The invention provides a non-unitary jumper or connecting element that can utilize a thin strip as the jumper body while providing one or preferably both ends of the jumper with a reinforced end cap instead of a thin end flange that is subject to breakage. An orthodontic appliance of the invention includes a first attachment appliance attached to first teeth associated with a first jaw of a patient and a second attachment appliance attached to second teeth associated with a second jaw of the patient. A connecting element or jumper includes a generally flat, elongated, resilient strip configured for developing an axial pushing force from end to end when flexed between the first attachment appliance and the second attachment appliance for moving the first teeth relative to the second teeth. The strip has a pair of end portions. An end cap is mounted on one end portion of the strip and configured for attachment to an adjacent one of the first and second appliances, wherein the end cap has an end flange with an opening therethrough configured for bearing against the adjacent attachment appliance while allowing the connecting element to swivel relative to the adjacent attachment appliance. Suitable means are provided for mounting the other end of the connecting element to the other attachment appliance, such as a second end cap similar or identical to the first.