American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The use of Class II elastics primarily aims to correct Class II skeletal relationships by creating a specific vector of force that acts on the teeth. When these elastics are employed, they apply a pulling force from the upper molars to the lower incisors. This force leads to the procline (i.e., tipping forward) and protrude (i.e., moving forward) of the lower anterior teeth.

Proclination of the lower anterior teeth can enhance the overall aesthetics and alignment of the arch, helping to create better occlusion and improving the anterior-posterior relationship of the dental arches. Additionally, while Class II elastics may indirectly influence the position of other teeth in the arch, their primary effect is on the lower incisors by promoting their movement forward and for better alignment with the upper arch.

Other choices describe dental movements or outcomes that do not align with the primary purpose of Class II elastics. For instance, extruding upper molars or retaining dental positions falls outside the direct influence of Class II elastics, while crowding lower incisors suggests a discrepancy or issue that Class II elastics are not designed to correct.