Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth on one or both sides of the mouth rather than fitting slightly outside them. It can be an anterior crossbite (affecting the front teeth) or a posterior crossbite (affecting the back teeth) and may result from tooth position, jaw size or relationship, early loss of baby teeth, or habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking.

People with a crossbite may notice uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, jaw discomfort, or a shifting bite, and it can affect facial growth in children if left untreated. A dentist or orthodontist will assess the bite and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include expansion appliances, braces or clear aligners, growth modification in growing patients, or combined restorative and surgical approaches in severe adult cases.