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Orthodontics · single question

Tooth #19 (mandibular left first molar) is lingually tilted. What is the best orthodontic treatment approach?

  1. A simple finger spring can easily correct it
  2. The arch size must be increased to create space for uprighting
  3. Crown lengthening is required
  4. Orthodontic band adjustment alone is sufficient
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The arch size must be increased to create space for uprighting

A lingually tilted molar has tipped toward the tongue, often due to crowding or the absence of an adjacent tooth. To upright a lingually tilted tooth, adequate arch space must first be created through arch expansion or space opening. Simply applying a finger spring without creating space will be ineffective or may worsen crowding. The tooth must be moved bodily or uprighted using appropriate orthodontic mechanics (such as a coil spring, uprighting spring, or sectional arch wire). Crown lengthening addresses gingival/bone levels, not tooth position.

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