Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: space maintenance: 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: space maintenance

Sample item

A 5-year-old loses a primary second molar early, before the first permanent molar has erupted. Which appliance is indicated to guide the first permanent molar?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Distal shoe space maintainer

If the primary second molar is lost before the first permanent molar erupts, a distal shoe is inserted into the gum to guide the permanent molar into place. Other appliances need the molar erupted for anchorage.

Option by option

  • A. Distal shoe space maintainer (correct)

    Correct. The distal shoe guides the unerupted molar.

  • B. Lingual arch

    A lingual arch needs erupted molars for bands.

  • C. Band and loop

    A band and loop needs an erupted abutment tooth, which is not yet present.

  • D. Nance palatal arch

    A Nance arch also needs molar bands.

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, Distal shoe space maintainer. If the primary second molar is lost before the first permanent molar erupts, a distal shoe is inserted into the gum to guide the permanent molar into place.

Why is "Lingual arch" not the answer?

A lingual arch needs erupted molars for bands.

Why is "Band and loop" not the answer?

A band and loop needs an erupted abutment tooth, which is not yet present.

Why is "Nance palatal arch" not the answer?

A Nance arch also needs molar bands.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: space maintenance in Dentistry. Other appliances need the molar erupted for anchorage.

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 Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: space maintenance?

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.