HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What term describes the condition where the incisors do not pass one another on the vertical axis?

1. Open bite

2. Closed bite

3. Overbite

4. Prognathia

The correct answer is: Closed bite

The condition where the incisors do not pass one another on the vertical axis is known as an open bite. An open bite occurs when there is a discrepancy in the vertical overlap between the upper and lower incisors, leading to a gap or space when the jaws are closed. This condition can impact both aesthetics and function, affecting speech and chewing. The term "closed bite" is not commonly used in dental terminology. Instead, it may refer generally to a normal occlusion or a situation where the incisors touch, which does not accurately describe the condition in question. Overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper incisors over the lower incisors, where the upper teeth cover the lower teeth to some degree when the mouth is closed. Prognathia is a condition where the jaw is positioned forward relative to the other jaw and is unrelated to the vertical positioning of the incisors.