Midline Discrepancy

Have you ever seen someone’s teeth and realized they don’t align with their face center? That’s called a midline discrepancy, and it’s way more common than you might think.

In this handy guide, we’ll take you through the nuances of midline discrepancies. You’ll learn how we identify it, why it happens, and what treatment options might be available to you. If you’ve been worried about how your upper or lower teeth are off-center, Atlanta Ortho is here to help.

Contact Atlanta Ortho to schedule a visit with our experienced cosmetic dentistry specialists. Let’s work together to get the smile you deserve. Call Atlanta Ortho today!

underbite dental occlusion malocclusion teeth

What Is a Midline Discrepancy?

Otherwise known as a misplaced midline, a midline discrepancy is a type of malocclusion concerning the centerline between teeth.

Essentially, a patient’s upper teeth (maxillary midline) don’t align with their lower teeth, one or both being off-center. A misplaced midline can’t align with the natural center of a patient’s face, leading to an asymmetrical appearance.

Misplaced midline patients can experience bite problems, food stuck in their teeth, and even jaw discomfort. Additionally, it’s common for patients to have cosmetic concerns, like how their teeth look when they smile.

Is There a Difference Between Midline Discrepancy and Misplaced Midline?

While you may hear the terms “midline discrepancy” and “misplaced midline” used interchangeably. That’s because they’re the same thing. There is no medical difference between a midline discrepancy and a misplaced midline.

However, you may also hear the term “midline shift.” While often used in the same context as midline discrepancy, a midline shift specifically refers to misalignment between a patient’s teeth and face.

While the terms may be a bit confusing, Atlanta Ortho can help guide you through everything you need to know about a misplaced midline. Contact us today to find out about potential misplaced midline teeth treatment options.

What Causes Midline Discrepancy?

While every patient is unique, there are a few common causes that support a midline discrepancy diagnosis:

Missing Teeth

Missing incisors or molars can cause the rest of your teeth to “drift” into the gaps. This is known as a mesial drift. While not guaranteed, mesial drift can lead to misalignment and a change to your dental midline. If you’re missing teeth, it’s best to address the issue quickly before your teeth start to realign.

Crowded or Over-Spaced Teeth

Crowded teeth, a specific type of malocclusion, can lead to severe teeth misalignment over time. Teeth may overlap, forcing surrounding teeth away from their “natural” positions and shifting your midline. Similarly, spaced teeth may lead to misplaced midlines as teeth slide away from their original spot to fill in any gaps.

Jaw Asymmetry

Some patients’ jaws don’t grow properly, leading to upper and lower jaws that aren’t evenly spaced. When your jaw bones are misaligned, it’s impossible to have a perfect centerline between the upper and lower teeth. Jaw asymmetry can be corrected with certain headgear or surgery. As time goes on, jaw asymmetry becomes more difficult to deal with. You should consult a dentist or oral surgeon promptly to weigh your options.

Personal Habits

Malocclusions often occur due to childhood habits that can persist into adulthood. Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can lead to bite problems that can shift your teeth midline. It’s important to foster good oral habits early on or you risk a midline shift over time.

Dental Work

No one is immune from bad dental work. Poorly positioned crowns, dental fillings, and bridges can change your natural tooth position. As teeth self-correct, your upper or lower midline can shift to accommodate. Experiencing a misplaced midline after braces is also a possibility. Here at Atlanta Ortho, you don’t need to worry about any of that.

Injury or Facial Trauma

Patients may experience a facial or dental injury that can lead to a midline discrepancy. Injuries affecting the jaw or teeth can affect long-term alignment. If you’ve had an injury, it’s essential to consult a good dentist to see how it might impact your oral health, including teeth alignment.

Are There Any Treatments Available for Midline Discrepancy?

There are several treatment options available for misplaced midlines. Keep reading to find out which one might be the best for your unique midline.

Braces

The most common treatment for most midline discrepancies is traditional braces. They’re effective, shifting teeth into position by applying increasing pressure over time. Braces do a great job of moving misplaced midline teeth, though they take time to show results.

Clear Aligners

Invisalign and other brands of clear aligners are popular alternatives to traditional braces. Clear aligners are custom-made and can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate misplaced midlines. However, they aren’t typically recommended for severe midline discrepancies.

Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is commonly recommended for severe midline discrepancies stemming from jawbone misalignment. A surgeon can realign your jawbones to ensure improved function and appearance. However, surgery is generally reserved for the most severe midline discrepancy cases.

Dental Restoration

Midline discrepancies caused by tooth loss or shoddy dental work can be corrected with dental restoration treatments, such as crowns, implants, or bridges. These can help correct alignment, removing gaps between teeth and preventing teeth from shifting any further.

Tooth Extraction

If your teeth are severely crowded or overlapping, tooth extraction can give them the breathing room they need to support a more balanced smile. Extracting teeth can also give your dentist enough space to provide proper treatment going forward, including braces or Invisalign.

What Atlanta Ortho Can Do for Your Midline Discrepancy

Many people get nervous about the dentist, but it’s different with Atlanta Ortho. We make sure you’re comfortable the minute you walk through the door. From our friendly front desk to the in-depth consultation process, Atlanta Ortho makes sure your needs come first, no matter what.

Atlanta Ortho’s expert orthodontists will take you through the different treatments for midline discrepancies that are as unique as yours. Whether it ends up being braces or surgery, our orthodontists will ensure you’re fully aware of every option available to you. Your misplaced midline treatment couldn’t be in better hands.

Schedule a Consultation with Atlanta Ortho for Your Midline Discrepancy

A midline discrepancy doesn’t have to define how people see you. Taking control of your smile starts with a quick call to our lovely reception team. Schedule your consultation with Atlanta Ortho and get started on your treatment plan today!

Atlanta Ortho Patient Testimonials

We take pride in our work. How our customers feel about us is what defines how we feel about ourselves. Keep reading to hear more about how our patients love the orthodontists here at Atlanta Ortho!

“My niece absolutely loves this practice. They make you feel like a part of the family. The front desk staff is extremely welcoming, especially Geneva… All of the doctors here are fantastic, especially Dr. Tyler! I recommend this practice to everyone. We love it here haha. 10/10.”

- John Banks

“First class treatment and care. Everything is always explained in an easy-to-follow way. Realistic expectations are explained and when there are treatment options, they explain each of them to help you decide. I could not be happier. I am hopefully past half through treatment here.”

- David Nimtz

“Dr. Rathburn and the team go above and beyond in their orthodontic treatment. I highly recommend their services!”

- Kristin Smith

“Dr. Brady and assistant Yessica have been outstanding in addressing my concerns regarding my aligners. Their dedication to ensuring my satisfaction with the results is truly commendable. They have consistently gone above and beyond to address any issues and ensure that I am completely satisfied with the treatment process. I highly recommend their expertise and professionalism to anyone seeking orthodontic care.”

- T Harrison

Call Atlanta Ortho Today!

From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, our friendly orthodontists are here to help you every step of the way.

The longer you wait to start treatment for your misplaced midline, the worse it might get. Don’t hesitate. Call Atlanta Ortho now to get started on the journey to your perfect smile!

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Midline Discrepancy

What Is a Midline Discrepancy?

Is There a Difference Between Midline Discrepancy and Misplaced Midline?

What Causes Midline Discrepancy?

Missing Teeth

Crowded or Over-Spaced Teeth

Jaw Asymmetry

Personal Habits

Dental Work

Injury or Facial Trauma

Are There Any Treatments Available for Midline Discrepancy?

Braces

Clear Aligners

Surgery

Dental Restoration

Tooth Extraction

What Atlanta Ortho Can Do for Your Midline Discrepancy

Schedule a Consultation with Atlanta Ortho for Your Midline Discrepancy

Atlanta Ortho Patient Testimonials

Call Atlanta Ortho Today!

Actions

Quick Links

Our Locations

HOWELL MILL

SANDY SPRINGS

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS

COLLEGE PARK

BUCKHEAD

MIDTOWN

Subscribe to our Newsletter

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Midline Discrepancy

What Is a Midline Discrepancy?

Is There a Difference Between Midline Discrepancy and Misplaced Midline?

What Causes Midline Discrepancy?

Missing Teeth

Crowded or Over-Spaced Teeth

Jaw Asymmetry

Personal Habits

Dental Work

Injury or Facial Trauma

Are There Any Treatments Available for Midline Discrepancy?

Braces

Clear Aligners

Surgery

Dental Restoration

Tooth Extraction

What Atlanta Ortho Can Do for Your Midline Discrepancy

Schedule a Consultation with Atlanta Ortho for Your Midline Discrepancy

Atlanta Ortho Patient Testimonials

Call Atlanta Ortho Today!

Actions

Quick Links

Our Locations

HOWELL MILL

SANDY SPRINGS

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS

COLLEGE PARK

BUCKHEAD

MIDTOWN

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Follow Us