American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Class II elastics are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct Class II malocclusions by encouraging the forward movement of the mandible in relation to the maxilla. Research indicates that the movement produced by Class II elastics leads to a reported average of about 1.2 mm of mandibular forward growth during treatment.

This specific measurement aligns with studies that assess the functional and orthopedic effects of Class II elastics on mandibular positioning. The elastic forces applied during orthodontic treatment not only influence tooth movement but also stimulate adaptation in the dental and skeletal relationship, ultimately resulting in slight advances in the position of the mandible. Such changes are nuanced and contribute to the overall goals of treatment, including enhanced occlusal relationships and improved facial aesthetics.

The other values provided in the options are not representative of the outcomes typically observed with Class II elastics, as they either overestimate the amount of forward growth that occurs or reflect results related to different treatment modalities, making the correct answer of 1.2 mm particularly significant in the context of orthodontic practice.