What term is a malocclusion where some of your upper teeth are inside your lower teeth when you bite down?

• A. Crossbite
• B. Diastema
• C. Drift
• D. Crowding

Answer: (A)

This describes a crossbite. Normally the upper teeth sit slightly outside the lower teeth when you bite down. In a crossbite, some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, which can involve back teeth (posterior crossbite) or front teeth (anterior crossbite). This misalignment can affect jaw growth and tooth wear if not treated, and is often addressed with orthodontic appliances like braces or expanders, especially in younger patients. For context, diastema means a gap between teeth, drift means teeth have moved from their position, and crowding means there isn’t enough space for teeth to align properly.