Orthodontics: retention after treatment: 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: retention after treatment

Sample item

A girl's braces are removed after correction of crowding. Why is a retainer prescribed?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. To prevent relapse while periodontal fibres and bone remodel

After active treatment the gingival and periodontal fibres remain stretched and tend to pull the teeth back, causing relapse. Retainers hold the corrected position during remodelling.

Option by option

  • A. To prevent relapse while periodontal fibres and bone remodel (correct)

    Correct. Retention counters the tendency to relapse.

  • B. To increase jaw growth

    They have no growth-modifying role.

  • C. To straighten teeth further

    Retainers hold position and do not actively move teeth.

  • D. To treat caries

    Retainers do not treat caries.

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, To prevent relapse while periodontal fibres and bone remodel. After active treatment the gingival and periodontal fibres remain stretched and tend to pull the teeth back, causing relapse.

Why is "To increase jaw growth" not the answer?

They have no growth-modifying role.

Why is "To straighten teeth further" not the answer?

Retainers hold position and do not actively move teeth.

Why is "To treat caries" not the answer?

Retainers do not treat caries.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: retention after treatment in Dentistry. Retainers hold the corrected position during remodelling.

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: retention after treatment?

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.