Herbst Appliance Fabrication: A Step-by-Step Laboratory Protocol

The Herbst appliance is the most technically demanding fixed functional appliance. Crown selection: preformed stainless steel crowns on maxillary first molars and mandibular first premolars/canines. Construction bite: advance mandible 7-8mm with 4-5mm vertical opening. Telescopic arms: measure from distal of upper crown to mesial of lower crown; arms available in 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm lengths. Soldering sequence: upper tubes first, lower plungers second, lingual arch third, optional TPA fourth. Use silver-based dental solder at 700-800 degrees C. Laser welding preferred when available. QC: verify telescopic action without binding, confirm crown marginal adaptation, inspect all solder joints under 10x magnification.