midline deviation is a mismatch between the center line of the face and the center line of the teeth. It is most commonly discussed in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and bite (occlusion) evaluation. It can involve the upper dental midline, the lower dental midline, or both. Clinicians use it as a descriptive finding that helps guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
diastema means a space or gap between two teeth. It most commonly refers to a visible gap between the upper front teeth. Dentists use the term in exams, chart notes, and treatment planning to describe tooth spacing. A diastema can be a normal variation, a sign of underlying factors, or a concern someone wants to change for function or appearance.
spacing refers to a gap or extra space between teeth, most commonly seen between the front teeth (often called a diastema). It can be a natural variation, a change that develops over time, or a planned part of dental treatment. Dentists and orthodontists may manage spacing by closing gaps, redistributing space, or creating space intentionally for other procedures. In everyday care, spacing is discussed in cosmetic bonding, orthodontics (braces/aligners), and periodontal (gum) evaluations.
crowding is a dental term for teeth that do not have enough space to line up normally in the dental arch. It commonly shows up as overlapping, rotations, or teeth that erupt out of position. Dentists and orthodontists use the term crowding to describe, measure, and communicate the severity of misalignment. It is most often discussed in orthodontic consultations, routine exams, and treatment planning.
scissor bite is a type of bite problem (malocclusion) where the upper back teeth bite too far outside the lower back teeth. Instead of the teeth overlapping slightly in a normal way, the upper teeth can sit completely “buccal” (toward the cheek) to the lowers. It is most commonly discussed in orthodontics and occlusion (how teeth fit together). Clinicians may also describe it as a “posterior scissor bite” because it often affects premolars and molars.
posterior crossbite is a bite relationship where one or more back teeth bite “inside” or “outside” their usual position when the jaws close. It most often involves the premolars and molars (the posterior teeth) on one side or both sides. Dentists and orthodontic teams use the term to describe a transverse (side-to-side) mismatch between the upper and lower arches. It is commonly discussed during orthodontic assessments, growth and development exams, and occlusion (bite) evaluations.
anterior crossbite is a bite relationship where one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth when you bite together. It can involve a single tooth or several teeth, and it may affect one side or both sides of the front bite. Dentists and orthodontists use the term when examining occlusion (how teeth meet) in children, teens, and adults. It is commonly discussed in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics because early tooth position can influence function and growth patterns.
A crossbite is a bite relationship where one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. It can involve the front teeth (anterior) or the back teeth (posterior), and it can appear on one side or both sides. Dentists and orthodontists use the term crossbite when describing how the upper and lower arches fit together. It is commonly discussed during orthodontic evaluations, routine dental exams, and occlusal (bite) assessments.
A posterior open bite is a bite relationship where the back teeth do not touch when the jaws close. It usually refers to missing contact between premolars and/or molars on one or both sides. Clinicians use the term in orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and occlusion (how teeth meet) assessments. It can be a temporary finding during treatment or a stable feature of a person’s bite.
An anterior open bite is a bite pattern where the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are together. It is commonly described during dental exams, orthodontic consultations, and speech or chewing assessments. The “open” space is typically visible between the incisors (front teeth) when a person bites down. It can occur from tooth position, jaw growth patterns, or habits and airway-related factors.