Orthodontics: 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

Sample item

After active tooth movement has finished, which appliance helps maintain the achieved position and reduce relapse?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Retainer

A retainer holds teeth in their corrected positions while periodontal and gingival tissues remodel, reducing the tendency for orthodontic relapse after active treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Periodontal scaler

    A periodontal scaler removes calculus rather than retaining alignment.

  • B. Bleaching tray

    A bleaching tray delivers whitening gel and does not prevent relapse.

  • C. Retainer (correct)

    Correct: a retainer maintains tooth position after orthodontic movement.

  • D. Rubber dam

    A rubber dam isolates teeth during restorative or endodontic procedures.

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, Retainer. A retainer holds teeth in their corrected positions while periodontal and gingival tissues remodel, reducing the tendency for orthodontic relapse after active treatment.

Why is "Periodontal scaler" not the answer?

A periodontal scaler removes calculus rather than retaining alignment.

Why is "Bleaching tray" not the answer?

A bleaching tray delivers whitening gel and does not prevent relapse.

Why is "Rubber dam" not the answer?

A rubber dam isolates teeth during restorative or endodontic procedures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: a retainer maintains tooth position after orthodontic movement.

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?

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.