The Herbst is available in different materials. Please review below.

Our appliances for treating snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be fabricated using either Hard Orthodontic Splint Resin, i.e Polymethyl Methacrylate-PMMA), or Copolyester Vacuum Formed Material (either all hard material or dual-laminate hard-soft material).  Please note the following when prescribing the material desired:

Hard Acrylic:

The Splint Resin (PMMA) can be used for all patients, but is recommended for patients with limited natural posterior undercuts, a number of edentulous spaces, or a number of significantly tipped or rotated teeth.  It is also recommended for patients who will be needing restorations in the near future.  The advantage of Splint Resin use in these situations is that it can be modified after initial fabrication. i.e. hollow-ground if a crown or implant is added during treatment.  Also, the initial appliance can incorporate retentive clasps, preferably Ball Clasps, so that retention can be easily increased if needed.  This is particularly helpful when patient lack natural posterior undercuts due to anatomical shape or limited eruption.

Dual-Laminate:

The Dual-Laminate material consists of a hard copolyester outer layer and a soft polyurethane inner layer that is pressure molded to the working model provided.  The soft inner layer provides a very comfortable fit, especially when the appliance is initially delivered.  For this material to be retentive it is important that the patient has a sufficient number of posterior teeth exhibiting good natural buccal and lingual undercuts (at least 8 teeth per arch).   An accurate working model is very important as the soft inner layer cannot be adjusted to modify retention.  The Dual-Laminate material is also BPA free.

SlimLine:

The SlimLine is fabricated using 3mm hard copolyester pressure molded material.

It is an extremely resilient BPA free material.  Successful use of this material requires a sufficient number of posterior teeth exhibiting good natural buccal and lingual undercuts.  Due to the relative thinness of the material it can be a challenge to adjust the fit chairside once the appliance has been made using the provided working models.  This obviously calls for very accurate working models that have been carefully examined for accuracy and lack of distortion prior to shipping to the Laboratory.  It is possible however to reline the appliance with standard orthodontic acrylic if very minor retention problems exist.