Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3116204 American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2014 13 Pages PDF
Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to analyze the very long-term effects of Herbst treatment on tooth position and occlusion.SubjectsFourteen patients from a sample of 22 with Class II Division 1 malocclusions consecutively treated with the banded Herbst appliance were reexamined 32 years after therapy.MethodsDental casts were analyzed from before (T1) and after (T2) treatment, and at 6 years (T3) and 32 years (T4) after treatment.ResultsMinor changes in maxillary and mandibular dental arch perimeters and arch widths were seen during treatment (T1-T2) and posttreatment (T2-T4). Mandibular incisor irregularity remained, on average, unchanged from T1 to T2 but increased continuously during the 32-year follow-up period (T2-T4). Class II molar and canine relationships were normalized in most patients from T1 to T2. During the early posttreatment period (T2-T3), there was a minor relapse; during the late posttreatment period (T3-T4), molar and canine relationships remained, on average, unchanged. Overjet and overbite were reduced to normal values in all subjects during treatment (T1-T2). After treatment (T2-T4), overjet remained, on average, unchanged, but overbite increased insignificantly.ConclusionsThirty-two years after Herbst therapy, overall, acceptable long-term results were seen. Stability was found in 64% of the patients for sagittal molar relationships, in 14% for sagittal canine relationships, in 86% for overjet, and in 86% for overbite. A Class II relapse seemed to be caused by an unstable interdigitation of the occluding teeth, a persisting oral habit, or an insufficient retention regimen after treatment. Most posttreatment changes occurred during the first 6 years after treatment. After the age of 20 years, only minor changes were noted. Long-term posttreatment changes in maxillary and mandibular dental arch perimeters and widths as well as in mandibular incisor irregularity seemed to be independent of treatment and a result of physiologic dentoskeletal changes throughout adulthood.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine
Authors
, , , ,