Most people don’t use the term “midline misalignment” when describing front teeth that are a little off-center. The dental midline is exactly the feature in question, though, and you know the problem when you see it. The vertical line between the upper and lower front teeth is supposed to align with the top and bottom arches as well as the middle of the face. When everything doesn’t stack correctly, braces are often the answer.
Understanding the Midline Shift
A dental midline that is out of whack is both a cosmetic and functional problem. Some of the biggest complaints patients have when dealing with this issue include:
- Back bite not fitting together
- Chronic teeth grinding
- Chewing problems
- Uneven enamel wear and tear
- Tooth damage or decay
Causes of Midline Misalignment
One of the most famous people with midline misalignment is actor Tom Cruise. He has undergone orthodontic treatment and probably other cosmetic dentistry procedures, but his midline has long been noticeably off. There are many possible reasons for this asymmetrical midline shift in teeth:
- Early loss of baby teeth. Some children lose baby teeth prematurely, whether from dental trauma or tooth decay. When an adult tooth does not erupt quickly enough, the teeth that are present tend to shift to fill spaces. This movement can cause a midline shift in baby teeth and later adult teeth.
- Crowding. Crowding is an incredibly common orthodontic complication, but most people don’t know that crowded teeth can lead to a midline shift. Teeth that grow too close together or are moved into snug positions can push midline teeth off-center.
- Missing adult teeth. Just like baby teeth, if adult teeth are missing for any reason, the neighboring teeth eventually move to fill any gaps. This can cause tissue damage and contribute to midline misalignment.
- Bad habits. It’s cute when babies and kids suck their thumbs or use a pacifier, but these habits are detrimental to oral development if they go on for too long. Anything that pushes the child’s upper front teeth puts pressure on the dental arches as they grow and leads to misalignment that impacts the midline.
Orthodontics for Off-Center Front Teeth
It is possible to move the midline back to center where it belongs. There are a handful of appropriate orthodontic treatments, depending on the severity of your case, that will result in a symmetrical smile:
- Conventional braces. Whether you choose metal or ceramic braces, these brackets and wires are a tough, effective way to shift teeth and jaw to correct places.
- Invisalign. Patients who want to make a big change as discreetly as possible opt for the clear aligners of Invisalign. This method often works for minor midline shifts.
- Expander. A palatal expander is an excellent choice for kids who have more teeth than space in their mouth. The crowding is alleviated with the expansion of the dental arch while the palate is still malleable, assisting with the correction of the midline.
Contact the orthodontic team at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA, to learn more about customized orthodontic treatment. Schedule an appointment for a consultation.
