Is a Herbst appliance good or bad?

Answer

I had a herbst appliance for 2 years. My orthodontist told me my jaw was closing and opening correctly so I opted for this method instead of having jaw surgery. The first week I can remember that my mouth hurt so bad and I had a lisp. I was a singer so I had voice lessons and such that helped me not to have a lisp. So if you're having lisp problems I advise you to just take out some time to teach yourself how to speak properly while it's in your mouth. After 2 weeks I was back to my normal self. I would show people that I had the herbst in my mouth and every one told me they could never even tell that I had that much junk in my mouth. The only problem I had with it was if I yawned too wide, the bars would pop out of their socket thing and puncture the side of my cheek. Not fun! I personally think the herbst didn't really fix my problem because now my jaw clicks and hurts if I chew gum.

I have one in my mouth right now because i have an overbite so it is bringing my lower jaw forward. It hasn't even been 2 weeks yet and I'm totally used to it. It does make your cheeks and bottom lip stick out and it makes you talk kinda funny but not anymore and it's only uncomfortable for like 3 or 4 days. Also my bars do not pop out ever when i open REALLY WIDE.

The herbst appliance is honestly the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I don't mean to scare anyone that must get it...but if you have any other choice do it. I would rather have my jaw broken then wear this appliance. It's hard to talk and laugh and smile. I've had mine for about a year now and there hasn't been one day that i haven't cried a little because of the uncomfort and pain. Hopefully it'll be worth it, but honestly i pray no one else has to go through what i did.

First answer by Bodamina. Last edit by Jenna28. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 16 [recommend question].