How Do You Fix Misaligned Midline Teeth
When the center of your upper and lower teeth do not match up, that is considered a midline misalignment. A misaligned midline is a common issue among adult patients and is often just a cosmetic issue though other problems can arise. Alignment of the midline is not only more aesthetically pleasing but can prevent other issues such as malocclusion (a bad bite) and TMJ issues.
Fixing a midline is, fortunately, pretty simple and there are a few options available such as orthodontic treatment and dental veneers! Your dentist will review your options to help you choose the right treatment to fix a misaligned midline.
How do you fix misaligned midline teeth?
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is an excellent option to fix a midline and any other alignment issues that you may have. Orthodontia works to gently push, pull, and rotate your teeth into alignment with either braces or clear aligners. Patients with a more severe case will be best served with orthodontic treatment.
Traditional Braces
Braces are most commonly used in adolescent patients once their adult teeth come in, as an effort to correct and prevent alignment issues. But anyone can have braces for their adult teeth! Traditional braces use metal brackets that are cemented onto each tooth and an arch wire is threaded through the bracket, affixed to each using plastic bands. The wire is gently tightened at each visit with your orthodontist throughout the treatment process to shift each tooth into alignment.
Once alignment is achieved, the braces are removed and you are provided a custom retainer to wear all day for a few months while your jaw bone and gum tissue recover from treatment. When your doctor finds that your bone and gums are strong and healthy, you will be able to wear your retainer just when you sleep, to keep your teeth in their new, properly aligned position.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligner therapy is great for adults to correct a minor misalignment. Clear aligners work just like braces but instead of brackets and wires, a series of clear plastic trays are used to shift the teeth. The trays fit over the entire arch on the top and bottom, covering the whole crown of the teeth. Each set of trays is worn for 20 to 22 hours per day for about two weeks before changing into the next set.
The trays progressively shift the teeth into alignment and is a much more comfortable process than traditional braces, though not everyone is a candidate for clear aligners.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are another option that can correct a misaligned midline. Thin porcelain veneers are placed onto each tooth, effectively giving the appearance of aligned teeth. Veneers are by far the quickest treatment option for correcting the midline and is a great way to improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Veneers have the added benefit of correcting shape and color if that is also a concern for your smile.
A misaligned midline can make some uncomfortable with their smile or may be causing other issues. It is important to speak with your dentist to see what options are available to you as soon as you notice any alignment problems to prevent further and more severe trouble down the road.