Is Midline Misalignment a Problem?
On the outside, most humans appear basically symmetrical, and many beauty standards imply that facial symmetry is one defining factor for aesthetic perfection. The reality, however, is that there are myriad differences, both small and large, throughout the human species that prevent us from perfect symmetry; we only have one heart and one liver, for example, and many people notice that their dominant hand is slightly larger than their non-dominant hand, or that one foot is slightly smaller than the other. There are many instances where slight asymmetry provides humans with uniqueness and individuality, making us who we are, though sometimes, these slight asymmetries can cause longer-term imbalances that can escalate other issues. A good example of a seemingly minor asymmetry that could lead to larger concerns is midline misalignment of the teeth. This condition is characterized by a slight shift in the teeth that causes the upper and lower arches of teeth to line up improperly, resulting in a visible imbalance between the midlines of these two arches. With a properly aligned midline, the edges of the two front teeth in the upper and lower rows form a continuous, straight line; if this line were to continue upward from the teeth, it would bisect the nose and balance the two halves of the face. When the midline is misaligned, the top and bottom teeth don’t share a continuous line, as one of the rows of teeth has shifted past the midline and created a crooked connection.
It may seem that midline misalignment is just one of the many variations humans might manifest, but any dental misalignment should be considered a possible source for additional concerns if left unaddressed. In some cases, a very small shift of the midline might not be a cause for concern, but it’s important to let a dentist make that determination, as even some minor misalignments could lead to complications. Some misaligned midlines are caused by missing teeth, or by teeth that are too large or too small, and these types of misalignments are often accompanied by some sort of issue with the bite, or with overcrowding of the teeth. Bite problems can lead to chronic pain, in the form of TMJ or headaches, and can also contribute to habitual grinding of the teeth, which wears down protective enamel and increases the likelihood of tooth decay, dental breakage, and tooth loss. Overcrowded teeth are more difficult to thoroughly clean, which promotes tooth decay, and they may also bear imbalanced pressures from biting and chewing, which causes uneven wear on the teeth that also contributes to tooth decay and breakage.
While it may not be possible to achieve perfect symmetry in every aspect of your face or your smile, treatment for midline misalignment is effective and successful, restoring the appearance of the smile while also repairing the mechanics and balance of the teeth. Especially when a misaligned midline is accompanied by other bite problems, like overbite or crossbite, orthodontic treatments can make a world of difference, preventing the multiple health issues and painful concerns that can arise when these issues remain untreated. For more minor cases of midline misalignment, less invasive treatments like invisible dental aligners or dental veneers might be the preferred treatment. Let your dentist and orthodontist help you decide the best type of treatment for your midline misalignment, and know that you can prevent all sorts of problems from arising by choosing the treatment option that’s right for you.