Orthodontics · single question

A patient presents with the mandibular teeth anterior to the maxillary teeth when biting. What type of malocclusion is shown?

  1. Class I malocclusion
  2. Class II malocclusion
  3. Class III malocclusion
  4. Anterior crossbite only
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Correct answer: C. Class III malocclusion

Class III malocclusion (Angle Class III) is characterized by the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occluding posterior to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar, resulting in the lower teeth being positioned anteriorly (mesially) relative to the upper teeth. This creates a prognathic appearance where the mandibular teeth are anterior to the maxillary teeth. It may be skeletal (mandibular prognathism or maxillary retrusion) or dental in origin. Class II malocclusion is the opposite — the mandibular teeth are posterior to their normal position.

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