Which malocclusion involves an excessive protrusion of the maxillary incisors?

The choice of overjet as the answer relates to its definition and the characteristics of dental occlusion. Overjet refers specifically to the horizontal distance between the maxillary incisors and the mandibular incisors. In cases where there is an excessive protrusion of the maxillary incisors, the space between these anterior teeth increases, leading to a significant overjet.

Patients presenting with a noticeable overjet often exhibit maxillary incisors that project farther forward than the mandibular incisors, which aligns perfectly with the scenario described in the question. This condition can also contribute to aesthetic concerns and may influence speech and oral function. Recognizing and diagnosing overjet is crucial in orthodontic assessments as it can guide treatment planning.

In contrast, overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the teeth, open bite indicates a lack of contact between opposing incisors, and mesiocclusion typically describes a class of bite where the first molars have a certain relationship to each other rather than addressing incisor positioning specifically. Thus, overjet is the most relevant term to denote the excessive protrusion of the maxillary incisors.