← All explanationsCrossbite

What is different in a crossbite?

In a crossbite, the side-to-side or front-to-back relationship of opposing teeth differs from the usual bite. For example, upper back teeth may bite inside the lower teeth. It may affect individual teeth or whole sections of the arches.

For dental trainees & teams

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The tooth rows meet differently

Upper back teeth normally sit slightly further outwards. This relationship may be reversed in a posterior crossbite. At the front, upper incisors may sit behind the lower ones.

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Tooth position or jaw relationship

A crossbite may involve tooth position, the relationship of the jaws or both. Sometimes the lower jaw shifts sideways when closing.

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Examine the whole bite

Direction, extent and possible shifts are assessed before treatment. In children, early orthodontic assessment may be important.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

What is altered?

How upper and lower teeth relate when biting together.

Where can it occur?

At the front or sides, on one or both sides.

Why examine it?

Tooth position, jaw relationship and shifts influence planning.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): What is different in a crossbite?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Crossbite or open bite?

Crossbite involves an altered spatial relationship. In an open bite, a gap remains between certain opposing teeth during biting.

Quick answers

Does a crossbite always affect both sides?

No. It may be one-sided, two-sided or involve only individual teeth.

Is a crossbite the same as a protruding lower jaw?

No. Individual misaligned teeth can also be in crossbite. Jaw position is assessed separately from tooth position.

Can I identify the cause in a mirror?

Not reliably. The bite in motion and the position of both tooth rows need examination.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Is my crossbite mainly related to tooth position, jaw relationships or a functional shift?

Symptoms, examination findings and personal wishes form the basis of individual treatment planning.

An unusual bite relationship should be assessed as a whole.

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Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Transverse: Relating to the side-to-side direction.
Anterior crossbite: One or more upper front teeth bite behind the lower teeth.
Functional lateral shift: Sideways movement of the lower jaw during closure.

Know the difference

A dental crossbite and a skeletal discrepancy may look similar but need different diagnostic assessment.

Knowledge questionWhat characterises a posterior crossbite?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

All front teeth always lack contact.
The side-to-side relationship of upper and lower back teeth is altered.
There are only rotated teeth within one jaw.

Show answer and explanation

The side-to-side relationship of upper and lower back teeth is altered.

Posterior refers to back teeth. Their transverse relationship and possible shifts are assessed.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.