Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Bolton analysis: 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: Bolton analysis

Sample item

A patient has well-aligned arches, yet the upper and lower anterior teeth cannot achieve a normal overjet and overbite after treatment. Which analysis assesses this inter-arch problem?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Bolton tooth-size analysis

Bolton analysis compares the summed mesiodistal widths of maxillary and mandibular teeth, with ideal ratios for the anterior six and for all twelve teeth. A tooth-size discrepancy limits ideal intercuspation and overjet. It may require interproximal reduction or restoration.

Option by option

  • A. Tweed triangle analysis

    Tweed analysis uses cephalometric angles to plan extraction.

  • B. Bolton tooth-size analysis (correct)

    Correct. It measures proportional tooth-size discrepancy between arches.

  • C. Moyers mixed dentition space analysis

    Mixed dentition analysis predicts space for unerupted teeth.

  • D. Steiner analysis of skeletal angles

    Steiner analysis evaluates skeletal and dental relations on a cephalogram.

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 B, Bolton tooth-size analysis. Bolton analysis compares the summed mesiodistal widths of maxillary and mandibular teeth, with ideal ratios for the anterior six and for all twelve teeth.

Why is "Tweed triangle analysis" not the answer?

Tweed analysis uses cephalometric angles to plan extraction.

Why is "Moyers mixed dentition space analysis" not the answer?

Mixed dentition analysis predicts space for unerupted teeth.

Why is "Steiner analysis of skeletal angles" not the answer?

Steiner analysis evaluates skeletal and dental relations on a cephalogram.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Bolton analysis in Dentistry. A tooth-size discrepancy limits ideal intercuspation and overjet. It may require interproximal reduction or restoration.

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: Bolton analysis?

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.