National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

To prevent a custom tray from seating too far on the arch, what is created?

1. Supports

2. Aligners

3. Stops

4. Adjustments

The correct answer is: Stops

The concept of creating stops in a custom tray is essential for ensuring proper fit and function during dental procedures. Stops are specifically designed barriers that allow the tray to rest in a predetermined position within the oral cavity. This prevents the tray from seating too deeply on the dental arch, which could lead to discomfort, distortion of the impression, or interference with anatomical structures. When stops are appropriately placed on the custom tray, they help achieve a consistent distance from the tissue and ensure uniform pressure is applied during impression taking. This results in more accurate impressions, as the material conforms correctly to the anatomical features of the teeth and surrounding tissues. The importance of stops is underscored in various dental practices to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of custom trays in capturing impressions, leading to better-fitting prosthetics or orthodontic appliances. In contrast, supports, aligners, and adjustments serve different purposes in dental practice and do not directly address the issue of limiting the depth of seating of a custom tray.