Herbst Appliance in Fredericksburg and Stafford, Virginia
If your child is experiencing an overbite, or a misalignment where the top teeth extend beyond the jaw, you’ll want to correct this orthodontic issue as soon as possible for a healthy smile. While traditional treatments such as braces are an option, they may not fully correct this misalignment.
At Rappahannock Orthodontics, we offer Herbst appliances for patients to get fast and effective alignment solutions.

What Is a Herbst Appliance?

A Herbst appliance helps gradually shift the upper and lower jaws to align them into the proper position. This orthodontic device consists of four caps that fit over the back molars. The top portion contains a looped wire which runs along the upper jaw or palate, while the lower section uses two metal bars connected to the steel caps on your upper and lower teeth for stability.
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may entail a Herbst appliance with braces or as a standalone treatment.
How the Herbst Appliance Works

Once the Herbst appliance is in the proper position, it will move the lower jaw forward while gently moving the upper jaw backward. This gradual pressure helps align the bottom jaw and the teeth of the upper jaw.
With a Herbst appliance, your child will improve their bite, smile and enhance the appearance of their jawline. Patients will visit our office throughout their treatment so we can monitor their progress. If necessary, we may make adjustments to correct your child’s jaw growth.
Will My Child Need a Herbst Appliance?
While you can treat an overbite at any age, we recommend correcting an overbite while your child’s mouth and jaw are still developing. Using a Herbst appliance to correct your child’s bite will prevent the need for more extensive procedures later in life. Using a Herbst appliance offers many benefits for your child, such as:
- Preventing damage to teeth and gums.
- Reducing the risk of pain in the jaw and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) disorder.
- Correcting facial structure.
- Improving speech impediments.
- Creating a bright and beautiful smile they will enjoy throughout their life.
How Long Do You Wear a Herbst Appliance?
The exact length of time your child wears a Herbst appliance will vary depending on the severity of their overbite. Children generally wear a Herbst appliance for at least 12 months, but they may see an improvement in their bite much sooner.
Caring for Herbst Appliances
While a Herbst appliance is a durable piece of equipment, you’ll have to perform some maintenance to extend its lifespan and properly care for the teeth it touches. Your child must brush, floss and use mouthwash daily to clean the areas touching the device. Your child should also avoid touching and playing with the appliance with their fingers or tongue to ensure it stays in the proper position.
Schedule an Appointment With Us Today!
At Rappahannock Orthodontics, we understand that every smile has different needs. With our personalized Herbst appliance treatment plans, we’ll help your child correct their bite for a dazzling smile they’ll show off for years to come. Make an appointment at our office in Fredericksburg or Stafford, Virginia, by calling 540-701-4706 today!

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Fredericksburg Location
Rappahannock Orthodontics
408 Chatham Square Office Park
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Stafford Location
Rappahannock Orthodontics
35 Walpole St #203
Stafford, VA 22554
Contact Us
540-371-2611
540-372-3788
business@drcaspersen.com
Business Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed for lunch daily
from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hours alternate every other week with our other office. This schedule is subject to change. Please call with any questions.