overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when you bite together. It is a normal occlusal (bite) feature, but it can be increased (deep) or reduced (edge-to-edge or open bite). Dentists and orthodontists use the term overbite to describe bite relationships and plan care. It is commonly discussed in routine exams, orthodontic consultations, and restorative treatment planning.

overjet is the horizontal distance between the upper front teeth and the lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. It describes how far the upper incisors sit in front of the lower incisors. Clinicians use overjet as a standard measurement in orthodontics, restorative planning, and bite (occlusion) assessment. It is recorded during dental exams to document tooth position and how it changes over time.

Angle classification is a dental system for describing how the upper and lower teeth fit together (the bite). It is most commonly based on the relationship of the permanent first molars, and sometimes the canines. Dentists and orthodontists use it to label common bite patterns as Class I, Class II, or Class III. It is a communication tool used in exams, records, referrals, and treatment planning discussions.

Class III malocclusion is a bite relationship where the lower teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth when the jaws are closed. It is commonly described as an “underbite,” and it may involve the front teeth, the back teeth, or both. Clinicians use the term to document diagnosis, communicate findings, and plan orthodontic and surgical care. It is most often discussed in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Class II malocclusion is a common way dentists and orthodontists describe a bite where the upper teeth/jaw sit relatively forward compared with the lower teeth/jaw. In plain terms, it often looks like an “overbite/overjet” pattern, where upper front teeth may appear ahead of the lowers. It is most commonly used in orthodontic exams, dental records, and treatment planning discussions. It is a diagnostic classification, not a material or a procedure by itself.

Class I malocclusion is an orthodontic way to describe how the upper and lower teeth fit together. It means the back teeth (especially the first molars) have a “normal” front-to-back relationship, but the teeth may still be crooked or misaligned. It is commonly used in dental charts, orthodontic consultations, and treatment planning discussions. It helps clinicians describe a bite pattern in a consistent, standardized way.

malocclusion means the teeth and/or jaws do not fit together in an ideal bite relationship. It is a clinical term used in dentistry and orthodontics to describe how the upper and lower teeth contact. malocclusion can involve tooth position (crowding or spacing), jaw position, or both. It is commonly discussed when evaluating chewing function, aesthetics, tooth wear, and orthodontic treatment needs.

tooth alignment describes how teeth are positioned relative to each other within the dental arches. It includes spacing, crowding, rotations, and how upper and lower teeth meet when biting (occlusion). Clinically, tooth alignment is assessed during routine dental exams and orthodontic consultations. It is addressed with orthodontic movement, restorative “camouflage” (reshaping), or a combination of approaches.

smile alignment is the clinical concept of making the teeth, gums, and bite look and function more harmoniously when someone smiles. It commonly involves orthodontics (moving teeth) and restorative dentistry (reshaping or rebuilding teeth). It is used in cosmetic dentistry and functional dentistry because appearance and bite mechanics often overlap. The goal is a balanced smile line, coordinated tooth positions, and a stable bite relationship.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist focused on diagnosing and treating tooth and jaw alignment problems.