herbst appliance
With the Herbst appliance Dr. Black can treat extreme overbites without having to use uncomfortable headgear. It has revolutionized the way we can treat an overbite. It looks like a tiny shock-absorber on the sides of the mouth that help the lower jaw grow forward and also helps control upper jaw growth.
The device is attached to the back molars on both sides of the upper and lower jaws. The appliance does not interfere with the opening and closing of the mouth, so eating is not a problem. Dental braces are usually fitted on the front teeth to straighten them, and after the Herbst appliance is removed, dental braces may also be placed on the molars to make final adjustments. With proper care and use you should see rapid changes and begin to enjoy the benefits of having straight teeth and an aligned jaw.
The Herbst appliance is usually worn for around 12 months. You will likely experience some discomfort initially but that should go away within a week. You will want to have soft foods available to eat during the initial couple of weeks and you'll definitely want to avoid foods like popcorn, sticky and hard candy, ice, gum and nuts so that you don't damage your Herbst appliance. It's important to brush at least twice a day and to make sure you remove any trapped food around the appliance.