Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: lingual holding arch: 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: lingual holding arch

Sample item

A 6-year-old has lost both mandibular primary second molars early to caries. The permanent lower incisors and first molars have already erupted. Which space maintainer is most suitable?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Lingual holding arch

A lingual holding arch connects bands on the first permanent molars with a wire lying against the lingual surfaces of the lower incisors, preventing the molars from drifting forward and the incisors from tipping lingually. It suits bilateral loss when the incisors and first molars have erupted. A Nance arch is the upper-arch equivalent.

Option by option

  • A. Lingual holding arch (correct)

    Correct. A lingual arch maintains arch length after bilateral loss in the lower arch.

  • B. Nance holding arch

    A Nance holding arch rests on the palate and so is used in the upper arch.

  • C. Distal shoe

    A distal shoe guides an unerupted first permanent molar, which has already erupted here.

  • D. Unilateral band and loop

    A band and loop is used for unilateral loss and cannot control both sides.

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, Lingual holding arch. A lingual holding arch connects bands on the first permanent molars with a wire lying against the lingual surfaces of the lower incisors, preventing the molars from drifting forward and the incisors from tipping lingually.

Why is "Nance holding arch" not the answer?

A Nance holding arch rests on the palate and so is used in the upper arch.

Why is "Distal shoe" not the answer?

A distal shoe guides an unerupted first permanent molar, which has already erupted here.

Why is "Unilateral band and loop" not the answer?

A band and loop is used for unilateral loss and cannot control both sides.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: lingual holding arch in Dentistry. It suits bilateral loss when the incisors and first molars have erupted. A Nance arch is the upper-arch equivalent.

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: lingual holding arch?

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.