Occlusion: centric relation: 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 · Occlusion: centric relation

Sample item

What best describes centric relation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. A reproducible jaw relationship independent of tooth contact

Centric relation is a repeatable maxillomandibular relationship based on condylar position and is independent of dental contact. Maximum intercuspation is determined by tooth contacts and may differ.

Option by option

  • A. Maximum intercuspation of teeth only

    Maximum intercuspation is the habitual best fit of teeth.

  • B. An open-mouth rest position only

    Rest position is a separate physiologic jaw posture.

  • C. A lateral excursive movement only

    Lateral excursion is a movement rather than a reference relation.

  • D. A reproducible jaw relationship independent of tooth contact (correct)

    Correct. Centric relation is joint based rather than tooth-contact based.

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, A reproducible jaw relationship independent of tooth contact. Centric relation is a repeatable maxillomandibular relationship based on condylar position and is independent of dental contact.

Why is "Maximum intercuspation of teeth only" not the answer?

Maximum intercuspation is the habitual best fit of teeth.

Why is "An open-mouth rest position only" not the answer?

Rest position is a separate physiologic jaw posture.

Why is "A lateral excursive movement only" not the answer?

Lateral excursion is a movement rather than a reference relation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Occlusion: centric relation in Dentistry. Maximum intercuspation is determined by tooth contacts and may differ.

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 Occlusion: centric relation?

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.