The Herbst is a big appliance because it does a big job. It can prevent extractions and even surgery in many patients. It’s an amazing appliance but does take time to get accustomed to. Be patient and give it time.

• The Herbst appliance will feel a little bulky at first. Most patients get used to it after the first week.
• It takes a few days for the mouth to toughen up, so if the appliance is irritating any areas of your cheeks or gums, cover the part of the Herbst that’s bothering you with wax to act as a cushion. You can also mix ½ teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and swish the solution in your mouth as needed.
• If you find that you talk a little funny or it feels strange to swallow during the initial days of wearing the Herbst, don’t avoid these activities. You will get used to it but to speed things up, read aloud, talk on the phone a lot and keep swallowing don’t spit
• Not everyone needs expansion but if you do, follow the specific instructions we give you and if your teeth or jaws get a little sore when you turn the expansion screw, take the appropriate dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever like Advil or Tylenol.
• You may feel like you ‘can’t’ eat or chew. You can and you have to eat a well-balanced diet, but to start off,  make sure you have soft foods at home and protein shakes are a great addition to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition. Also be sure to drink plenty of water. When you eat less you tend to drink less and we don’t want you to become dehydrated. You will become used to chewing with your appliance in soon! Hang in there!
• Make sure to brush and water-pik around your appliance, food and plaque can hid in all the nooks and this can cause gum disease and bad breath, it can also be uncomfortable if food or plaque gets trapped on or around your soft tissue or teeth.