Orthodontic Appliances

Herbst | Nance Appliance | Distal Jet Appliance | Habit Appliance

Herbst

One of the most common orthodontic problems is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. Ordinarily, when we see a patient with the upper teeth protruding, we tend to think that the upper jaw and teeth are too far forward; but, more often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is further back. With these patients, we would like to encourage the lower jaw to grow and catch up. The Herbst appliance can help establish a better relationship between the upper and lower jaws.

This appliance is attached to the upper and lower molars and is used to position the lower jaw forward into a correct bite. It is usually worn for six months to 1 year.


Nance Appliance

We use a Nance appliance in the upper arch to hold space while we are waiting for all of the permanent teeth to erupt. This appliance is made of two bands that are cemented onto the upper first molars and a wire that spans the roof of the mouth from one side to the other. An acrylic pad or "button" covers the wire and touches the roof of your mouth directly behind your front teeth.

Patients should always brush around the bands daily. Do not eat sticky, chewy candy as it can loosen your appliance.


Distal Jet Appliance

The Distal Jet Appliance is a non-removable appliance across the roof of the mouth that we use to move upper molars back.  It is usually worn for six months. 


Habit Appliance

This appliance is attached to the upper molars and extends forward behind the upper front teeth.  It acts as a deterrent to placing the thumb or finger on the roof of the mouth and keeps the tongue back during swallowing.