Flip-Lock Facts
- No screws or pins
- Easy activation in seconds
- Wide range of lateral mandibular
   movement
- Quick appliance adjustments
- Significantly reduce breakage
- Single patient and inventory kits
   available

Flip-Lock HERBST—Activation

Activates in Seconds—Just Four Easy Steps

The Flip-Lock HERBST is designed for ease of use. There's no need for special tools or complicated adjustments. Simply follow the steps listed below.

Set-Up

After cementation of the appliance, prepare assembly for proper length. Tubes should be cut long enough to position the mandible in a Class I position. The pistons should extend no more than 2-3 mm beyond the distal end of the tubes at full closure.

It is imperative that the pistons aren't so short that they separate from the tubes upon maximum opening (i.e., when the patient yawns).

Step 1

Slide a piston into a tube and hold in the correct orientation as shown, with the tube socket up. The tube socket can only be engaged on the maxillary distal ball hinge from one direction - the mesial. Slide the tube socket from mesial to distal end onto the maxillary ball hinge.

Step 2

The tube is not locked onto the maxillary ball hinge until the tube is laid parallel to buccal tooth surfaces. Make sure the piston sockets also have a correct orientation. A small circle on the socket represents the labial surface. This circle should go toward the cheek, not toward the teeth.

Step 3

Slide the socket mesially over the mandibular ball hinge. The assembly will snap into place. Although not routinely necessary, you may gently crimp the piston socket onto the mandibular hinge (as shown) to provide additional security.

Step 4

Activate the Flip-Lock HERBST periodically (usually at 6 to 8 week intervals) by adding TPO crimpable 1 mm or 2 mm spacers onto the exposed piston. Using crimpable spacers eliminates the need to remove the tubes and pistons.

The mandible is initially advanced approximately 6-8 mm, and then incrementally advanced until the desired occlusion is achieved. Average treatment time is 12 months.