Crane Dental Laboratory, Inc. 0002 Sapphire Herbst

The Crane Acrylic Herbst Appliance is comprised of upper and lower patient-specific acrylic splints,connected bilaterally via a telescoping Herbst mechanism that orients the jaw in a predeterminedrelationship. The Herbst mechanism allows the patient vertical and lateral range of movementwhile the jaws are oriented in the biting relationship determined by the positioning of themechanism as it connects to the respective arch splint.The appliance positions the lower jaw forward and open vertically from its normal location whichcauses a protrusion in the mandible in relation to the maxilla. The appliance aims through thisrepositioning (which is temporary while the appliance is being used) to increase air exchange, andto reduce snoring and apnea by increasing pharyngeal space.The prescribing dentist determines the repositioning of the mandible through a patient-specificprotrusive bite registration taken by the dentist. The dentist is also able to adjust the mandible'sposition by altering the Herbst mechanism, and/or adjusting the acrylic portion of the device. TheAcrylic Splint Herbst Appliance is removable by the patient, and is worn while sleeping to supportthe mandible in a forward position determined by the prescribing dentist.