INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

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How much BL width does an occlusal rest need to be?

  1. 1/3

  2. 1/2

  3. 2/3

  4. 3/4

The correct answer is: 1/2

Occlusal rests are used in the fabrication of partial dentures to provide stability and retention. The width of the occlusal rest should ideally be half the width of the BL (bucco-lingual) dimension of the tooth. This allows for proper transfer of occlusal forces onto the tooth, preventing tipping or rotation of the denture. Arest that is too narrow (A 1/3) may not provide sufficient support, while a rest that is too wide (C: 2/3) may lead to uneven distribution of occlusal forces. Additionally, a rest that is too wide may interfere with the esthetics or function of the prosthesis. A width of 3/4 (D) may seem like a reasonable option, but it is slightly wider than half the BL dimension and may also lead to compromised stability. Therefore, option B, 1/2, is the most appropriate width for the occlusal rest.