Evaluation of the Soft Tissue Profile of Class II Patients Treated with Cervical Headgear, Frankel’s FR-2 and the Herbst Appliances

Weber URSI, James MCNAMARA JR., Décio Rodrigues MARTINS, Wagner URSI

This study investigated the treatment effects on the craniofacial growth of Angle Class II, division 1 or 2 patients of three therapies, cervical headgear, Frankel and Herbst. Serial cephalometric radiographs from 30 patients treated with cervical headgear, 35 with the Frankel appliance and 29 with the Herbst appliance were compared with serial radiographs of 29 untreated persons with Class II malocclusions. The results in this study indicated that, in the pre-treatment phase, the 4 groups were reasonably matched cephalometrically and thus amenable to direct comparisons. At the end of the experiment each appliance had provoked specific effects on the various aspects of the soft tissue profile. All appliances positively influenced facial convexity. Soft tissue pogonion was more anteriorly projected by the Herbst appliance, and upper lip projection was decreased in all experimental groups. Extra-oral traction significantly decreased the nasolabial angle, while the Frankel appliance produced a more vertical upper lip. The lower lip was slightly retracted in the Extra-oral group and protruded in the Herbst group. It was evident that each of these appliances specifically effect the soft tissue profile, and the patient’s soft tissue contour should be taken into account when choosing the therapy for Class II correction.

Keywords: Class II malocclusion. Cervical Headgear. Frankel. Herbst.

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