Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Little's irregularity index: 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: Little's irregularity index

Sample item

A researcher wants a numerical measure of mandibular anterior crowding by adding the displacement of each adjacent contact point from canine to canine. Which index is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Little's irregularity index

Little's irregularity index sums the linear displacement of the anatomic contact points of each mandibular incisor from the adjacent tooth, from canine to canine. It is often used to quantify crowding before treatment and relapse after it. The PAR index is a broader occlusal outcome score.

Option by option

  • A. Dental aesthetic index

    The dental aesthetic index scores ten occlusal traits for treatment need and aesthetics.

  • B. Little's irregularity index (correct)

    Correct. It adds the contact-point displacements of the lower anterior teeth.

  • C. Peer assessment rating index

    The PAR index weighs several occlusal features to assess treatment outcome.

  • D. Angle's classification

    Angle's classification categorises molar relationships, not a numerical crowding score.

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, Little's irregularity index. Little's irregularity index sums the linear displacement of the anatomic contact points of each mandibular incisor from the adjacent tooth, from canine to canine.

Why is "Dental aesthetic index" not the answer?

The dental aesthetic index scores ten occlusal traits for treatment need and aesthetics.

Why is "Peer assessment rating index" not the answer?

The PAR index weighs several occlusal features to assess treatment outcome.

Why is "Angle's classification" not the answer?

Angle's classification categorises molar relationships, not a numerical crowding score.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: Little's irregularity index in Dentistry. It is often used to quantify crowding before treatment and relapse after it. The PAR index is a broader occlusal outcome score.

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: Little's irregularity index?

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.