Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Wits appraisal: 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: Wits appraisal

Sample item

A patient's ANB angle is thought to be unreliable because of an unusual cranial base and jaw rotation. Which measurement of the anteroposterior jaw relationship avoids the cranial base reference?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Wits appraisal

Wits appraisal measures the distance between perpendiculars from points A and B to the functional occlusal plane, so it does not depend on the cranial base. It helps when the ANB angle is distorted by the position of nasion or rotation of the jaws. SNA, SNB and ANB all use the sella-nasion line.

Option by option

  • A. SNA angle

    SNA uses the sella-nasion line as reference.

  • B. Wits appraisal (correct)

    Correct. Wits uses the occlusal plane, not the cranial base.

  • C. Frankfort mandibular plane angle

    The Frankfort mandibular plane angle measures vertical jaw relationship, not the anteroposterior difference.

  • D. SNB angle

    SNB also uses the sella-nasion line.

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, Wits appraisal. Wits appraisal measures the distance between perpendiculars from points A and B to the functional occlusal plane, so it does not depend on the cranial base.

Why is "SNA angle" not the answer?

SNA uses the sella-nasion line as reference.

Why is "Frankfort mandibular plane angle" not the answer?

The Frankfort mandibular plane angle measures vertical jaw relationship, not the anteroposterior difference.

Why is "SNB angle" not the answer?

SNB also uses the sella-nasion line.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Wits appraisal in Dentistry. It helps when the ANB angle is distorted by the position of nasion or rotation of the jaws. SNA, SNB and ANB all use the sella-nasion line.

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: Wits appraisal?

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.