American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

The scenario that necessitates the use of chin cups and elastics in orthodontics typically involves addressing the misalignment of the teeth and jaw relationships that could lead to functional and aesthetic issues. Class II malocclusion can often present with a retruded mandible and protruded maxilla, particularly in growing patients. The function of chin cups is to inhibit the forward growth of the maxilla while promoting the downward and backward growth of the mandible. This is especially important when there are missing teeth that can cause further malocclusion issues, necessitating stabilization and proper alignment strategies to facilitate future tooth alignment and occlusal function.

In the case of other conditions listed, such as Class III malocclusion or an open bite due to crowding, the guiding principles and treatments differ. Class III would generally aim at guiding maxillary retrusion or mandibular protrusion through different methods, while an open bite related to crowding typically involves orthodontic treatment focused on correcting crowding and eruption patterns rather than using chin cups. Preventive treatment for overbite addresses the prevention of excessive vertical overlap and may not specifically require chin cups unless a skeletal discrepancy is identified requiring broader management. Therefore, the appropriate scenario that warrants the use of chin cups and elastics is in