Which statement describes underbite?

Which statement describes underbite?

• A. Mandibular teeth anterior to maxillary teeth
• B. Maxillary teeth anterior to mandibular teeth
• C. No occlusion
• D. Overlapping incisors

Answer: (A)

Underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes so the mandibular teeth sit in front of the maxillary teeth when the bite comes together. This anterior positioning of the lower teeth relative to the upper teeth is what defines an underbite (an anterior crossbite, often seen in Class III relationships). It contrasts with normal occlusion, where the upper teeth typically sit in front of the lower teeth. Descriptions like no occlusion or merely overlap of the incisors don’t capture the forward placement of the lower teeth relative to the upper teeth.

Underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes so the mandibular teeth sit in front of the maxillary teeth when the bite comes together. This anterior positioning of the lower teeth relative to the upper teeth is what defines an underbite (an anterior crossbite, often seen in Class III relationships). It contrasts with normal occlusion, where the upper teeth typically sit in front of the lower teeth. Descriptions like no occlusion or merely overlap of the incisors don’t capture the forward placement of the lower teeth relative to the upper teeth.