Origins: Dentofacial Traction
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In 1892, Kingsley successfully used principles of traction to treat mandibular retrognathia with a functional appliance (Weinberger, 1918a). He developed an inclined plane attached to the upper arch to force the entire mandible forward as the patient closed his mouth.

Thirteen years later, Herbst demonstrated his "retention-joint appliance," which consisted of two telescoping rods attached to the teeth (Herbst, 1930). As the patient closed his mouth, the mandible was forced forward into a normal position.

     

FIG. 2.1.6, 2.1.7. Kingsley's incline plane (left) and Herbst's "retention-joint appliance" (right). Reproduced with permission from Weinberger BW. The history of orthodontia. Part 17. Int J Orthod 1918;4:92-116 and from Herbst E. Orthognathia. Int J Orthod 1930;16(4):418-423.

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