← All explanationsScissor bite

What is a scissor bite of the back teeth?

In a scissor bite, upper and lower back teeth pass beside one another rather than meeting normally on their chewing surfaces. Causes and extent vary. Examination distinguishes the contribution of tooth position and jaw width.

For training & practice ↓

Spatially simplified scissor-bite model: upper posterior tooth toward the cheek on the right, lower tooth toward the tongue on the left. — Simplified spatial model: cheek right, tongue left; the chewing surfaces do not meet.

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Missing contact

The model shows lateral overlap. Normal chewing contacts can be absent in the affected area.

02 / 03

Tooth or jaw?

A tilted individual tooth needs different planning from a substantial width discrepancy. Both sides are assessed.

03 / 03

Plan individually

Age, growth, tissues and bite determine the approach. A photograph alone cannot select an appliance.

Read the full explanation

Missing contact
The model shows lateral overlap. Normal chewing contacts can be absent in the affected area.
Tooth or jaw?
A tilted individual tooth needs different planning from a substantial width discrepancy. Both sides are assessed.
Plan individually
Age, growth, tissues and bite determine the approach. A photograph alone cannot select an appliance.

Notes on the teaching images

Simplified spatial model: cheek right, tongue left; the chewing surfaces do not meet.
The sideways discrepancy is assessed together with tooth position and jaw width.
Symbolic image: a single image is insufficient for treatment planning.

For your visit: open the communication cards

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Main feature?

Back teeth do not meet normally side to side.

What to assess?

Tooth position, jaw width and function.

Treatment?

Plan after individual bite assessment.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.

Go to film text

Often confused

A transverse bite problem

A scissor bite is not simply a large forward gap between the incisors.

Quick answers

Is every crossbite a scissor bite?

No. The terms describe different transverse relationships; the actual position matters.

Can I deliberately hold my jaw differently?

That does not replace assessment. Do not try self-prescribed elastics or exercises to correct the bite.

Is surgery always needed?

No. It depends on the findings; the term does not automatically imply surgery.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which structures account for the missing bite contacts?

Do your teeth noticeably pass beside each other when chewing? Have the contacts examined.

Have bite contacts checkedAppointment selection at Doctolib

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Transverse: Across the dental arch.
Buccal: Towards the cheek.
Occlusal contact: Contact between opposing chewing surfaces.

Make the distinction

A scissor bite is not simply a large forward gap between the incisors.

Knowledge questionWhich plane is especially involved?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

The side-to-side width relationship.
Only tooth colour.
Only tooth age.

View answer

The side-to-side width relationship.

The back teeth pass beside one another.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-06. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.