HERBST®

The Herbst Appliance has been proven to be effective on chronic snoring and mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers. This appliance allows patients to move laterally and vertically without disengaging the appliance. Also, if it is determined that the initial position does not provide the anticipated relief of the condition, the mandible can easily be moved forward by two options of adjustability. The first option is traditional hardware with sets of 1, 2 and 3mm shims for advancing those increments only. The second being the Telescopic version allowing the clinician to advance increments by making turns of the protrusion collar up to 6-8mm from the start position. The appliance can be fabricated from hard acrylic, thermoformed materials and is tooth retained via friction grip or clasping in the traditional method.

GALLILEO – Standard telescopic mechanism SMH BFlex offers superior comfort and excellent retention Ball clasps optional

The Herbst Appliance is a mandibular repositioner that has been in use many years for Orthodontic and TMJ therapy prior to its modification for the treatment of Sleep Disorder Breathing.

The greatest advantage of the Herbst Appliance is that it allows quick, easy and accurate mandibular protrusive adjustability. This is accomplished through simple manipulation of the rod/sleeve mechanism. Bilateral interarch elastics can be used to keep the jaw closed during sleep.

ZENITH – Advanced Visual calibration indicator makes it easy to measure how device has been advanced. SMH BFlex offers superior comfort and retention. Longer range of advancement (8 mm) leading to fewer device resets over the lifetime of the device.

Inclusions

Available on request.

FUNCTION

Both types have good side to side movement and vertical opening. The telescopic hinges are able to extend but do not come apart. Maximum tongue space is provided. Ball clasps, ball hooks and elastics, directional arrows, and a screw advancement tool with Hex Wrench are included with each case.

ADJUSTMENT

To modify the mandibular position the side hinges have advancement holes and a key is used to turn them in 1/16mm increments (maximum +5mm). Turning the screw opposite the arrow will decrease the extension of the lower jaw 1/16mm per turn. A millimetre gauge can be used to keep track of jaw advancement.

WHAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE HERBST APPLIANCE?

The upper right screw tends to loosen and fall out. To prevent this, simply add a few drops of Ceka Bond to the threads when seating the appliance.

Muscle Tenderness- there may be some overall muscle tenderness and soreness of teeth after insertion. This will fade through use.