Question

When horizontal overlap is considered, the greater the overlap, the ___ the cusp height will be to avoid cusp collision; when horizontal overlap is reduced, the cusp height ___.

A) Lowered, increases
B) Increased, decreases
C) Unchanged, fluctuates
D) Raised, remains constant

Answer 1

The correct answer is A) Lowered, increases. Greater horizontal overlap requires a lower cusp height to avoid collision, while reduced overlap allows for an increased cusp height.

Step-by-step explanation:

When horizontal overlap is considered in dentistry, particularly in the context of occlusion, the proximity of the upper and lower teeth can affect the height of the cusps (the pointed parts of the tooth). If there is greater horizontal overlap, the cusp height would need to be lowered to avoid collision between the upper and lower teeth.

Conversely, if horizontal overlap is reduced, there would be more space, allowing the cusp height to be increased. Therefore, the greater the horizontal overlap, the lower the cusp height will be to avoid cusp collision; when horizontal overlap is reduced, the cusp height increases. Option A) is the correct one.