The Herbst appliance is a fixed appliance for the period of time identified by the orthodontist.
A Herbst appliance is used to enhance forward growth of the lower jaw while applying pressure in a backward direction for the upper jaw.
Crowns are ‘glued’ to the molar teeth with a tube and rod, which work together similar to a shock absorber.
The tube and rod connect the upper and lower jaws. Opening, closing or chewing is not interrupted, however side to side movements are restricted.
Once the desired jaw growth is achieved the appliance is removed.