The Jasper Jumper and Gentle Jumper are specialized appliances that can be used as an adjunct to fixed appliance therapy in orthodontic treatment. Both appliances are designed to minimize extractions and to reduce or eliminate the need for headgear by exerting a controlled amount of force on the jaw and teeth.
The Jasper Jumper is designed to exert 360 grams of force when activated 4mm, making it a suitable choice for more severe cases. By contrast, the Gentle Jumper exerts 75 grams of force, making it a better option for mixed dentition cases or patients who may be more sensitive to force.
One of the key features of the Jasper Jumper and Gentle Jumper is that they are fixed appliances, meaning that patient cooperation is not necessary for them to be effective. They work along the growth or Y axis, which means that they properly advance the mandible rather than retracting the maxilla. The ball joint design of the Jumpers allows for normal functions like eating and tooth brushing.
Both appliances are considered safe, as they do not involve extra-oral traction. Additionally, they are cosmetic, meaning that they are less noticeable than traditional headgear. The Jumpers can be used for Class II or Class III corrections and can apply different forces on each side of the jaw for crossbites. The forces are adjustable and measurable, providing the clinician with a greater range of clinical applications.
Measuring for the correct size is an important step when using the Jasper Jumper or Gentle Jumper. To get the right length, the patient should bite in their retruded or centric bite and measure from the mesial of the headgear tube to the distal of the lower ball stop, then add 12mm (4mm for the tube, 4mm of free play, and 4mm of built-in activation). Depending on the case, some patients may require different length Jumpers on the left or right side.
A sectional wire has been specially designed for Jasper Jumper and Gentle Jumper use. The unique design of this wire allows for attachment to the main arch from lingual to buccal, which reduces patient irritation and provides a lower profile than traditional wrap-around designs. This wire is also designed to be trouble-free and almost impossible to displace from the main arch.
Overall, the Jasper Jumper and Gentle Jumper present an opportunity to minimize extractions and reduce or eliminate the need for headgear in orthodontic treatment. With two force levels and the ability to adjust and measure forces, these appliances provide a greater range of clinical applications, making them an important addition to any orthodontist’s armamentarium.
