Is Midline Misalignment a Problem?
Do you remember Tom Cruise wearing orthodontic braces in 2002? He needed treatment to correct his midline misalignment. When one or both of the dental arches are asymmetrical at the center points, you have a dental issue called midline misalignment. It is also called a deviated midline or a dental midline shift.
There is no reason to worry because midline misalignment is a common dental disorder. Your misaligned midline is treatable in a variety of solutions and the treatment does not involve many complications. The following are some causes for midline misalignment and treatment options.
Problems as the Result of Midline Misalignment
Midline misalignment is when the center line of your upper teeth does not align with the center line of your lower teeth. This can result in several problems, including:
* Aesthetics- A midline misalignment can create the perception of an unattractive smile and therefore have a negative effect on your self-confidence.
* Bite issues- Misaligned teeth can generate an improper bite, which will lead to difficulty chewing, accelerated tooth wear, and jaw pain.
* Speech problems- Misaligned teeth can also impact your speech, causing either a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words.
* TMJ disorders- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can emerge due to misaligned teeth, causing discomfort, pain, and stiffness in the jaw.
Midline misalignment can be the result of a range of factors, including genetics, thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and trauma to your jaw. It can even be a result of prior orthodontic treatment that was done incorrectly.
Causes of Midline Misalignment
The primary causes of midline misalignment can vary from person to person. A few of the more common reasons for dental midline shifts include:
* Missing teeth.
* A bad habit (i.e., prolonged thumb-sucking).
* Oversized teeth (macrodontia).
* Undersized teeth (microdontia.)
* Jaw misalignments.
* Congenitally missing teeth.
* The early loss of baby teeth.
* Dental trauma.
Treatment Options for Midline Misalignment
Your dentist will know the best way to treat your specific condition. Listed below are some popular treatment options they may suggest based on your situation.
* Braces- Braces can basically treat all types of dental misalignments. They are also quite effective for
treating misaligned midline teeth, especially if the cause is an abnormal bite. They can
therefore, resolve the issue at a skeletal level. Along with correcting your dental midline shift, braces can
also improve other minor orthodontic issues that are hindering your healthy smile.
* Invisalign- This is a treatment solution to your midline misalignment shift without applying metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are almost invisible. It is becoming increasingly popular with adults and teens. They are also removable, so there are no food restrictions. Only your dentist will be able to tell whether Invisalign is appropriate for your misaligned midline or not.
* Veneers- Veneers cover, mask, and hide all types of imperfections with your teeth, including your misaligned midline teeth. They are custom fabricated of durable porcelain and look like your teeth. Veneers are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth in such a way that it is difficult to spot the difference between them and your original teeth.