Computed Tomographic evaluation of a young adult treated with the Herbst appliance

Introduction: The key feature of the Herbst appliance lies in keeping the mandible continuously advanced. Objective: To monitor and study the treatment of a patient wearing a Herbst appliance by means of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images for 8 months after pubertal growth spurt. The subject was aged 16 years and 3 months and presented with a Class II, Division 1 malocclusion associated with mandibular retrognathia. Results: The CBCT images of the temporomandibular joints suggest that the treatment resulted in the remodeling of the condyle and glenoid fossa and widening of the airway. Conclusions: The Herbst appliance constitutes a good option for treating Class II malocclusion in young adults as it provides patients with malocclusion correction and improves their aesthetic profile.