Orthodontics · single question

A 70-year-old patient wishes to improve the appearance of their teeth. All of the following are appropriate treatment options EXCEPT:

  1. Orthodontic braces
  2. Dental veneers
  3. Serial extraction
  4. Invisalign (clear aligner therapy)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Serial extraction

Serial extraction is a planned, sequential extraction of deciduous and sometimes permanent teeth over time to guide the eruption of permanent teeth and alleviate crowding. It is a pediatric orthodontic procedure performed in children aged 8-12 years during mixed dentition, not in adult patients. A 70-year-old patient would have no deciduous teeth remaining, making serial extraction irrelevant and inappropriate. Orthodontic braces, veneers, and Invisalign are all appropriate esthetic options for adult patients.

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