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

The greatest width of mandibular bone typically occurs at the distobuccal cusp of the second molar. This is because the second molar's anatomy accommodates the overall development and position of the bone around it. Mandibular molars particularly play an essential role in occlusion and providing necessary support for the adjacent structures, which can lead to increased bone width in that region.

The distobuccal cusp is positioned further back and out laterally, providing space for the wider distribution of the forces applied during mastication, which may contribute to a greater mandibular width. Additionally, the developmental process of the mandible often leads to this part being the widest due to the functional demands placed by the molar's occlusal surfaces and the surrounding musculature during chewing.

In terms of the other tooth cusps listed, while they are significant in their respective positions, they do not exhibit the same extent of width as the distobuccal cusp of the second molar due to their anatomical placements and functional roles. Thus, distobuccal cusps of the second molar represent the area of greatest width in the mandibular bone, making this the correct answer.