One issue that can be common for adult patients is a midline misalignment. The condition occurs when the center points of the upper and lower jaw do not align. Dental midline shift and deviated midline are also used to describe midline misalignment.
Because this condition is relatively common, there are treatment options that can help restore the alignment of the teeth. Fortunately, treatments are minimally invasive and there is a very low risk of complications. Common causes and treatments used for patients with a misaligned midline are summarized below.
Causes
There are some conditions and habits which can result in midline misalignment. The following are common causes associated with the condition.
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding of the teeth may also impact the midline. It is possible for the teeth to be misaligned when they erupt, or they may have poor spacing. Patients with a small jaw or those who do not have adequate room in their mouth often have crowding and midline misalignment.
Missing Teeth
When patients are missing one or more of their adult teeth, it may be due to a genetic condition called hypodontia. Various other things can also cause the loss of teeth such as trauma, gum disease, and decay. When patients are missing one or more teeth, there is an open space. This can allow for the surrounding teeth to shift into the gap and may cause a misaligned midline.
Lifestyle Habits
There are certain lifestyle habits including pacifier use and sucking the thumb that can cause certain orthodontic issues including midline misalignment. Parents need to be diligent in monitoring this child’s use of a pacifier or thumb sucking late into childhood as the habits can cause consequences and alignment issues later in life.
Misaligned Jaw
There are various bite issues which can cause the jaw to be misaligned. This may include a crossbite, open bite, or underbite. These types of issues can result in a malocclusion of the teeth. This simply means the teeth fail to properly fit together and can also cause a midline shift.
Patients who are concerned about midline misalignment or suspect they have alignment issues with their teeth should contact an orthodontist or dentist. The dental professional will complete a thorough evaluation of the issue and discuss possible treatment options. Treatments which are commonly used to resolve a misaligned midline are summarized below.
Braces
Traditional braces are an excellent solution for treating various alignment issues including midline misalignment. Braces have been in use for many decades and are highly effective. They can be used to treat issues which exist at the skeletal level. This orthodontic treatment uses metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands in order to move the teeth into the desired position. While some patients find braces to be bulky and uncomfortable, they are an effective way to achieve a beautiful smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign is another popular solution used to treat orthodontic issues and minor cases of a misaligned midline. Invisalign uses thin aligner trays which are virtually invisible, making the solution highly desirable for adults. The need for bulky, uncomfortable metal brackets and wires is eliminated. The aligner trays are effective in slowly shifting the teeth into the desired position in the mouth. Trays are to be removed for cleaning the teeth, eating, and drinking. Another benefit of this treatment is that it eliminates dietary restrictions. The treatment is only effective when the aligners are worn for the required amount of time.
Veneers
Veneers are another great treatment option which can be used in restoring various types of cosmetic flaws, including minor cases of a misaligned midline. Veneers are incredibly durable and look just like natural teeth. A small amount of natural tooth is removed in order to bond the veneer to the teeth. Veneers which are properly cared for can last for many years.
If you have a misaligned midline and would like to learn more, contact us today.