Ferdie Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 We are trying to make a decision about using headgear vs. a Herbest appliance for my oldest ds's ortho treatment. The headgear would be worn at night for 9 months. The Herbest appliance is an internal mechanism that stays on permanently for 9 months. I love the idea of the Herbest appliance because I wouldn't have to constanly remind my ds to wear his headgear. I also wouldn't have to worry about him losing it. However, I have heard conflicting reports about the comfort of the Herbest. One ortho, (the one recommending it) said it takes a few weeks to get used to and then the child forgets they have it on. He also said that it is easier to get used to than headgear. The other ortho said their office doesn't use it because it is so uncomfortable. The price is about the same. Does anyone have any experience either way?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccm Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 One patient in the dental office where I work as a dental hygienist wears a Herbst appliance. It is quite bulky and looks uncomfortable, but the patient does get used to it in time. It is a good choice for a non-compliant patient, but meticulous home care is extremely important because of food/plaque adhering to the appliance. Most orthodontists in my area prefer headgear. http://www.braces.org/studentsteachers/types/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFP Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 My son had a Herbst and he loved it--he learned how to yawn widely so the metal bars would come apart and he could have a piece of metal sticking out of his mouth in a disgusting manner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ailaena Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 DD has a friend that opted for this and although it looked like it was terribly uncomfortable, she got used to it very quickly, never complained about it and the difference it made was not only fantastic, but FAST. Keep in mind, though, that anything in your mouth will take some getting used to. I think if I would have had to consider something like this for dd, I would not have chosen the headgear because when it was uncomfortable, she could have removed it in the middle of the night when I could not stop her, causing treatment to last even longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Here is another thread about this from a couple weeks ago. Ds15 gets his in 2 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdie Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 (edited) Here is another thread about this from a couple weeks ago. Ds15 gets his in 2 weeks. Thank you for the link. I think I was spelling it incorrectly which is why it didn't come up in my seach. The link was very helpful! Also, thanks for the feedback everyone! Edited January 21, 2009 by Ferdie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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