What term is used to describe an increased vertical overlap of maxillary incisors?

The term that describes an increased vertical overlap of the maxillary incisors is known as overbite. In orthodontics, overbite refers to the relationship of the upper front teeth (maxillary incisors) to the lower front teeth (mandibular incisors) when the dental arches are in occlusion. A normal overbite is typically about 1 to 2 millimeters; however, when the overlap is greater, it indicates an increased overbite. This can affect the aesthetics of a person’s smile and has potential implications for proper occlusion, function, and long-term dental health.

Understanding overbite is essential for dental professionals as it can lead to other issues, such as wear on the teeth or jaw joint problems, if left untreated. The context of this term is especially significant when evaluating a patient's occlusion during examinations.

The other terms listed, while relevant in dental discussions, refer to different conditions. Mesiocclusion indicates a malocclusion where the lower teeth are more forward than the upper teeth. Open bite describes a situation where there is no contact between the upper and lower incisors when the mouth is closed, and crowding refers to insufficient space for teeth to align properly, which can lead to misalignment but does not