The skeletal, dental and soft tissue changes induced by the jasper jumper appliance used in late adolescence

SUMMARY THE SKELETAL, DENTAL AND SOFT TISSUE CHANGES INDUCED BY THE JASPER JUMPER APPLIANCE USED IN LATE ADOLESCENCE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the skeletal, dental and soft tissue changes in late-adolescent patients treated with the Jasper Jumper appliance, which was applied with a sectional arch. The study sample consisted of 30 subjects (15 treated subjects and 15 untreated subjects) with skeletal and dental Class II malocclusion. Our study was carried out on 60 lateral cephalometric films which were taken before placement and after removal of the Jasper Jumper appliance in the treatment group, and at the beginning and six months after in the control groups. The patient selection criteria were as follows: skeletal and dental Class II malocclusion caused by retrognatic mandible, normal or low-angle growth pattern, and post-peak growth period. In order to evaluate the changes that took place in the treatment and control groups, 24 cephalometric points and 34 cehalometric measurements were analyzed. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistics. The statistical assessment of the data suggested the following conclusions: Sagittal growth potential of the maxilla was inhibited. There were no significant changes in the vertical parameters. The mandibular incisors were protruded and intruded while the maxillary incisors were retruded and extruded. The occlusal plane was rotated in clockwise direction as a result of dentoalveolar changes. Overbite and overjet were reduced in all patients. Soft tissue profile improved significantly. The results of this study revealed that, in late-adolescent patients Jasper Jumper appliance corrected Class II discrepancies mostly through maxillary and IVmandibular dentoalveolar changes while skeletal changes played a minor role. It is suggested that this treatment method could be an alternative to orthognathic surgery in borderline Class II cases. Key Words: Jasper Jumper, functional therapy, skeletal Class II malocclusion, late-adolescent treatment, dentofacial orthopedics, facial profile. V