The Herbst appliance is used to treat a severe overbite in a growing child. It brings the lower jaw forward into its proper alignment with the upper jaw and improves the patients profile as well.
The device is attached to the back molars on both sides of the upper and lower jaws and looks like a shock absorber. The appliance does not interfere with the opening and closing of the mouth, so eating is not a problem. It is generally worn full time for about 12 months. Additional treatment with standard fixed appliances (braces) will be needed after Herbst therapy.
