.bambi. asks: "SHOULD MY MIDLINE STILL BE OFF?"

"I'm in the last stage of my braces (only about a month to go) and my midline is way off. The orthodontist hasn't said anything about it, he's just focused on moving some teeth in the back and then he says he can take them off. His assistant mentioned my midline and one tooth not yet being fixed last time I was in, but I'm afraid to mention it to him because I just want my braces OFF! Does he know what he's doing? Will my midline be straight when my braces come off?"


First, we should establish a common understanding of the so-called 'midline', meaning the line created between your top front teeth and your bottom front teeth...

That midline is commonly off center. It doesn't affect the 'straightness' of your teeth and if it's a significant difference, it can't be corrected easily. If the doctor says you're good to go, get them off and don't worry about the midline. Unless it's a huge problem for you, mention it and see what he says.

Btw, if you really never want to be in braces again, wear your retainer as directed... Your teeth WILL go back to the way they were if you don't. Congrats on getting them off soon!


Picture courtesy of library.thinkquest.org