L’evoluzione della cerniera di Herbst: indicazioni cliniche dei nuovi dispositivi

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this work is to describe indications, pros and cons and clinical use of the new Herbst appliances: Miniscope and Hanks Telescoping Herbst (HTH).

Material and methods

The Miniscope combines a telescopic mechanism with traditional eyelet loops. To maximize the effectiveness of this appliance it is necessary to use a specific screw, the AppleCore, that improves lateral excursion. The HTH is a one-piece appliance, easy to install, with no more pieces to fumble with or falling in patient's mouth. HTH features a unique ball and socket design, allowing unrestricted mandibular excursions.

Results and conclusions

The advantages of the Herbst appliance are unquestionable but there are some limitations too. The new Herbst Miniscope and HTH allow the clinician to overcome these limitations due to hinge modifications.

The authors report the case of a 12 years old girl with class II malocclusion, deep bite and mandibular retrusion. At the beginning the patient was treated with fixed appliances and Class II elastics but, because of her poor compliance, a HTH was applied.