My 8 year old daughter has an "underbite", and our orthodontist recommended correcting her bite with a Herbst appliance. I had never heard or or seen one before, but on the model he showed me it looks pretty intrusive and awkward. She would have to wear it for a year. The alternative is put her in braces with headgear in a few more years, and I want to avoid that. After doing some internet research, I learned it has been around for twenty years and has grown in popularity, but it does take some getting used to. However, most of the information is coming from orthodonic specialists, and not from the kids who actually wear them. I am looking for any information to consider before we go forward from moms of kids who wear, or have worn, a Herbst. What was the experience like, and is there anything you wish you had known before it was put in. Thanks for anything you can share!
My son had to wear one when he was a little bit older (12). The worst part of it is being able to brush you teeth really well, so you might need to get a water pik or sonic care toothbrush to help. It's not fun, but it won't be that hard of an adjustment....just a couple of weeks and they will be fine.
Hope this helps.
I worked for a dentist approx 30 yrs ago He had used some similar device and had great results. Here is a web page I came across you may be interested in reading. http://www.braceplace.com/herbstappliance.html
The only part that would concern me is it said the appliance may come apart. and to sav eall that u could. I would be concern of a choking hazard if were to come apart in their sleep.
A.
Our daughter had this appliance at approximately the same age. It somewhat awkward, and if she yawned really one or both of the "pistons" on the sides would come out. After a while she pretty good at putting them back in herself. We said that she had "a city" in her mouth (jk). The food and no gum requirements are NECESSARY to be followed, so if you think this is a problem don't do it. After wearing the appliance, our daughter had braces for two years and wore a retainer for several more (with much prompting). Now she is 19, hasn't had to wear anything on her teeth in about 3 years, and still has a beautiful smile. Its a hassle, but headgear would be too. It kind of up to what you're willing to deal with.
K., My daughter wore a Herbst around the age of 13 for awhile. Prior to that she was in head gear for a year. After that, braces. They wanted to correct her jaw without surgery if possible. Now a permanent retainer and a beautiful smile (she's 20). It was difficult at first for her to get used to it and somewhat painful after each adjustment. But she did fine with it. We just made sure to have softer food after each adjustment. As long as you and she are comfortable with your orthodontist and trust their recommendation, it should be well worth it.
I have worked for two Orthodontists who both used the appliance. I never had one, but I had other appliances. Your child will get used to how it feels and it will become normal feeling. It takes a week or two and eating will be a little difficult until she gets used to it. You should try and avoid the headgear. That is a lot harder on kids than an appliance.
My daughter is thirteen. She has been wearing the Herbst appliance for almost four months now. Like you, I had never heard of it and did some internet research before they put it on her, but all I found was dental websites. She said when they put it on it didn't hurt, it was just weird. She has problems with food getting stuck around the brackets, so cleaning becomes more of a priority and having a toothpick handy helps too. She has a telescopic piece and she has had problems with it rubbing the inside of her mouth at times, but the ortho said she would build up kind of like a callus there over time. One thing that drives me crazy, but she doesn't seem to notice is the noise it makes when she opens and closes her mouth. Not a big deal most of the time, but very annoying to me when she is sitting close like in the car. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi K.,
My daughter was also 8 when she started with this appliance and braces. It took a few weeks to get adjusted to it, just because her mouth is so small and they had to change it up a bit. It was rubbing a large blister in the back of her cheek. A little aggravation is to be expected, but look for the skin rubbing off and take her back in if this happens. It can get infected. I guess this doesn't happen very much by the reaction of our orthodontist.
After that was figured out, smooth sailing! She adjusted so fast! Once kids learn to eat and clean with it in, it's no problem for them. Just like having the braces, after awhile they forget they even have them in. I would recommend this appliance. She now has her braces off (since 9) and we will be going through "phase 2" after she loses some more of these baby teeth. I believe that will only be the braces, though.
Good luck!
I have not personally experienced this appliance, but I sincerely recommend exploring your options before she gets much older. 15 years ago or so this appliance was less popular and not many orthodontists provided this as an option. My brother was in high school when it was determined by our orthodontist that his jaw would need to be broken in order to correct his underbite. As you can imagine this was horribly painful & embarrassing for a high school student and it entailed more complications than we were prepared to handle. After 3 weeks they discovered that the jaw had not been set correctly and had to re-break the jaw and restart the 6 week period of having his jaw wired shut. The waterpic wasn't able to protect him from the mouth full of cavities he obtained which of course added to the pain he was already enduring, and the weight loss was scary. Now 15 years later my brother has a crossbite instead of an underbite. Not much change for over 4 months of pain and liquid diet and countless dollars spent by a single mother. This may not help about this specific appliance, but I would take these opportunities very seriously to prevent future discomfort for your daughter.
My daughter just got some too...not sure what to think, my son wore them and he did fine but his over bite wasn't major and now I think it might have corrected itself...he does have great teeth now, but my daughter is not handling it very well....she's not eating and she can hardly speak with out drooling....I'm researching it now :(
Two of my children had a Herbst appliance. They had an easy adjustment and did not mind it as much as you would think. I would definitely favor it over headgear- once they got used to it, they almost forgot it was there. The headgear is a pain, much higher maintenance.
Be sure that their oral hygiene is stepped up if they go with a Herbst- just one more area for plaque to "stick" to the appliance. Make sure they have an electric toothbrush with soft bristles and use a good kids mouthwash.
The Herbst did a beautiful job- gave both of them very nice profiles- they both needed the jaw moved forward to avoid a "Dagwood" profile.
