Many men suffer from an enlarged prostate, and it can lead to a variety of health problems over time if it’s not addressed with regular medical treatment. Surgery can be an effective way to address this condition, but if you’re like most men, the idea of such an invasive procedure doesn’t appeal to you. A non-invasive treatment option called the Herbst appliance may be right for you. Here’s what you need to know about this therapy as an alternative to surgery.

What To Expect With A Herbst Device?

If you or someone you know is wearing a Herbst device, here’s what to expect: You will have something fitted to your abdomen that restricts your stomach from expanding. This is accomplished through various methods; some devices fit tightly around your waist while others require surgical insertion of an implant. Your health-care team will talk with you about your weight-loss goals and work with you to figure out which device might be best for your situation. Once it’s implanted, there are few restrictions on physical activity – one of these devices isn’t going to affect how hard you can work out at the gym or during recreational activities.

Why Use The Herbst Appliance?

The Herbst device may seem like something straight out of your science textbook, but it’s been helping people in North America with an overbite or jaw misalignment since 1971. This external device uses several ligatures that apply gentle pressure on your jaw to achieve its therapeutic goal. A common dental sleep medicine called benzodiazepine may also be used to relax your jaw muscles before wearing your Herbst device at night. To ensure that you are able to wear your device for as long as possible, keep in mind: Always eat at least one hour before putting it on, remove it within 30 minutes of consuming food or drink and don’t wear it for more than 12 hours per day. If you’re struggling with an overbite or jaw misalignment, consider using a Herbst device to correct your bite and improve your quality of life.

Do I Have To Clean The Herbst Appliance?

This was designed to be permanent solution. You may want to get creative with your appliances and paint. Or cover them in something that you find aesthetically pleasing; however. There will not be any reason for you to need to remove it for any. Other purpose than cosmetic reasons (if you should feel so inclined). That said, even though there are no reasons for cleaning it. Some doctors recommend washing out one’s mouth after using it as a precautionary measure of sorts.

Does Getting A Herbst Appliance Hurt?

Though wearing an appliance isn’t supposed to hurt, it can be uncomfortable at first. The discomfort will generally fade in time, as you adjust to having something in your mouth. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how quickly you adjust to oral appliances. When adjusting your own personal Herbst, for example, there are two parts that can be slightly bothersome. When pushing it down into place over your teeth and when biting down on. It while moving it up and down over each tooth or group of teeth. Your doctor should make sure everything feels comfortable during adjustments before sending you home with your new device. If they don’t, go back and ask questions until they do!