TREATMENT OF CLASS-II MALOCCLUSIONS WITH THE JASPER JUMPER APPLIANCE - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The effect of the Jasper Jumper appliance (American Orthodontics, Sheb oygan, Wis.) on the dentofacial complex was studied in 17 consecutive growing patients who had Class II, Division 1 malocclusions. Lateral c ephalograms taken before treatment and immediately after removal of th e Jumpers were analyzed according to the method of Pancherz. The follo wing results were found: (1) Class I occlusal relationships were achie ved in all patients in an average treatment time of 6 months. (2) The correction of the Class II malocclusion was a result of skeletal (40%) and dental (60%) changes. (3) Skeletal Class II correction was predom inantly restricted to the mandible. (4) The dentoalveolar part of tota l molar relationship correction took place to the same extent in both jaws, whereas in overjet correction the maxillary dental changes outwe ighed the mandibular changes by far. (5) When compared with normal gro wth changes (Bolton standards), treatment with Jasper Jumpers distaliz es the upper dentition and moves the lower teeth mesially. Mandibular growth seems to be increased to some extent. It was concluded that tre atment with the Jasper Jumper appliance presents an effective method t o correct Class II malocclusion in growing patients.