American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

The assertion that there is an effective method to determine TSALD (Terminal Stage of Active Longitudinal Development) from primary dentition information is false. This is primarily due to the limitations associated with using only primary teeth to make assessments about the future development of permanent dentition.

Primary teeth, while they provide some indication of dental development, do not offer a complete or fully reliable picture of how the dental arch will form or how malocclusions may develop as a child grows. The transition from primary to permanent dentition involves significant changes, and factors such as growth patterns, arch expansion, and the eruption sequence of permanent teeth can considerably alter expected outcomes. Therefore, relying solely on primary dentition information lacks the comprehensive view necessary for accurate predictions regarding TSALD.

Analyzing secondary dentition, including factors such as latent teeth eruption timelines and orthodontic implications, is essential for a more accurate assessment. Hence, the conclusion that there is no effective method to determine TSALD strictly from primary dentition information is valid and reinforces the need for additional data in diagnosing and planning orthodontic interventions.