Ethics & Law · single question
A 70-year-old patient wants to fix their teeth. Which treatment option is NOT appropriate?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Serial extraction
- A. Invisalign clear aligners CAN be used for adult patients of any age.
- B. Veneers CAN be placed on elderly patients as long as adequate tooth structure and periodontal health exist.
- C. SERIAL EXTRACTION is a PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIC procedure performed in the mixed dentition to guide eruption patterns in growing children (typically ages 7-10). It involves the sequential, planned extraction of primary and permanent teeth to guide arch development. This procedure is COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE for a 70-year-old — there are no growth processes to guide. This is the treatment that does NOT apply to adults.
- D. Conventional braces CAN be used in adults of any age — there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment.