Is Misaligned Midline Normal
A misaligned midline is a normal issue among adult patients. For the midline to be misaligned simply means that the center of the upper and lower arches do not line up with each other or the nose, up to the space between the eyebrows. This often occurs simply due to the way a patient's adult teeth come in but other causes of a misaligned midline include missing teeth, over or under size teeth, jaw misalignment, or dental trauma.
Aside from the aesthetics of the patient smile, a misaligned midline can lead to other issues down the road including malocclusion, bruxism, tooth fracture, and TMJ issues
Malocclusion is a bad bite and when the teeth do not line up correctly, they also will not come together correctly when you eat and speak. Bruxism is clenching and grinding the teeth, which many of us do in our sleep or even during the day and are not aware of. All of these issues can lead to shifting teeth, dental decay, and may even cause chips and fractures in the teeth. So while it seems like midline misalignment is simply a matter of looks, it can pose much bigger problems in the future if it is not corrected. Fortunately, there are a few options for correcting a misaligned midline.
How is a misaligned midline fixed?
One of the most common treatments for a misaligned midline is orthodontic treatment. Patients can opt to have traditional braces or clear liner therapy to fix their midline and straighten any shifted teeth. Traditional braces use metal brackets and a metal arch wire to gently apply pressure to the teeth to ship them into alignment. Clear aligners do not rely on brackets and wires, instead they use clear plastic trays that sit over the entire structure of the teeth and with each new tray, the teeth are slowly shifted into place.
Another common option is to have porcelain veneers placed on the front teeth. Veneers are a thin porcelain that is permanently affixed to the front of the patient's teeth. Veneers can fix minor alignment issues without added orthodontic treatment. Veneers have the added benefit of collecting any aesthetic issue that you would like to change about your smile. They can make your teeth appear larger and brighter! Your dentist will work with you and the dental lab to make sure you have the smile of your dreams!
A misaligned midline is a normal and common dental issue but fortunately, it is relatively easy to fix. If your dentist does not do any orthodontic treatment, they will refer you to an orthodontist if that is the treatment path you choose. If you decide to fix alignment with veneers, your dentist will likely be able to provide that treatment for you. Your dentist is the best place to start with any dental issue since they work with a number of specialists and will be able to be involved with any treatment that you might receive.