Molar distalization using the distal je

The Distal Jet is an appliance designed to distalize maxillary molars as an option in the treatment of class II patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Distal Jet in distalizing maxillary molars without excessive tipping and without loss of anterior anchorage.;Eleven cases were selected that had been treated with the Distal Jet. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken initially and immediately following the removal of the Distal Jet. Each x-ray was traced and designated reference points were digitized on Dentofacial Planner software. In order to separate the effects of treatment and growth the pre and post-treatment x-ray tracings were superimposed on the palatal plane at ANS and the references were transferred from the pre to the post tracing. The reference planes consisted of an x and y axis made up by palatal plane and Pt. point vertical, respectively. The x-axis was used to measure angular and vertical movements of the maxillary molar and central incisor. The y-axis was used to measure sagittal movements of the molar and incisor.;The measures of the pre and post-treatment were compared using the paired t-test. The most significant finding was in the sagittal plane for the maxillary molar. The maxillary molars distalized 3.0mm +/- 2.0mm (p = .001) and the crown tipped 6.7 degrees +/- 5.7 degrees (p = .003). The change of the central incisors in the sagittal plane as well as the vertical changes to both the molar and incisor were statistically insignificant. It can be concluded that the Distal Jet distalizes maxillary molars on average three millimeters but it also tips the molar crown significantly. It can also be concluded that the Distal Jet has minimal effect on the anterior dentition.