What is the term for the condition when the mandible is positioned ahead of the maxilla?

The term that describes the condition when the mandible is positioned ahead of the maxilla is known as an Underbite. This dental relationship occurs when the lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth, often leading to a misalignment or malocclusion where the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed.

In this scenario, the underbite can affect both function and aesthetics, potentially impacting the way a person bites, chews, or speaks. It can also lead to additional dental issues over time if not addressed appropriately. Understanding this condition is crucial for dental professionals when evaluating a patient's bite and planning for potential orthodontic treatments to correct it.

Other dental terms relate to different types of malocclusions. An overbite refers to when the upper teeth overlap significantly with the lower teeth, crossbite involves a misalignment where some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, and an open bite describes a situation where there is a lack of vertical overlap between upper and lower teeth, resulting in no contact when the teeth come together.