Oral Implications of Herbst Device Modification

Many studies analyze the effectiveness of Herbst's device in the treatment of dento-skeletal class II due to mandibular retrusion. This fixed device was devised by Emil Herbst for class II treatment bite jumping, a device that holds the jaw in a forced anterior position. Comparison of the results obtained in numerous studies is difficult because they are often not diriment and not congruent due to a number of variables that prevent standardization. The purpose of the present study is to report some clinical-level considerations that may be important in obtaining the therapeutic outcome. The simplified design of the device offers the advantage of better patient comfort, better cleanability but offers as disadvantages, less anchorage and other risks that will be described below. The device is evaluated in conjunction with the multi-brackets phase that precedes Herbst therapy and concludes it, after the device has been removed. The therapy was performed in the absence of skeletal anchorage. In our opinion, standardization of therapy according to precise protocols can positively affect the therapeutic outcome through achieving rapid occlusal stabilization, neuro-muscular balance, less stress on anchor units and shorter treatment time.