Appliance Care

HERBST
 

Herbst ApplianceDo not eat:

  • Popcorn
  • Ice
  • Chewing Gum
  • Sticky Foods (such as caramel of taffy)
  • Hard Foods (such as nuts or Jolly Ranchers)

Your child has just received a Herbst Appliance. The Herbst appliance is used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw in a forward direction, while at the same time applying pressure to the upper jaw in a backwards direction. Expansion may also be achieved in the upper jaw if desired. A tube and rod work together similar to a shock absorber to connect the upper and lower jaws. This does not interfere with opening and closing the mouth or with eating. Side to side movement is somewhat restricted.

Expected Sensations:
At first, you may notice some tenderness to your teeth, the muscles in your cheeks, and near your jaw joints. This is normal and should begin to disappear within a week. If is persists longer, please call our office. Rinsing with hot salt water will help take away the tenderness.
The insides of your cheeks may be irritated by the appliance until you get used to it. You may find it easier to sleep on your back so there is not as much pressure to the cheeks.

Special Care:
Be sure to thoroughly clean you Herbst appliance. A water pik is very helpful. If the rod slides out of the tube while opening, open wide again and guide the rod back into the tube as you close. Shifting your lower jaw side to side will loosen or break the appliance. If a screw or crown comes loose, save all pieces and call our office prior to your appointment date so we can repair your appliance.

Special Reminder:
With excessive breakage there may be additional charges and WILL delay treatment.

ELASTIC INSTRUCTIONS
Wearing elastics is a very important part of treatment. It's normal for the teeth to feel sensitive as you begin elastic wear. This indicates that the teeth are moving in the desired direction. This tenderness should subside within a few days.
This important stage of treatment will provide the forces necessary to move the teeth and jaws into their correct positions. To accomplish this, it's important to adhere to the following instruction:

1. Elastics should be worn at ALL times. Only remove them to eat, brush, and floss. If you miss a day, do NOT increase the number of elastics. Simply start again with your regular instructions. "Doubling up" on elastics without Doctor's instruction can be harmful to your treatment.
2. Replace elastics after every meal, even if they are not broken. Wearing elastics for more than the recommended time makes them lose their ability to apply the appropriate forces. Change elastics at least 3-4 times daily!
3. Carry elastics at all times. This will allow you to replace them immediately if one should break.
4. Call us if you run low on elastics. We will be happy to mail a replacement supply.
5. Call us if frequent problems persist, such as loosening of your bands, or a broken hook. You may need to be seen before your next appointment.

Special Reminder:
Elastic wear has a significant impact on total treatment time.
Failure to wear the elastics as prescribed by Dr. Drobocky may result in extended treatment time.

RAPID PALATAL EXPANDER (RPE)
Your child has just received a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE). This appliance is designed to expand your upper arch (and if applicable, to correct your crossbite) so we'll have the room to later straighten all your teeth.

Instructions:
For the appliance to work, it must be activated specifically according to Dr. Drobocky's instructions. In your case, activate the appliance 1 time a day for the prescribed number of days. Your appliance will remain in place for approximately 3-6 months after expansion.
Begin by inserting the key into the hole, then gently and steadily push the key from the front toward the back of the mouth. You automatically bring a new key hole into position by pushing the key back as far as possible. It will them be ready for the next activation. If you miss a turn, do not turn the appliance 2 turns the next right. If you have any problems turning your appliance, please feel free to call our office and let us know.
As with all kinds of braces, patients with RPE appliances need to be careful about what they eat. Sticky foods such as caramels, bubble gum and candy suckers will pull the braces away from the teeth. Hard foods like crisp vegetables and hard candies will bend and loosen the RPE appliance too. So stay away from these foods during your orthodontic treatment.

Expected Sensations:
You will feel some pressure as the appliance is activated and possibly a tingling sensation at the bridge of your nose. If your teeth become tender, you can eat softer foods during this time and take Tylenol or whatever you normally take for a headache.
As a result of your activations, expect to see a space between your two front teeth. This is a good sign! The space will close once the expander is no longer activated.
You may notice a change in your speech for a while. Speak slowly and clearly until your tongue adapts to the change.

Care:
Be sure to thoroughly clean your appliance. A Water Pik is very helpful in cleaning in and around your expander.

Special Reminder:
With excessive breakage there may be additional charges and WILL delay treatment.

RETAINERS
Now that we have removed your braces, it's time to begin the next phase of treatment… retention. Wearing your retainers the prescribed number of hours will help ensure that your teeth do not move. It's common to speak differently as you adjust to your new retainers and your speech should return to normal within a few days.

Wearing Instructions:
Dr. Drobocky recommends that retainers be worn full-time for the first six months, removing them only to eat or brush. The following six months  we will reduce wear to nighttime only. After one year, wear them at least twice a week. It's important to note that your teeth will always have a tendency to move. Therefore, always keep your retainers.

Cleaning Instructions:
Be sure to brush your retainer each time you brush your teeth. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your retainers. Also, do not soak in anything other than Retainer Brite, which is found at any Pharmacy. It's best to use cold water, as hot water may distort the retainer's shape. Be sure NEVER to boil this appliance, as its shape will be distorted.

Special Care:
Your retainer can be damaged if exposed to extreme heat. Avoid leaving it on the dashboard of your car. When you remove it to eat, place your retainers in the special case that we've provided for you. Be sure NOT to wrap it in a napkin near your food. It can easily get thrown away before you remember to put it back in your mouth. Do not leave your retainer laying around for an animal to pick up and chew on. With the fixed retainer on the lower, don't bite directly into hard things such as apples and carrots. Cut them up and eat them with back teeth.

Replacement:
A lost or broken retainer will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Please call our office to schedule the necessary appointments. The first set of finishing retainers is included in the cost of your treatment. There will be a replacement charge for any retainers that are subsequently lost or broken. In some cases, new impressions may need to be taken. If your fixed retainer comes loose, please save it in your retainer case and bring it to your appointment.

Login