Dental radiology: cephalometry: 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 · Dental radiology: cephalometry

Sample item

On a lateral cephalogram, an ANB angle greater than 4 degrees suggests which skeletal pattern?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Skeletal Class II

ANB is the difference between SNA and SNB. A normal value is about 2 degrees. A larger ANB indicates the maxilla is more forward relative to the mandible (skeletal Class II), while a negative value suggests skeletal Class III.

Option by option

  • A. Normal bimaxillary balance

    A normal pattern has an ANB near 2 degrees.

  • B. Skeletal Class I

    Class I has an ANB of about 0 to 4 degrees.

  • C. Skeletal Class III

    Class III shows a small or negative ANB.

  • D. Skeletal Class II (correct)

    Correct. A large ANB indicates Class II.

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 D, Skeletal Class II. ANB is the difference between SNA and SNB.

Why is "Normal bimaxillary balance" not the answer?

A normal pattern has an ANB near 2 degrees.

Why is "Skeletal Class I" not the answer?

Class I has an ANB of about 0 to 4 degrees.

Why is "Skeletal Class III" not the answer?

Class III shows a small or negative ANB.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental radiology: cephalometry in Dentistry. A normal value is about 2 degrees. A larger ANB indicates the maxilla is more forward relative to the mandible (skeletal Class II), while a negative value suggests skeletal Class III.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Dental radiology: cephalometry?

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.