[Treatment of Class II malocclusion using the Herbst appliance]

In this study vertical changes occurring during treatment of Class II malocclusion with the Herbst appliance anchored in two different ways has been evaluated. Two patients groups with different growth patterns (hyponormodivergent; hyperdivergent) have been treated with the Herbst appliance stabilized with bands and with splints. Vertical changes occurred in two groups have been compared between them and with a control group. The results seems to justify the use of the Herbst appliance anchored with splints in the treatment of Class II high angle cases. The clinician should be aware of the vertical changes occurring during treatment of Classe II malocclusion with the Herbst appliance in relation to the different types of anchorage system used when programming his own treatment strategy.