Modern medicine has many different ways to correct certain imperfections of our smiles. A distal bite, that is, such a feature of the structure of the dental apparatus when the lower jaw is too small, disproportionate to the size of the upper jaw, is no exception. For correction in this case, it is customary to use the Herbst design - an apparatus that today has no analogues. What this device is and what are its operating principles will be discussed in this article.
Why correct a distal bite?
So, the distal bite is the presence of a more developed upper jaw compared to the lower. It would seem, why correct this feature inherent in nature? The fact is that in the absence of timely intervention by the dentist against the background of a distal bite, a number of aesthetic problems can arise. Namely:
- Inadequate closure of the front teeth.
- Puffiness of the upper lip.
- Non-closure of the lips, as a result of which the mouth always remains half open.
- A bulge of the face with an undeveloped chin.
- Shortening the lower part of the face.
The distal bite is easy to identify by finding the lower lip behind the upper incisors. Dentists strongly recommend that you seek treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid the above defects. Herbst's construction will help. The device is successfully used all over the world.
Causes of distal bite
There are only three reasons for this phenomenon:
- The presence of a normally developed upper jaw underdeveloped lower.
- Excessively large upper jaw against the background of the lower jaw of normal size.
- Underdevelopment of the lower jaw with an excessively large upper.
What is the Herbst apparatus?
The device is a fixed orthodontic design that pushes the lower jaw forward, due to which there is a correction of the distal bite. In addition to restoring aesthetics, patients have an improvement in the work of the mandibular joints, and the work of the jaw muscles as a whole is being rebuilt.
What is the construction of Herbst? The device consists of one pair of telescopic articulated beams, fastened with crowns or fixing rings to the lower and upper dentition. The construction in no way becomes an obstacle to opening the mouth. The Herbst articulated apparatus is a device that seems very bulky, but at first glance it is almost not noticeable. Addiction to it occurs almost immediately after installation. The device does not cause discomfort. What do the people who discovered Herbst’s invention say? The device in no way prevents the patient from leading a familiar lifestyle - many believe.
Design Varieties
Depending on the type of installation of the device, several device variants are distinguished:
- Classic - the support of the articulated arches is made on artificial metal crowns.
- Fixing to the crown / orthodontic arch of the selected bracket system - thanks to this design, simultaneous correction of the dentition and correction of the jaw are possible.
- Installation on a plastic base - this design allows the correction of the distal bite to people with partial or full adentia due to the possibility of installing the device on a partial basis.
Benefits
The advantages of the device in question are many:
- The highest reliability.
- Full compatibility with all existing bracket systems.
- Low probability of breakage.
- Ease of use.
- Lack of any oral hygiene requirements .
disadvantages
The minuses include:
- The possibility of injury and damage to the mucous membrane. This happens, as a rule, during meals.
- Difficulty in cleansing distant crowns.
How soon does bite correction take place?
Another advantage of wearing this unit is the quick achievement of the desired result. Correction of the bite occurs in a relatively short time - within 6-12 months - depending on the complexity of the case.
Will the “consolidation" of the result be required?
As after wearing most bracket systems, after removing the device, you will need to wear a retainer for some time. In some cases, the dentist may recommend wearing retention mouthguards. Any of these devices will ensure the durability and reliability of the result achieved while wearing the Herbst apparatus.
Contraindications
There are few cases where the apparatus cannot be used: the patient has a severe somatic pathology, as well as mental disorders.
How do patients evaluate the Herbst apparatus?
Customer reviews of various dental clinics are somewhat contrary to promises of a complete aesthetic device. Most patients note that the Herbst apparatus is still visible to others, despite the installation on the last teeth. Especially, judging by the reviews left, the dental structure is visible during a conversation and with a wide smile.
Herbst's apparatus: cost
Depending on the clinic, the price of the dental device in question ranges from 17 to 48 thousand rubles on average. Any patient can choose the best price / quality ratio for himself and realize his dream of a beautiful smile.
Be healthy!