Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
Which jaw becomes BROADER (wider) as it undergoes resorption after tooth loss?
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Correct answer: A. Mandible — broadens due to its resorption pattern
The mandible broadens as it resorbs — bone loss primarily on the buccal/labial while the lingual cortex remains more intact, widening the ridge base. The maxilla NARROWS (centripetal resorption — inward and upward). This pattern difference underlies 'combination syndrome.'
- A. CORRECT. The mandible broadens as it resorbs — buccal bone loss with relative lingual preservation creates a wider but shorter ridge.
- B. The mandible broadens — this statement is incorrect.
- C. The maxilla NARROWS with resorption (centripetal) — becomes smaller over time.
- D. They have opposite patterns — not equal.
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