Evaluation of Pain, Discomfort and Patient’s Acceptance Levels of maxillary expansion when using the modified Jasper Jumper Appliance in the Treatment of Skeletal Class III

Abstract

Background & Aim: to study the effect of skeletal expansion of the maxilla while using  the modified Jasper Jumper on the levels of pain and discomfort, as well as the acceptance of the treatment in patients with class III malocclusion.

Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 30 patients (17 males, 13 females) with class III malocclusion, with ages between 8-12 years old (Average age: 9 years and 9 months ± 18 months). Patients were treated using the modified Jasper appliance. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 had 15 patients who underwent skeletal expansion prior to the application of the modified Jasper appliance, Group 2 had 15 patients treated with the modified Jasper device without expansion. Pain levels were recorded for all the patients using a visual analog scale, on day of the application of the device, one week after, and one month. Also the levels of discomfort as well as functional difficulties (chewing, swallowing, and mandibular constraint) were recorded on day 7 and 30. Patients acceptance of the treatment was measured using a questionnaire 1 month after the device was applied.  

Results: Significant differences were found in the levels of pain between the following treatment intervals (after 1 hour versus 6 hours), (after 24 hours versus 48 hours), (after 48 hours versus 72 hours), and (after 7 days versus 1 month). There were no significant differences found between the following time intervals (after 6 hours versus 24 hours) and (after 72 hours versus 7 days). The results also showed a reduction in pain levels in both groups as time passed. No statistically significant differences were found in pain levels between the two groups in all the time intervals. All the functional difficulties (chewing, swallowing, and mandibular constraint) were significantly reduced a month after the start of the treatment, the results also showed good acceptance of the device in both groups.

Conclusion: Using the modified Jasper appliance can be considered an acceptable treatment method by the patients, whether used with or without expansion. The treatment was associated with moderate levels of pain and discomfort.