How Do You Fix Misaligned Midline Teeth?
To a large extent, the body is a marvel of symmetry. Of course, no one is perfect. You may have noticed one ear is a pinch higher than the other. You may wear a shoe a half-size bigger on one foot. Maybe one shirtsleeve looks longer.
Does your smile look off-center? This dental asymmetry might be caused by a condition known as midline misalignment, and you can correct it.
The center of your teeth, both upper and lower, is called the midline. If you draw an imaginary line down the middle of your face, from your forehead to your nose to the midpoint of your chin, that line should go pass right between the front teeth. When it does not, because the teeth have shifted, it is often due to a condition called midline misalignment.
Treatment Options for Midline Misalignment
Your dentist will know the best way to treat your specific situation. Here are some common treatment options they may suggest.
* Braces- Braces can treat almost any type of misalignment. They are effective for
treating misaligned midline teeth, especially if you have an abnormal bite. They will
resolve the issue at a skeletal level. Along with correcting the midlines, braces will also improve other minor issues that are impacting your healthy smile.
* Invisalign- This is a solution to your midline misalignment without visible metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are discrete and practically invisible. They are becoming quite popular. They are also removable. Only your dentist can tell whether Invisalign is appropriate for your misaligned midline.
* Veneers- Veneers can cover all kinds of imperfections with your teeth, including misaligned midline teeth.
They are made of durable porcelain and look like natural teeth. Veneers are bonded to the front surface of
your teeth making it difficult to spot the difference between them and your original teeth.
* Hyrax expander- A Hyrax expander is an option to repair teeth midline shift. The expander is fastened to your teeth and positioned on the roof of your mouth to expand the upper jaw. The expander holds this position, so you and your teeth have the opportunity to adjust to their new position. The expander can be worn anywhere from three to nine months.
* Extraction- A strategic tooth extraction might correct the teeth midline shift. When space opens with an extraction, other teeth will shift to fill the gap. This could be used in combination with the other treatments for better results.
In severe cases, surgery might be required to correct the dental midline shift, when the midline shift happens after all your teeth are in, and the primary reason seems to be structural rather than any movement through the soft tissue. Your dentist will always try every possible nonsurgical treatment for midline shift correction before suggesting surgery.
After your treatment for misalignment midline shift, you will notice improvement in the symmetry of your healthy smile. Your dentist might suggest you continue the use of a retainer or other treatments to support your new symmetry. Follow your dentist’s instructions to maintain your properly aligned teeth following your corrective treatment.