Always a problem?
No; the overall finding matters.
← All explanationsDental midline discrepancy
What does an off-centre dental midline mean?
A dental midline discrepancy means that the upper and lower dental midlines do not align, or a dental midline differs from the facial midline. Tooth positions, a sideways shift on closing or jaw position may contribute.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Which centre?
The line between the two central incisors is a reference. Upper and lower dental midlines are assessed together with facial relationships.
Distinguish teeth and jaws
The discrepancy may arise within the dental arch or relate to jaw position. The lower jaw can also shift sideways during closure.
Assess the whole finding
An apparent deviation alone does not determine treatment. Cause, bite, development and the person’s priorities matter.
Read the full explanation
Which centre?
The line between the two central incisors is a reference. Upper and lower dental midlines are assessed together with facial relationships.
Distinguish teeth and jaws
The discrepancy may arise within the dental arch or relate to jaw position. The lower jaw can also shift sideways during closure.
Assess the whole finding
An apparent deviation alone does not determine treatment. Cause, bite, development and the person’s priorities matter.
Notes on the teaching images
- Fictional teaching illustration, not a patient case or treatment result.
At a glance
Can a photo establish the cause?
No; the bite must also be examined.
Are both arches considered?
Their midlines are compared separately.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Dental midline versus facial midline
A dental midline discrepancy is not automatically a skeletal jaw asymmetry. Tooth position and skeletal or functional jaw relationships are assessed separately.
Quick answers
Does every discrepancy need treatment?
No. Small asymmetries can exist without important impairment. The whole clinical finding determines whether treatment is appropriate.
Can a missing tooth shift the midline?
Uneven space loss or tooth movement can contribute, but an off-centre midline does not always have the same cause.
Can aligners correct it?
Whether correction is appropriate and which appliance may be suitable depends on the cause and extent. A photograph alone is insufficient.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Is the discrepancy related to tooth position, closure or jaw relationships?
An examination can clarify the finding and any need for referral.
Arrange an assessmentAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Dental
- Related to teeth or their positions.
- Functional shift
- Sideways movement of the lower jaw during closure.
Make the distinction
A dental midline discrepancy is not automatically a skeletal jaw asymmetry. Tooth position and skeletal or functional jaw relationships are assessed separately.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.