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Welcome To The Orthodontic Practice Of Herbst Appliance The Herbst appliance is used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw in a forward direction. You will notice the tubes and rods on the side of your appliance. This should not interfere with opening and closing the mouth or with eating, however, side to side movement is somewhat restricted. If the appliance comes apart as a result of opening too wide, open wide again and guide the appliance back together as you close your mouth. Herbst Tips: 1. You may notice some tenderness in the muscles of your check and jaw area. Treat the discomfort as you would a headache (i.e. over the counter pain reliever). 2. Cut food into small pieces and chew more carefully. Remember; in the first week let your knife and fork do most of the chewing for you! No sticky or hard foods such as gum, caramel and taffy, etc. 3. The inside of your mouth may be irritated by the herbst appliance until these areas have built up “Calluses”. Use warm salt-water rinses twice a day for a few days to help condition your mouth to the herbst (one-teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water). It is also best to sleep on your back. Pressure on the check can cause irritation. 4. It may take up to one week to adjust to your appliance. Hang in there. CHARLOTTESVILLE 2202 North Berkshire Charlottesville, Virginia 22901 (434) 296-0188 [Return to Top] Copyright © Drs. Hamer & Hamer [Click Here] This Site Has Been Designed By: Sharon L. Campbell 540-948-6800