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The Herbst Appliance or Cantilever Bite Jumper

TREATING FACES, NOT JUST TEETH !

Not all overbites are the same. People can have overbites without any hint of prominent front teeth or "buck teeth". If the lower jaw growth has been inadequate it can be part or all of the reason for excess overbite.

Treating this type of bite with regular braces and headgear or rubber bands would correct the bite but would be wrong for the face.

Appliances that try to encourage growth are called functional appliances and work by stimulating the forces of growth. Using this method, the growing lower jaw can be encouraged to "catch up" with the upper jaw.

One of the most efficient of the functional appliances is the Herbst or Cantilever Bite Jumper. This type of appliance has been in use for more than fifty years so its potential has been well know for some time. Finally, however, technology has made the appliance more comfortable and less prone to breakage.

We find the Herbst a reliable and effective appliance that can be designed to both encourage lower jaw growth and slow down upper jaw growth (as does a headgear). Patients find it comfortable, both physically and socially. Once they are accustomed to the Herbst, they do not have to worry about finding time to wear it nor can it be easily seen from the outside. Another plus is that the desired profile changes are evident immediately when the appliance is placed. (See the photos below.) No HEADGEAR, nothing outside the mouth, and from the parents' point of view, less hassle.

Before Placement of the Herbst	Day Herbst was placed.	Finished, out of Herbst and braces.
Excess overbite but good upper lip and jaw.	Notice the immediate change on the profile.	Overbite corrected and still good profile.
Note that the upper and lower teeth are point on point.	Teeth held in correct relationship by the appliance.	Note the correct cuspid positions. Fitting like gears.

Getting "used to the appliance"

Yes, there is definitely a period of adjustment. In most cases this lasts less than one week. After that people forget the Herbst is there. Intially, the arms or "shock absorbers" feel prominent and sleeping can press the cheeks into them making sore spots. This can be minimized by the cushioning with cotton balls the first couple of nights. We also provide a salve that soothes these spots. The facial muscles can also be tender as they learn to relax in their new position.

The bite is also strange the first few days, but in most cases this quickly becomes more comfortable and efficient. Braces are used in conjunction with the Herbst, sometimes before, sometimes during and usually after. A great way to treat both the teeth and facial development.