Crossbite
A malocclusion in which one or more upper teeth occlude inside (lingual to) the lower teeth, in the anterior or posterior region.
Full Definition
A crossbite is a transverse discrepancy in the bite relationship in which upper teeth are positioned more lingually than their lower counterparts, which is the reverse of the normal occlusal relationship. It may be classified as anterior (affecting the front teeth) or posterior (affecting the back teeth), and as unilateral or bilateral. Crossbite can result from dental, skeletal, or combined causes. Editors must note it is written as one word without a hyphen, and should not be confused with 'edge-to-edge bite'.
Usage
Usage note: One word, no hyphen. Specify anterior or posterior and unilateral or bilateral for clinical accuracy.
In Context
- "The patient presented with a unilateral posterior crossbite on the left side, with an associated mandibular shift." — New patient assessment
- "Anterior crossbite was noted, with the upper left central incisor in lingual occlusion." — Referral letter