National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Study with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your dental hygienist exam!

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Which is not a common manifestation of orthodontic treatment?

Decalcification
Aphthous ulcers
Root resorption
Gingival hypoplasia

The correct answer is: Gingival hypoplasia

Gingival hypoplasia, which refers to the underdevelopment or incomplete formation of gum tissue, is not commonly associated with orthodontic treatment. The primary concerns during orthodontic therapy often include maintaining the health of existing tissue, preventing conditions like decalcification due to plaque accumulation, and addressing potential side effects like root resorption or the development of aphthous ulcers owing to irritation from appliances. While patients may experience gingival inflammation or changes in the health of their gums due to the mechanical forces from braces or aligners, true hypoplasia is not a typical outcome of orthodontic treatment. Instead, it is more often linked to systemic factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, or genetic conditions. Thus, when assessing the effects of orthodontic treatment, gingival hypoplasia stands out as an uncharacteristic manifestation.