Final answer:
An open bite is the dental condition wherein the incisors do not overlap vertically, and the severity is determined by measuring their vertical separation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an open bite, there is not vertical overlap, and the vertical separation of the incisors is measured to quantify its severity. The incisors are one of eight (four upper and four lower) blade-like teeth at the front of the mouth that are used to slice off pieces of food. The condition can have various causes, including jaw development issues, prolonged thumb-sucking, or skeletal discrepancies.
To assess the severity of an open bite, orthodontists measure how far apart the upper and lower incisors are when the mouth is closed. This condition can lead to difficulties in biting and chewing, as the canine teeth and incisors do not meet to perform their usual function. The severity of the overbite can be measured by the vertical separation of the incisors, which are the eight blade-like teeth at the front of the mouth.