Lower premolar extraction/removable plastic Herbst treatment for mandibular retrognathia.

The patient was a 12-year-old girl with a Class I malocclusion characterized by maxillary arch width constriction, dental crowding, and mandibular retrognathia. Treatment goals related to the chief compliant were anterior mandibular repositioning, maxillary arch expansion, and dental alignment. Because the preexisting overjet was minimal and prevented adequate anterior repositioning of the mandible, lower first premolar extraction was recommended to increase the overjet and allow greater anterior repositioning. Treatment was divided into four stages: (1) extraction of mandibular first premolar teeth, alignment, space closure, and an increase in the overjet, (2) anterior mandibular repositioning with a removable plastic Herbst appliance, (3) arch alignment and detailing of the occlusion with full fixed appliances and a tooth positioner, and (4) retainers. At the end of treatment, the patient had an acceptable dental alignment with a Class III molar relationship and an improvement in facial appearance.