The Herbst appliance is a functional orthopedic appliance which postures the patient’s lower jaw (mandible) in a forward direction. This appliance is used in growing patients to promote forward growth of the lower jaw.
When a child is growing, it is possible to improve the balance of the jaws with a Herbst appliance. In this orthodontic situation, the doctor wants to encourage the forward growth of the lower jaw while restraining the forward growth of the upper jaw. Over a period of many months, this forward posture of the lower jaw promotes growth in the same direction. This will improve the overall result of your case. The Herbst appliance is cemented in place, so you will wear it full-time until the desired result is achieved. The Herbst is very comfortable to wear after a short adjustment period.