Orthodontics: tooth movement biology: 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.

Try it

Dentistry · Orthodontics: tooth movement biology

Sample item

During orthodontic tooth movement, what occurs on the pressure side of the periodontal ligament?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Bone resorption by osteoclasts

Orthodontic force compresses the ligament on the pressure side, causing osteoclastic resorption of bone, while tension on the opposite side stimulates osteoblastic deposition. Light continuous force is best.

Option by option

  • A. Bone resorption by osteoclasts (correct)

    Correct. Osteoclasts resorb bone under pressure.

  • B. Cementum resorption only

    Cementum is relatively resistant to resorption.

  • C. Bone deposition by osteoblasts

    Deposition occurs on the tension side.

  • D. No cellular activity

    Remodelling is cell-driven.

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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, Bone resorption by osteoclasts. Orthodontic force compresses the ligament on the pressure side, causing osteoclastic resorption of bone, while tension on the opposite side stimulates osteoblastic deposition.

Why is "Cementum resorption only" not the answer?

Cementum is relatively resistant to resorption.

Why is "Bone deposition by osteoblasts" not the answer?

Deposition occurs on the tension side.

Why is "No cellular activity" not the answer?

Remodelling is cell-driven.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: tooth movement biology in Dentistry. Light continuous force is best.

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: tooth movement biology?

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.