Hersbt appliance & expander?

Question

I'm getting the Herbst & palatal expander in 2 weeks and I hear the Herbst hurts like crazyyyy. What should I expect? Should I stock up on soft foods?

Answer 1

My son had one. So here goes.

I am sure it depends on exactly how much your jaw needs to move. His was quite a bit.

Yes to start with you will need to take aspirin or something till you get adjusted. Then, in his case, each adjusting screw had to be turned, 1/2 a turn daily I think it was.

His mouth size was just too small and his first tooth did not cut till 11 months which delayed his whole incoming of his teeth.

At 10 or so to start braces he had to have 6 baby teeth pulled.
The adult eye teeth had formed sideways in the gums. The RPE ( Rapid palatal expander) was first if I remember correctly to open up the space for the adult teeth to come in.

Well, yes to start with soft foods would be the easiest. You will get adjusted in a week or so. But still need to avoid hard or sticky or tough foods.

The more you OBEY THE ORTHODONTIST THE MORE QUICKLY YOU WILL BE DONE. THE LESS YOU FOLLOW THE RULES THE LONGER IT WILL TAKE.

My daughter did exactly what she was supposed to and it took about 2 years total. My son did nothing he was supposed to and it took 6 years. So that should give you some useful input. Good Luck.