What Causes Misaligned Midline Teeth
A misaligned midline is a relatively common issue among adult patients and is relatively simple to treat. When one or both dental arches are asymmetrical in the center, that is a misaligned midline. The center of our teeth should line up on the top and lower teeth, then bisect the nose and line up with the center of the space between the eyebrows.
There are some medical conditions and lifestyle habits that can lead to a misaligned midline though it is often simply the way the adult teeth erupted in childhood. The patient's teeth grew abnormally and did not follow the proper spacing between teeth, the teeth can be crowded and result in a misaligned midline. Additionally, bad childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can create orthodontic issues, one of which is the misalignment of the dental midline.
Other issues that can cause a misaligned midline include missing teeth and jaw misalignment. When a tooth is missing or has to be extracted, the rest of the teeth want to fill that space so they tend to shift and can come out of alignment. A jot misalignment can include an open bite, underbite, or a crossbite. All of which cause malocclusion, when the teeth do not come together properly, which can then lead to a shift in the midline.
Treating a Misaligned Midline
The most common and ideal treatment options to correct a misaligned midline include orthodontic treatment or porcelain dental veneers.
Braces and Invisalign clear aligners both work to gently shift the teeth into a new, aligned position using pressure to push, pull, and rotate the teeth. Traditional braces utilize metal brackets and wires to shift the teeth whereas Invisalign relies on clear plastic trays that are changed out every couple of weeks to progressively shift the teeth into position.
Porcelain veneers can be used if the shift is minor. Veneers are a thin porcelain material that is placed over each individual tooth to create a new, aesthetically pleasing smile. Veneers are most often used for patients that do not like the shape and appearance of their teeth since the porcelain can be fabricated to accommodate the desired shape and can be tinted to provide the desired brightness of the teeth.
If you have a misaligned midline that makes you feel self-conscious about your smile or you can tell it is changing your bite, speak with your dentist to see what treatment options are best for you. Correcting a misaligned midline is nothing to be afraid of but it is important to take the necessary steps to fix it. It is not just an aesthetic issue, it is a dental health issue. Your dentist will be able to guide you during your treatment, even if you are being treated by an orthodontist that is not your dentist. Your two doctors will keep each other apprised of your treatment progress and will work together to provide the best service possible.