Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: skeletal anchorage: 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: skeletal anchorage

Sample item

An adult needs maximum retraction of the anterior teeth after premolar extraction, with no mesial movement of the molars. Which anchorage is most reliable?

ANance palatal buttonBClass II intermaxillary elasticsCTranspalatal arch used aloneDMini-screw placed in interradicular bone

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Mini-screw placed in interradicular bone

Temporary anchorage devices such as mini-screws are fixed to bone, so they give absolute anchorage and do not move under load. Dental anchorage methods like transpalatal arches, Nance buttons and elastics only reduce, and do not prevent, unwanted tooth movement.

Option by option

A. Nance palatal button
A Nance button relies on the palate and teeth, and gives only dental anchorage.
B. Class II intermaxillary elastics
Class II elastics place a reciprocal force that moves the molars forward.
C. Transpalatal arch used alone
A transpalatal arch stabilises molars but still allows some mesial movement.
D. Mini-screw placed in interradicular bone (correct)
Correct. A bone-anchored mini-screw does not move, giving absolute anchorage.

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.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Mini-screw placed in interradicular bone. Temporary anchorage devices such as mini-screws are fixed to bone, so they give absolute anchorage and do not move under load.

Why is "Nance palatal button" not the answer?

A Nance button relies on the palate and teeth, and gives only dental anchorage.

Why is "Class II intermaxillary elastics" not the answer?

Class II elastics place a reciprocal force that moves the molars forward.

Why is "Transpalatal arch used alone" not the answer?

A transpalatal arch stabilises molars but still allows some mesial movement.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: skeletal anchorage in Dentistry. Dental anchorage methods like transpalatal arches, Nance buttons and elastics only reduce, and do not prevent, unwanted tooth movement.

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: skeletal anchorage?

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.