Midline discrepancy is a common condition among children, teens and adults caused by asymmetry in the dental points of one or both of the dental arches.
Discrepancies between the midline teeth are primarily a cosmetic concern. With mild to moderate cases, this condition is harmless and very rarely presents any unpleasant symptoms.
In severe cases, there may be challenges such as a crossbite in the back teeth or difficulty chewing.
What is Midline Misalignment?
Imagine a straight vertical line going down the center of your face, from your forehead to your nose to your chin. Now visualize how that lines up with your two front teeth. With some people, both sides of the face will be relatively symmetrical and this line will fall in the center of the two front teeth.
In some cases, this imaginary line won’t create an even division of the two front teeth. If the center of the two front teeth does not line up with the centerline of the face, this is called a midline misalignment.
Perfectly aligned front teeth are not common, but most people have such a small midline discrepancy that it’s barely noticeable.
A severe midline discrepancy can create off-center teeth that are significantly noticeable, which can affect facial balance.
Fortunately, our orthodontists offer a number of orthodontic treatments to treat midline misalignment!
Orthodontic Treatments to Fix Midline Misalignment
The best option to treat your midline shift teeth will depend on the severity of the condition. When you visit us for your complimentary exam, your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your condition to help you make the best decision for your smile. He or she may suggest any of the following treatments:
Braces
Braces are among the most effective orthodontic treatments for correcting a midline discrepancy.
Braces can also be used with other orthodontic appliances, such as elastics (rubber bands), to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
If the midline discrepancy is caused by a bite misalignment, then braces might be the best route. They can realign the jaw bones quickly and effectively.
Invisalign®
Our orthodontists can also treat midline misalignments with an Invisalign treatment plan. Over time, the persistent pressure of your clear aligners will realign your jaw bones to align the midline of your top teeth with the midline of your bottom teeth.
(Invisalign treatment can be the most convenient option for you, depending on your lifestyle. You won’t have any dietary restrictions with Invisalign and you can remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth!)
Due to our orthodontists’ expertise, they can treat most conditions with Invisalign. Your treatment plan may include an appliance to maximize efficiency.
How to Determine the Best Treatment Method for You
The best way to determine the most effective treatment for you is by visiting us for your complimentary consultation! Our experienced orthodontists will perform a thorough examination of your smile, assessing your bite alignment and the position of each tooth, to gain a full-picture understanding of your condition.
It’s important to visit your orthodontist to determine the best treatment method, because every case is unique! The most effective treatment method will depend on a number of factors that can’t be determined without a professional orthodontic exam.
Still have questions about treating a midline misalignment?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We love to hear from you. We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Gaffney, Union, Duncan, West Spartanburg or East Spartanburg, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
