Predictor of increased idiopathic external apical root resorption (EARR) during fixed orthodontic treatment

 # Which pre-treatment occlusal factor is considered a significant, independent predictor of increased idiopathic external apical root resorption (EARR) during fixed orthodontic treatment?

A. Deep, traumatic overbite with incisor contact

B. Mild Class III Malocclusion with reverse overjet

C. Severe Mandibular Anterior Crowding

D. Pre Treatment history of TMD pain

The correct answer is A. Deep, traumatic overbite with incisor contact

Deep, traumatic overbite—where mandibular incisors impinge on maxillary incisor edges or palatal gingiva—necessitates corrective mechanics like incisor intrusion or torque adjustments during fixed orthodontic treatment, which exert sustained compressive forces on the periodontal ligament and cementum, elevating idiopathic EARR risk by 1.5–2.5 times compared to non-traumatic deep bites (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses confirm this as an independent pre-treatment predictor, distinct from treatment duration or extractions, due to the heightened biomechanical stress on apical regions during bite opening. In contrast, mild Class III (B) often involves proclined lowers with less intrusive needs; severe mandibular crowding (C) correlates modestly via root-cortical proximity but not independently for incisor EARR; and TMD history (D) shows no significant association in prospective cohorts.

The improvement in masticatory function following the correction of a posterior unilateral crossbite is best attributed to the restoration of:

 # The improvement in masticatory function following the correction of a posterior unilateral crossbite is best attributed to the restoration of:

A. Reduced muscle hyperactivity in the temporalis muscle

B. Elimination of a functional midline deviation

C. Bilateral, simultaneous grinding and mixing function

D. Ideal anterior guidance and disclusion

The correct answer is C. Bilateral, simultaneous grinding and mixing function

Posterior unilateral crossbite induces a functional mandibular shift toward the crossbite side in centric occlusion, resulting in asymmetric bolus manipulation, preferential unilateral chewing, and reduced efficiency in comminution (grinding) and food mixing. Orthodontic or orthopedic correction (e.g., via expansion or asymmetric mechanics) repositions the mandible to eliminate this shift, reestablishing symmetric occlusal contacts and enabling bilateral, coordinated mandibular excursions for optimal masticatory performance—as evidenced by improved electromyographic symmetry in masseter and temporalis muscles and enhanced particle size reduction in chewing cycles. While midline deviation (B) is eliminated as a byproduct, it's secondary to occlusal symmetry; temporalis hyperactivity (A) may decrease but isn't the primary driver; and anterior guidance (D) is unrelated to posterior crossbite dynamics.

Impact of comprehensive orthodontic treatment on adolescents using Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)

 # Improvement in which domain is typically the most significant and consistent finding in longitudinal studies assessing the impact of comprehensive orthodontic treatment on adolescents using Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instruments?

A. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Symptom Reduction

B. Periodontal Health and Plaque Index Scores

C. Masticatory Function and Dietary Habits

D. Psycho-social Well-being and Self-esteem

The correct answer is: D. Psycho-social Well-being and Self-esteem

Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses of orthodontic treatment in adolescents consistently report the most significant and robust improvements in psycho-social domains of HRQoL, including emotional well-being and social well-being, with standardized mean differences of -0.61 (95% CI: -0.80 to -0.41) and -0.62 (95% CI: -0.82 to -0.43), respectively—outperforming functional or physical domains. These gains stem from enhanced aesthetics, reduced self-consciousness, and improved social interactions, as measured by tools like the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ). In contrast, TMJ symptoms (A) show variable or minimal changes unrelated to alignment alone; periodontal health (B) often worsens initially due to appliances; and masticatory function (C) improves modestly but inconsistently, primarily in severe cases.

Correcting severe mandibular anterior crowding primarily benefits periodontal health by allowing for:

 # Correcting severe mandibular anterior crowding primarily benefits periodontal health by allowing for:

A. Normalization of the mandibular incisor-mandibular plane angle

B. Reduction of excessive occlusal forces on incisors

C. Improved patient access for plaque control and effective oral hygiene

D. Increased bone density in the anterior alveolar process

The correct answer is C. Improved patient access for plaque control and effective oral hygiene

Severe mandibular anterior crowding creates interproximal and gingival crevices that trap plaque and food debris, promoting gingival inflammation, increased probing depths, and higher risk of periodontal attachment loss. Orthodontic correction aligns teeth, facilitating thorough brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings—leading to significant reductions in plaque index (e.g., 20-30% improvement post-treatment) and gingival bleeding, as shown in prospective studies. While normalization of incisor-mandibular plane angle (A) aids stability, reduced occlusal forces (B) are secondary to alignment, and bone density gains (D) are inconsistent and long-term, hygiene access is the primary, evidence-based driver of periodontal benefits.