaw and two teeth at the back of your lower jaw. Then, you connect the upper and lower bands, and attach two small metal arms to each side.
These two metal rods push the lower jaw forward and hold it in place . At the same time, they apply slight pressure to the upper jaw to control its forward growth. Over time, this stabilizing force will help both jaws move into the correct position and correct the way the teeth meet (bite).
Often, the child will also need to have braces placed on their teeth along with this appliance. Sometimes the Herbst Appliance is placed before the braces, or both can be placed together.
How long will it take to get used to this?
The first two weeks may be a little uncomfortable for the baby. Talking, eating, and swallowing will feel a little different because there is something new in the mouth. The inside of the cheeks may also be a little sore. But that is temporary. Just like when we put a ring on our hand, we can feel it at first, but after a while we don't even remember that it is there, as the baby gets used to it, the new jaw position will become normal for them.
Let's take care of food and cleanliness while using the Herbst Appliance
You should be especially careful with food while this device is in use, as some foods can damage, break, or leak from the device.
| These foods should definitely be stopped! | |
|---|---|
| Sticky food | Things like chewing gum, toffee, caramel, lollipops, and marshmallows. |
| Solid food | Beans, popcorn, cashews, peanuts, raw carrots, ice cubes, jaggery. |
| Food that is hard to chew | Things like the edges of hard bread, the edges of pizza, and dried meat (jerky). |
It will be easier for the baby to get used to soft foods like rice, soup, yogurt, and pudding in the first few days.
Also, oral hygiene is very important. Food can get stuck in the small spaces of the appliance and cause bacteria to grow.
- You should brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day . You should also brush around the appliance thoroughly.
- You should floss around the metal bands of the device at least once a day.
- Teach your child to rinse their mouth thoroughly after eating.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Like any medical treatment, the Herbst Appliance has both advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantage is that it prevents major jaw surgery that may be required when the child grows up. If the jaw position can be corrected at a young age, it is a great investment in the child's future.
Things that can be considered disadvantages are:
- Discomfort in the first few weeks.
- Difficulty eating at first.
- Minor wounds caused by the device rubbing against the inside of the cheeks.
Most of these disadvantages are temporary.
What time should I see the doctor?
If your child's Herbst Appliance breaks, comes loose, or is otherwise damaged, you should see your orthodontist as soon as possible, as a broken appliance can interrupt treatment.
- If your child is not in pain, make an appointment during the doctor's regular business hours.
- But if your child is in pain, it's an emergency. Call the doctor's emergency number. If you can't reach the doctor, take your child to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Ultimately, it is most effective to correct a child's jawbone while it is still growing. Moving a jawbone after it has stopped growing is a very difficult task. It may require surgery. Therefore, if your doctor recommends a Herbst Appliance, talk to him or her carefully and make the best decision for your child's future.
Take-Home Message
- The Herbst Appliance is a device that brings the lower jaw forward and corrects misaligned teeth.
- This is most successful when children's jaws are still growing (between 9-14 years old).
- This provides a great opportunity to avoid major jaw surgery that may be required in the future.
- Sticky, hard foods should be completely avoided while wearing the device.
- It is essential to take great care in keeping your mouth and equipment clean.
- If the appliance becomes damaged, immediately notify your orthodontist.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න