Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: maxillary protraction: 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 and paediatric dentistry: maxillary protraction

Sample item

An 8-year-old has a retrusive maxilla with an anterior crossbite and a skeletal Class III pattern from midface deficiency. Which appliance is most suitable?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Face mask for maxillary protraction

A facemask (reverse-pull headgear) applies a forward force on the maxilla, often combined with rapid expansion to loosen the circummaxillary sutures, and is most effective in young children with maxillary deficiency. Cervical headgear restrains the maxilla, which would worsen this pattern.

Option by option

  • A. Face mask for maxillary protraction (correct)

    Correct. A facemask pulls the deficient maxilla forwards.

  • B. Chin cup used alone

    A chin cup restrains the mandible, which is not the problem in midface deficiency.

  • C. Lower lip bumper

    A lip bumper relieves lower lip pressure on the lower arch and does not move the maxilla.

  • D. Cervical pull headgear

    Cervical headgear restricts maxillary growth and is used for Class II maxillary excess.

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 A, Face mask for maxillary protraction. A facemask (reverse-pull headgear) applies a forward force on the maxilla, often combined with rapid expansion to loosen the circummaxillary sutures, and is most effective in young children with maxillary deficiency.

Why is "Chin cup used alone" not the answer?

A chin cup restrains the mandible, which is not the problem in midface deficiency.

Why is "Lower lip bumper" not the answer?

A lip bumper relieves lower lip pressure on the lower arch and does not move the maxilla.

Why is "Cervical pull headgear" not the answer?

Cervical headgear restricts maxillary growth and is used for Class II maxillary excess.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: maxillary protraction in Dentistry. Cervical headgear restrains the maxilla, which would worsen this pattern.

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 and paediatric dentistry: maxillary protraction?

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.