American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "infraocclusion" specifically describes a condition in which a tooth is positioned below the expected occlusal plane. This can occur due to various reasons, including the presence of dental ankylosis, where a tooth fuses to the underlying alveolar bone and fails to erupt properly, or in cases of delayed eruption.

When a tooth is infraoccluded, it sits lower than its adjacent teeth, which can lead to functional issues, aesthetic concerns, and can require intervention to properly align the occlusion. Understanding infraocclusion is crucial for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, as it influences how the dental arches come together during occlusion and can affect the overall occlusal scheme.

In contrast to the other options, a tooth above its expected occlusal plane refers to supraversion, an even occlusal plane indicates proper alignment without infra or supraversion, and exaggerated occlusal contact speaks to an increase in occlusal force rather than tooth positioning. Thus, recognizing infraocclusion helps orthodontists address alignment and functionality as part of comprehensive patient care.