American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

The recommended orthodontic treatment for a hemiseptal defect is focused on the objective of correcting the position of the affected teeth and improving the overall dental architecture. Treatment options that involve intrusion or uprighting are particularly beneficial in addressing the specific challenges posed by such a defect.

Intrusion techniques can help reposition the teeth into the bone more effectively, potentially reducing the defect's impact on surrounding structures. Additionally, uprighting can facilitate better alignment of the teeth, encouraging the integration of the tooth surfaces and the adjacent supporting tissues. This approach aims not only to restore function but also to enhance aesthetics, which is crucial in orthodontic interventions.

In contrast, approaches like tooth extraction may not be ideal, as removing teeth can lead to additional complications, particularly in maintaining the overall symmetry and functional occlusion of the dental arch. Orthognathic surgery is usually reserved for more severe skeletal discrepancies and may not be necessary for a hemiseptal defect when orthodontics can achieve satisfactory results. A fixed retainer application is primarily a retention strategy after treatment rather than a corrective measure for the defect itself. Therefore, orthodontic treatment with intrusion or uprighting aligns with the goal of effectively managing a hemiseptal defect.