Can this upper dental midline shift be corrected only by veneers? (photo)

Question

i don't want to go through orthodontic treatment it takes a long time can my problem be corrected estheticaly, any esthetic suggestions?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

If you were my patient, I would recommend using porcelain veneers to mildly correct your mid-line.  Braces may do the best job, but veneers would be a great alternative because they would increase the overall esthetics of your entire smile, making any slight deviation of the mid-line, highly unnoticeable.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

Your upper midline deviation can easily be corrected orthodontically. I would NOT recommend extracting any teeth but I would recommend doing some upper arch development in order to create the necessary space for a midline correction. The cause of your midline shift is quite possibly an asymetric development of your upper arch, i.e. one side of your palate did not fully develop. An arch development appliance would correct that asymetry and give you the space required to correct the midline shift. Once you have the needed space you could use conventional braces or clear aligners to correct the midline. Be advised that clear aligners may not shift the midline enough to make a 100% correction but it would be very close.Good luck!

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Some correction with midlines can be made with veneers or crowns, however doing that may produce an asymmetry somewhere else, and maybe not worth it.As far as orthodontics, to move your midline may take at least one extraction, and 2-3 years to correct, and has the downside of root resorption.Many cosmetic dentists feel that the actual midline is not a very important issue.  Rather, if the teeth are all parallel with the face and in proportion, most people won't even notice.  You are probably being a bit too critical of yourself.  Case in point, Tom Cruise has one of his central incisors precisely in the center of his face, under his philtrum (center fold in the upper lip).  I don't think he has missed out on any career moves or social engagements because of that.  Also, Cary Grant only had one upper central incisor, and that one (again) was in the middle of his mouth.  Veneers could better align your teeth, correct the color, shape and symmetry.  So that might be a good move for you.  However, I would strongly advise you not to spend a lot of time, money and effort trying to correct your midline just so it perfectly aligns with your lower teeth.  Along with any treatment there could be some down side risk of things actually looking worse.

Can this upper dental midline shift be corrected only by veneers? (photo)

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Can this upper dental midline shift be corrected only by veneers? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.