Functional Orthopedic: Herbst Appliances
The Herbst appliance is a superior “fixed” functional appliance which corrects Class II malocclusions. The Herbst design utilizes a buccal rod and tube assembly to encourage the patient’s jaw to function in a forward advanced position. The tube and rods extend from the maxillary first molar area down to the mandibular first bicuspid region.
Herbst Designs: The Herbst designs include stainless steel crowns, bands and /or acrylic. The amount of mandibular advancement and bite opening depends on the case and appliance design. All Herbst designs can be reactivated by using precut “shims” or “spacers” to gain further advancement of the mandible.
Banded Design
Stainless steel bands are placed on the first bicuspids and first molars in the maxillary and mandibular arches. Occlusal rests are added when the second molars are erupted.
Acrylic Design
The acrylic design can be used as either a fixed or removable Herbst®. By bonding the appliance in place it gives you excellent retention without the concerns of bands or crown placement. When used as a removable it becomes an excellent TMD or Sleep Apnea appliance.
Cantilever Design
“Snap-fit” stainlesss steel crowns are placed on the maxillary and mandibular first molars. The design eliminates retention problems during the transition stage of mixed and permanent dentition.
Cantilever Expansion Design
Stainless steel crowns along with maxillary and/or mandibular expansion screws allows for both mandibular advancement and arch development.
Flip-Lock Herbst
Greatly reduces the breakage problems associated with other Herbst® designs. The simple ball-joint hinge increases lateral movement for the patient and allows for easy chair side assembly. It can be fabricated with the cantilever design or the traditional four-banded design.
Hanks Mini-Scope™ Herbst
The unique “telescoping” one-piece rod and tube sleeve offers several advantages to the Cantilever and traditional Herbst® designs. The one piece-telescoping sleeve eliminates problems with the disengagement of the Herbst® arms. The new pivotal hubs allow for more lateral movement and comfort for the patient.
