Functional Appliances
What are the Herbst Appliance and the Twin Force Bite Corrector (TFBC)?
They are fixed functional appliances that will improve the way your teeth and jaw fit together. The appliances work by moving your lower jaw forward which repositions the jaw joint. By repositioning your jaw, the appliances promote bone growth in the joint. To maximize this effect, Dr. DeLuke will try to time treatment within a specific period of your growth and development.
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Herbst Appliance
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Twin Force Bite
Corrector
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Will I be able to talk and chew and talk?
It may take a few days to get adjusted to it, and we suggest a soft food diet to begin with. Your upper and lower teeth may not touch when you close your mouth at first and you may experience some tenderness. These appliances can break if you open your mouth too wide or continuously shift your jaw from side-to-side, but normal talking and chewing will not harm them in any way. Just remember to be careful when you yawn! And it is extremely important to avoid chewy and sticky foods (i.e. gum, taffy, etc.) when you have one of these appliances in place.
Does it hurt to wear a functional appliance?
Your jaw will be sore for the first few days, and you can take ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed. If you experience irritation on your cheeks or lips, wax can be applied to the area for temporary relief. Brushing may seem more difficult at first but you need to make a special effort to keep your teeth clean. You must brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. During your treatment with the Herbst, small metal rings called shims may be added to the rods by Dr. DeLuke. The shims provide additional activation to the appliance as needed.
How long will I have to wear it?
Depending on bone growth, the Herbst is normally worn for 9-12 months, while the TFBC is usually kept in for 3-4 months.
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