Which malocclusion is associated with a negative overjet?

Which malocclusion is associated with a negative overjet?

• A. Malocclusion Class III by Angle (true form)
• B. Malocclusion II/2 by Angle
• C. Open bite
• D. Malocclusion II/1 by Angle

Answer: (D)

A negative overjet means the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth, creating an anterior crossbite. This is most characteristic of Class III malocclusion in Angle’s system, where the mandible is relatively prognathic or the maxilla is retrusive, leading to mesiocclusion of the dental arches and a reverse (negative) overjet. In contrast, Class II malocclusions (both divisions) typically produce a positive overjet due to a relatively retruded mandible and/or protrusive upper incisors. Open bite can have a range of overjets but is not defined by a negative overjet as a hallmark. So the presence of a negative overjet points most directly to Class III malocclusion.

A negative overjet means the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth, creating an anterior crossbite. This is most characteristic of Class III malocclusion in Angle’s system, where the mandible is relatively prognathic or the maxilla is retrusive, leading to mesiocclusion of the dental arches and a reverse (negative) overjet. In contrast, Class II malocclusions (both divisions) typically produce a positive overjet due to a relatively retruded mandible and/or protrusive upper incisors. Open bite can have a range of overjets but is not defined by a negative overjet as a hallmark. So the presence of a negative overjet points most directly to Class III malocclusion.