Orthodontics: rapid maxillary expansion: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Orthodontics: rapid maxillary expansion

Sample item

A 10-year-old has a narrow maxilla with bilateral posterior crossbite and a midpalatal suture still open. Which treatment widens the arch?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Rapid maxillary expansion with a screw appliance

Rapid maxillary expansion separates the midpalatal suture, increasing maxillary width and correcting posterior crossbite in growing patients. Results are best before suture fusion.

Option by option

  • A. Chin cup

    A chin cup restrains mandibular growth.

  • B. Lip bumper

    A lip bumper gains space in the lower arch.

  • C. Class II elastics

    Class II elastics correct anteroposterior relations.

  • D. Rapid maxillary expansion with a screw appliance (correct)

    Correct. A palatal expander opens the midpalatal suture.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Rapid maxillary expansion with a screw appliance. Rapid maxillary expansion separates the midpalatal suture, increasing maxillary width and correcting posterior crossbite in growing patients.

Why is "Chin cup" not the answer?

A chin cup restrains mandibular growth.

Why is "Lip bumper" not the answer?

A lip bumper gains space in the lower arch.

Why is "Class II elastics" not the answer?

Class II elastics correct anteroposterior relations.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: rapid maxillary expansion in Dentistry. Results are best before suture fusion.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Orthodontics: rapid maxillary expansion?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.