The influence of functional appliance therapy on glenoid fossa remodeling.

This study investigates the remodeling changes in the condyle and glenoid fossa following a period of progressively activated and continuously maintained mandibular advancement using the Herbst appliance. Progressive mandibular advancement was achieved by adding stops to the telescopic arms of the appliance, with the total activation reaching 7.0 to 10.0 mm, dependent upon the length of the treatment phase. This mandibular advancement produced extensive remodeling and anterior relocation of the glenoid fossa, which contributed to anterior mandibular positioning and altered jaw relationships.