| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0152 |
| Type | distalizer |
| Category | distalizer |
| Fixed/removable | fixed |
| Primary function | maxillary molar distalization |
| Malocclusion target | Class II (dental; mild-moderate skeletal) |
| Inventor | Carano and Testa |
| First year | 1996 |
| Period | modern |
| Status | current |
| Uses TADs | no (standard); yes (TAD-supported variant: TAD-based distal jet) |
| Active force | ~240 cN (superelastic Ni-Ti coil springs) |
| Treatment duration | 6–12 months active distalization |
The Distal Jet (Carano & Testa, 1996) is a fixed, non-compliance intraoral distalizer that moves the upper molars distally using a piston-and-tube mechanism driven by compressed superelastic nickel-titanium coil springs. Anchorage is provided by a Nance acrylic button seated against the palate, supported by premolar bands or tubes. The appliance distalizes both molars simultaneously (bilateral) or can be used unilaterally. It produces effective molar distalization averaging 2–3 mm with minimal distal tipping compared to pendulum-type appliances, and is patient-friendly because no extra-oral headgear or patient activation is required.
Each side consists of a stainless steel tube (cemented to the molar band) and a piston wire that connects to the anterior anchor unit. The superelastic Ni-Ti coil spring (~240 cN) is compressed between a stop on the piston and the distal end of the tube, delivering a constant distal force on the molar as the piston slides within the tube. The anterior Nance button (acrylic resting on the palate, retained by premolar bands) absorbs the mesial anchorage loss reaction. Molar movement is primarily translational (bodily) in the best cases, though some distal tipping is expected. A typical case gains ~2–3 mm molar distalization, converting Class II molar relationship to Class I, over 6–12 months.
Class II malocclusion with mild-to-moderate molar distal movement need (typically 2–4 mm per side); non-extraction treatment approach in fully erupted permanent dentition; cases where patient compliance for headgear or functional appliances is poor; maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion with near-normal skeletal pattern; Class II subdivision (unilateral cases handled with unilateral activation). Best results in growing patients, though adults can benefit from the dental correction component.
Severe skeletal Class II requiring functional or surgical intervention — the Distal Jet only moves teeth, not the jaw. Significant anchorage loss (mesial drift of premolars) occurs concurrently with molar distalization, requiring subsequent space closure mechanics. Not indicated if there is insufficient palatal vault for the Nance button. Uncooperative patients who dislodge the appliance can have uncontrolled tooth movement. After distalization, the patient requires prompt transition to fixed braces to maintain molar positions and close the anchorage loss space.
compressed Ni-Ti coil springs (~240 cN activation force)
bands by SS wire framework
distalization is achieved (conversion to Nance retainer)
Accurate band fits on molars and premolars are essential — sloppy band adaptation produces uneven force delivery. The Nance button should cover a broad area of the palatal vault for maximum anchorage; acrylic is pressed and cured on the model. The piston tubes are soldered to the molar bands, oriented parallel to the occlusal plane and directed distally along the arch. CFL's Distal Jet catalog includes a traditional bilateral and a 3D-printed bilateral — the 3D-printed version benefits from digital scanning for improved fit and faster fabrication. The TAD-supported variant (TAD-based distal jet) eliminates anchorage loss by replacing the Nance button with miniscrews.
subdivision cases.
instead of Nance button; eliminates anchorage loss as a concern.
improved fit, reduced lab time.
distalizer using cantilever spring; different anchorage and activation approach.
fabrication complexity.
Labs](https://odlortho.com/products/distal-jet/)
PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986189/)
JCO](https://www.jco-online.com/archive/2016/03/159/)
First Class — PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7185979/)
indications, business notes.