Comparison of dentoskeletal effects of elastic chain vs metallic ligature for miniscrew-anchored Herbst appliance: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of a miniscrew-anchored Herbst appliance using two different connection methods, elastic chains and metallic ligatures, compared with a conventional Herbst appliance, in adolescent patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted involving 48 patients aged 10-15 years, divided into three groups: Group I (conventional) received conventional Herbst treatment; Group II (ligated) received miniscrew-anchored Herbst with metallic ligatures; and Group III (elastic) received miniscrew-anchored Herbst with elastic chains. Miniscrews were placed in the mandibular external oblique ridge. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software to assess skeletal and dental changes before and after treatment.

RESULTS

All groups showed significant improvements in overjet, molar relationship, and sagittal discrepancy. However, the elastic group exhibited the greatest control over mandibular incisor proclination, with a mean reduction of 3.51° in li/GoMe, compared with increases of 8.89° in the conventional and 2.04° in the ligated groups. SNB increased and ANB decreased in all groups, with the most pronounced skeletal changes observed in the conventional group. No miniscrew failures occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Miniscrew-anchored Herbst appliances, particularly those using elastic chains, effectively reduce undesirable mandibular incisor proclination while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. The external oblique ridge proved to be a stable site for miniscrew placement.