Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Pont's index: 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 and paediatric dentistry: Pont's index

Sample item

Which analysis uses the sum of the widths of the four maxillary incisors to predict the ideal transverse widths in the premolar and molar regions?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Pont's index

Pont's index relates the combined mesiodistal width of the four upper incisors to the ideal arch width across the premolars and molars, and is used to decide whether arch expansion is needed. Bolton compares upper and lower tooth sizes, and Tanaka-Johnston predicts the size of unerupted canines and premolars.

Option by option

  • A. Pont's index (correct)

    Correct. Pont's index predicts arch widths from incisor widths.

  • B. Tanaka-Johnston analysis

    Tanaka-Johnston predicts the space needed for unerupted canines and premolars.

  • C. Wits appraisal

    The Wits appraisal assesses the jaw relationship on a cephalogram, not tooth widths.

  • D. Bolton analysis

    Bolton analysis compares the sums of upper and lower tooth widths.

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 A, Pont's index. Pont's index relates the combined mesiodistal width of the four upper incisors to the ideal arch width across the premolars and molars, and is used to decide whether arch expansion is needed.

Why is "Tanaka-Johnston analysis" not the answer?

Tanaka-Johnston predicts the space needed for unerupted canines and premolars.

Why is "Wits appraisal" not the answer?

The Wits appraisal assesses the jaw relationship on a cephalogram, not tooth widths.

Why is "Bolton analysis" not the answer?

Bolton analysis compares the sums of upper and lower tooth widths.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Pont's index in Dentistry. Bolton compares upper and lower tooth sizes, and Tanaka-Johnston predicts the size of unerupted canines and premolars.

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: Pont's index?

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.