Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: archwires: 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: archwires

Sample item

At the start of fixed appliance treatment, a patient with severe crowding is given a nickel-titanium round archwire. Which property explains this choice?

AEase of soldering and bending loopsBSuperelasticity that gives light, continuous forces over a long rangeCHigh stiffness for bodily tooth movementDLow cost with maximum force delivery

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Superelasticity that gives light, continuous forces over a long range

Nickel-titanium wires have superelasticity and a low modulus, delivering light continuous forces even when heavily deflected. They are used in the initial levelling and aligning stage.

Option by option

A. Ease of soldering and bending loops
Nickel-titanium cannot be soldered easily and does not hold bends well.
B. Superelasticity that gives light, continuous forces over a long range (correct)
Correct. Large elastic range with light force suits early alignment.
C. High stiffness for bodily tooth movement
High stiffness belongs to stainless steel, used in later working stages.
D. Low cost with maximum force delivery
Light, not maximum, force is the aim, and the wire is not chosen for cost.

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 B, Superelasticity that gives light, continuous forces over a long range. Nickel-titanium wires have superelasticity and a low modulus, delivering light continuous forces even when heavily deflected.

Why is "Ease of soldering and bending loops" not the answer?

Nickel-titanium cannot be soldered easily and does not hold bends well.

Why is "High stiffness for bodily tooth movement" not the answer?

High stiffness belongs to stainless steel, used in later working stages.

Why is "Low cost with maximum force delivery" not the answer?

Light, not maximum, force is the aim, and the wire is not chosen for cost.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry: archwires in Dentistry. They are used in the initial levelling and aligning stage.

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: archwires?

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.