Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

Why is it important to maintain teeth in their new position after treatment?

1. To prevent cavities from forming

2. To ensure bone healing

3. To avoid relapse into previous positions

4. To reduce orthodontic costs

The correct answer is: To avoid relapse into previous positions

Maintaining teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment is crucial primarily to avoid relapse into their previous positions. When braces or aligners are removed, the teeth are not instantly set in their new locations due to the surrounding bone and soft tissue needing time to adapt. If a retainer is not used consistently during this transition period, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original alignment, undermining the effectiveness of the treatment. While preventing cavities, ensuring bone healing, and reducing orthodontic costs are important considerations in dental care, they do not directly address the primary concern of maintaining the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment. The retention phase allows for stabilization of teeth, helping to ensure that the results attained are long-lasting, thus reinforcing the importance of using retainers as prescribed by the orthodontist.