The Herbst Appliance is an orthodontic device that corrects an overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to catch up in growth. Patients using the appliance see rapid results and feel the benefits of having straight teeth and a properly aligned jaw.
The Herbst Appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward although opening and closing movement still occurs easily. The device is attached to the back molars on the upper and lower jaws with bands that are cemented into place. Patients using the Herbst Appliance do not have any problems learning to chew their food with their lower jaw in this new position.