Which condition is characterized by a discrepancy in the relationship between dental arches?

Malocclusion refers to a misalignment between the upper and lower dental arches, which can result in a variety of issues including difficulty in biting, chewing, and speaking. This condition reflects a discrepancy in how the teeth line up when the jaws are closed, leading to irregularities such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. The term encompasses both the angle of the teeth and the overall relationship of the dental arches, making it the correct choice in this context.

In contrast, hypodontia pertains to the developmental absence of one or more teeth, which does not directly relate to the alignment or relationship between the dental arches. Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gums, primarily caused by plaque accumulation, and it does not involve the physical alignment of the dental arches. A periapical abscess is an infection located at the root of a tooth, often resulting from untreated dental caries, and it does not describe any alignment issues between the dental arches. Each of these other conditions addresses different aspects of oral health and does not specifically focus on the relationship between dental arches as malocclusion does.