Orthodontics: functional appliances: 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.

Try it

Dentistry · Orthodontics: functional appliances

Sample item

A 11-year-old at peak growth has a retrognathic mandible with Class II division 1 malocclusion. Which appliance modifies growth by posturing the mandible forward?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Twin block

Functional appliances such as the twin block, activator and Herbst posture the mandible forward and aim to alter skeletal growth in growing patients. Treatment is timed at or just before the pubertal growth spurt.

Option by option

  • A. Space maintainer

    A space maintainer holds space after early tooth loss.

  • B. Hawley retainer

    A Hawley retainer holds teeth after treatment.

  • C. Twin block (correct)

    Correct. The twin block advances the mandible during growth.

  • D. Headgear only

    Headgear restrains maxillary growth and does not posture the mandible.

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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Twin block. Functional appliances such as the twin block, activator and Herbst posture the mandible forward and aim to alter skeletal growth in growing patients.

Why is "Space maintainer" not the answer?

A space maintainer holds space after early tooth loss.

Why is "Hawley retainer" not the answer?

A Hawley retainer holds teeth after treatment.

Why is "Headgear only" not the answer?

Headgear restrains maxillary growth and does not posture the mandible.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: functional appliances in Dentistry. Treatment is timed at or just before the pubertal growth spurt.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: functional appliances?

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.