Treatment effects and long-term stability of adult Class II patients treated with the Stepwise Advancement Herbst appliance

Abstract

AIM: To compare the treatment effects and long-term stability of the stepwise Herbst appliance and surgery (mandibular sagittal split osteotomy) in skeletal Class II adult patients. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Thirty-two subjects (16 patients in the Herbst group and 16 in the surgery group). Lateral head fi lms were taken before treatment, after removing the Herbst appliance/surgery, after fi xed appliance therapy and 3 years after treatment. All fi lms were analyzed by the standard cephalometrics and SO analysis (analysis of changes in sagittal occlusion). RESULTS: All the Herbst and surgery patients were treated successfully to Class I occlusal relationships with normal overjet and overbite. In terms of long-term stability, both groups achieved stable results and no signifi cant difference occurred over time. CONCLUSIONS: Stepwise advancement Herbst appliance therapy can treat borderline skeletal Class II adult patients with long-term stability.