HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

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Enhance your HOSA Dental Terminology knowledge with our quiz. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of an orthodontic retainer?

To create more space for teeth
To stabilize teeth after orthodontic treatment
To whiten teeth
To clean plaque from teeth

The correct answer is: To stabilize teeth after orthodontic treatment

The primary function of an orthodontic retainer is to stabilize teeth after orthodontic treatment. Once braces are removed, there is a natural tendency for the teeth to shift back to their original positions due to the elastic nature of the periodontal ligaments that connect the teeth to the jawbone. A retainer helps to hold the teeth in their new, corrected positions, ensuring that the adjustments made during orthodontic treatment are maintained over time. This is crucial for achieving long-lasting results and preventing orthodontic relapse. The other options, while they may relate to dental care in different contexts, do not accurately describe the purpose of a retainer. Retainers are not designed to create space for teeth, which pertains more to orthodontic expansion devices. They also do not serve to whiten teeth or to clean plaque, functions typically associated with whitening trays and dental hygiene tools respectively.