Overbite

For other uses, see Overbite (disambiguation).

Overbite
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	K07.2
ICD-9	524.29

Overbite refers to the extent of vertical overlap of the maxillary central incisors over the mandibular central incisors^[1]; it does not refer to a lower jaw being too far behind the upper jaw (retrognathia) or a misalignment of the teeth.

It is measured relative to the incisal ridges.^[2]

In and of itself overbite is not a form of malocclusion, rather an absent or excess overbite would be a malocclusion. Normal overbite is between 3–5 mm (or approximately 20–30%) and is commonly expressed as a percentage.

Other terms confused with "overbite"

Overbite is often confused with overjet which is the horizontal distance between the maxillary anterior teeth and the mandibular anterior teeth.

Often, the incorrect use of the term "overbite" is actually referring to Class II malocclusion or retrognathia. This is where the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar is situated anterior to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar; in other words, the mandible (lower jaw) appears too far behind the maxilla. A person presenting with Class II malocclusion may exhibit excessive overbite as well. It is also possible to have the opposite problem, which is referred to as openbite, which can occur in the anterior or posterior. In this case the teeth do not overlap enough or at all. The upper teeth stick out past the lower teeth.

References

1. ^ Okeson, J.P. (2008) Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion. Sixth Edition.
2. ^ "Overbite" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary