Upper-Molar Distalization and the Distal Jet

Can upper molars really be distalized? This elusive query comes up whenever the topic of Class II correction is raised, yet no conclusion seemingly achieves a consensus. At least, we periodically pretend not to comprehend how correction occurs (despite the substantial number of clinical and research reports on the subject) so as to promote methods that may be in current favor. The idea that the maxilla or the maxillary dentition can be moved posteriorly to resolve a Class II malocclusion is perhaps one of the oldest and least understood concepts in orthodontics. The application of some type of pushing force against the upper arch and teeth to correct a Class II has obviously worked well enough during the past 100 years of orthodontics to perpetuate the "orthopedic" side of the specialty. The term distalization is a neologism, made up in recent years for our convenience. But while it may be an example of "bad" English, it might still be good orthodontic practice. To address whether upper molars can really be distalized, we need to address how contemporary distalization methods do what they do.