Author's response

Abstract

In deference to Dr Williams' opinion, our study does indeed support the conclusion that the distal jet appliance is an effective and reliable method of “distalizing” maxillary molars. Specifically, Class I molar relationships were achieved in all cases by moving the maxillary first molars distally in about 7 months. In this and previous studies examining the effects of the distal jet, the molars have been reported to have been moved distally from 1.9 to 4.5 mm per side. 1 Patel A Analysis of the distal jet appliance for maxillary molar distalization [unpublished thesis]. University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City1999 Google Scholar , 2 Huerter Jr, GW A retrospective evaluation of maxillary molar distalization with the distal jet appliance [unpublished thesis]. Saint Louis University, Saint Louis1999 Google Scholar , 3 Gutierrez VME Treatment effects of the distal jet appliance with and without edgewise therapy [unpublished thesis]. Saint Louis University, Saint Louis2001 Google Scholar , 4 Chiu PP A comparison of two intraoral molar distalization appliances: distal jet versus pendulum appliance [unpublished thesis]. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor2001 Google Scholar , 5 Lee SH Comparison of the treatment effects of two molar distalization appliances [unpublished thesis]. Saint Louis University, Saint Louis2001 Google Scholar , 6 Davis EC A comparison of two maxillary molar distalization appliances [unpublished thesis]. Saint Louis University, Saint Louis2001 Google Scholar , 7 Maginnis JJ Treatment effects of the distal jet with 180 gram and 240 gram springs [unpublished thesis]. Saint Louis University, Saint Louis2001 Google Scholar , 8 Bolla E Festa F Carano A Bowman SJ Evaluation of maxillary molar distalization with the distal jet: a comparison with other contemporary methods. 2002 Google Scholar Then again, the ultimate intent of treatment was not simply to achieve a distal position of the molars but, rather, to achieve an overall Class I dental relationship, a common goal in all methods of Class II correction.