How Do You Fix Misaligned Midline Teeth
A misaligned midline is a common issue among adult patients. When the center of your upper and lower teeth do not match up, that is considered a midline misalignment. Alignment of the midline is not only more aesthetically pleasing but can prevent other issues such as malocclusion (a bad bite) and TMJ issues.
Fortunately, there are a few options available to correct midline misalignment such as orthodontic treatment and dental veneers! Your dentist can discuss your options to help you choose the right treatment path for your individual case.
Correcting a Midline Misalignment
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is an excellent option to fix a midline and any other alignment issues that you may have. Orthodontia works to gently push and pull and rotate your teeth into alignment with either braces or clear aligners.
Traditional Braces
Braces are a tried and true treatment for correcting dental alignment. They are most commonly used in adolescent patients though anyone can get braces for their adult teeth. Braces use metal brackets that are cemented onto each tooth and an arch wire is placed, affixed to each bracket using plastic bands. The wire is gently tightened at each visit with your orthodontist throughout the treatment process to shift each tooth into place.
Once alignment is achieved, the brackets come off and you will have a custom retainer to wear all day, every day for a few months while your jaw bone and gum tissue recover from all of the changes. When your doctor finds that your bone and gums are strong enough, you will be able to wear your retainer just when you sleep, to keep your teeth in their new, properly aligned position.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Clear aligners therapy is a great way for adults to correct a misaligned midline. Invisalign works much the same as traditional braces but instead of metal brackets and wires, a series of clear plastic trays are used to shift the teeth.
Each set of trays is worn for 20 to 22 hours per day for about two weeks before changing into the next set. Each set of trays progressively shifts the teeth into alignment and is a much more comfortable process than traditional braces, though not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers or another option that can correct a misaligned midline. Instead of shifting the teeth into alignment, wafer thin porcelain veneers are placed onto each tooth, effectively giving the appearance of aligned teeth. Veneers are by far the quickest treatment option for correcting the midline and is a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth!
If you have a misaligned midline that is making you uncomfortable with your smile or causing other issues, speak with your dentist to see what options are available to you. If your dentist is not able to provide orthodontic treatment, they will refer you to an orthodontist for further evaluation.