Is Midline Misalignment a Problem?
Do you remember a favorite actor or actress wearing orthodontic braces? They were pursuing treatment to correct their midline misalignment. If one or both of your dental arches are asymmetrical at the center points, you have a common dental issue called midline misalignment. It can also be called a deviated midline or a dental midline shift.
There is no reason for you to worry because this midline misalignment is a frequent dental issue. Your misaligned midline is easily treatable with a variety of solutions and the treatment does not involve any complications. The following are some common causes for midline misalignment and treatment options.
Problems as the Result of Midline Misalignment
Midline misalignment is simply when the center line of your upper teeth does not align with the center line of your lower teeth. This can create several problems, including:
- Aesthetics- A midline misalignment can develop the perception of an unattractive smile and therefore have a negative impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Bite issues- Misaligned teeth can initiate an improper bite, which leads to difficulty chewing, accelerated improper tooth wear, and even jaw pain.
- Speech problems- Misaligned teeth can also negatively impact your speech, causing a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words.
- TMJ disorders- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can result from misaligned teeth, causing discomfort, pain, and often stiffness in the jaw.
Midline misalignment can be caused by a range of factors, including thumb-sucking, genetics, tongue-thrusting, and trauma to your jaw. It can even be because of some prior orthodontic treatment that was done incorrectly.
Causes of Midline Misalignment
There are a variety of causes of midline misalignment which can vary from person to person. More common reasons for dental midline shifts include:
- Missing teeth.
- Congenitally missing teeth.
- A bad habit (i.e., prolonged thumb-sucking).
- The early loss of baby teeth.
- Oversized teeth (macrodontia).
- Undersized teeth (microdontia.)
- Jaw misalignments.
- Dental trauma.
Treatment Options for Midline Misalignment
Your dentist will recommend the best way to treat your specific condition. Listed below are some common treatment options they might suggest based on your situation.
- Braces- Braces can treat almost all types of dental misalignments. They are quite effective for treating misaligned midline teeth, primarily if the source is an abnormal bite. They can resolve the issue at a skeletal level. Along with correcting your midline misalignment, braces can also improve other orthodontic issues that are affecting your healthy smile.
- Invisalign- This is a treatment option to your midline misalignment shift without using metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are discreet and difficult to see. It is a solution that is becoming increasingly popular with adults and teens. They are removable, so there are no food restrictions. Your dentist will be able to tell whether Invisalign is appropriate for your misaligned midline.
- Veneers- Veneers cover, hide, and mask all types of imperfections, including your misaligned midline teeth. They are custom fabricated of durable porcelain in a dental lab and look like your natural teeth. Veneers are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth making it difficult to notice any difference between the veneers and your original teeth.