Aim: To compare the effects of 3 molar distalization appliances, the intraoral bodily molar distalizer, the Keles slider, and the acrylic cervical occipital appliance, from the viewpoint of skeletal and soft tissue changes. Material and methods: Lateral cephalometric films taken before and immediately after distalization of 51 patients comprised the study material of this investigation. The lateral cephalograms were digitized and measured with Dolphin Imaging 9.0. Results: The intraoral bodily molar distalizer showed the most forward movement of the lips, with respect to E-plane. The maxillary incisal proclination presented by the U1-SN angle revealed that the most prominent proclination was caused by the intraoral bodily molar distalizer, followed by the acrylic cervical occipital appliance. The appliance that showed the most vertical opening was the intraoral bodily molar distalizer, followed by the acrylic cervical occipital appliance. ANB is the only sagittal skeletal parameter with a change: an increase with the intraoral bodily molar distalizer. Conclusion: The most prominent soft tissue profile changes were observed with the intraoral bodily molar distalizer. The acrylic cervical occipital appliance and the Keles slider generated milder changes on the profile. When selecting the appropriate method for maxillary molar distalization, the initial soft tissue profile should be considered. World J Orthod 2007;8:37–44.