Braces question?! Does your midline matter when you get your Braces off? (photo)

Question

My orthodontist has just informed me I will be getting my braces off within a month if everything goes well. I have had my braces for 3 yrs and my teeth were really not that bad..besides the point... My dentist has spent more than a yr perfecting my midline but its still off to this day if you ask me. Ive heard people tell me its not a big deal while others say it has to be perfect. My midline was perfect before my braces.

Ben Fishbein, DDS · Answer

Remember that everyone has some degree of assymetry.  Studies show that midlines that are off less then 3 mm are not noticed by the general public.  That being said, as Orthodontists we try to get the midlines as perfect as possible, making sure the upper midline is on with the face, and the lower midline coordinates with the upper midline.  There are ways to adjust the midlines during orthodontic treatment.  I would express your concerns to your Orthodontist, so they can give you a result you will be satisfied with before the braces come off.  Good luck!

Pamela Steiger, DMD · Answer

There have been many studies done to determine whether a non-dentist notices the midline being off. There is actually a pretty big range before it is noticed or commented on. Midlines are a little harder to fix, sometimes teeth are different sizes and shapes and they may not be perfect. As an Orthodontist, mine are slightly off but nobody has ever commented on it.

Best of luck!

Best of luck!

Gabrielle Thodas, DDS, MSD · Answer

From the picture it appears that your lower midline is off to the right.  It also appears the your lower jaw is off to the right.  The left side of your lower jaw looks longer and rounder than the right side.  Also it appears the your "chin point" (the center of your chin) is off to the right.  You may have started with a skeletal asymmetry that was "unmasked" as your teeth were straightened. My midlines as off also.  As long as the rest of your occlusion is functioning and healthy your midline discrepancy is not a problem but may be a frustration.

Braces question?! Does your midline matter when you get your Braces off? (photo)

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