Noticed that your teeth don't quite line up in the middle? You might be dealing with a midline teeth issue, a common but often overlooked dental concern. In this guide, we'll break down what midline shift is, its causes, whether retainers can help, and which treatments are truly effective so you can make an informed decision about your smile.
Dental midline shift
Midline shift is a dental condition that occurs when the center of the upper teeth does not align with the center of the lower teeth. It's a common dental problem that can be caused by:
-
Early loss of baby teeth
-
Missing adult teeth
-
Spacing issues
-
Crossbite
Can retainers fix midline shift?
Retainers cannot correct any dental issues, including midline shift. The main purpose of retainers is to maintain your teeth in the corrected position. Most people think they can skip retainers after braces or clear aligners. However, this perception is incorrect. Retainer use is compulsory to maintain the achieved results of braces or clear aligners.
Midline misalignment treatment
There are multiple treatments recommended for midline teeth alignment, especially when the shift is noticeable and begins to affect your bite or facial symmetry. Leaving midline shift untreated for a long time can cause severe issues with the teeth, jaw, and overall alignment of the face. Below are some effective treatments to fix your midline shift.
Traditional braces
Braces are the traditional treatment for almost all malocclusions. They work by applying consistent pressure to your teeth using metal wires and brackets.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are a modern way to fix your mild to moderate dental issues. Clear aligners work by applying consistent pressure to your teeth using transparent plastic trays and shifting them gently into the corrected position.
Keep your perfect smile for as long as possible
Retain your aligned teeth the smart way with Caspersmile clear retainers.
Buy now!
Braces or clear aligners: Which one to use?
In case of severe midline issues, go for traditional braces, and if you have mild to moderate midline teeth issues,
clear aligners are a safer choice. We recommend braces only in severe cases because the discomfort and pain of braces
are real, as they need to be readjusted at every dental appointment to achieve the desired results.
Most orthodontists recommend choosing clear aligners over braces because they are less painful and more affordable for
mild to moderate dental issues. Another factor that makes clear aligners more favorable among teens and adults is their
remote/hybrid and discreet feature, with minimum dental clinic visits.
Caspersmile Clear Aligners
Caspersmile offers the most effective and affordable clear aligners to fix your mild to moderate dental issues from the comfort of your home. Caspersmile has two variations of clear aligners, “All-Day and Nightlong,” allowing for teeth straightening during the day or at night.
Caspersmile All-Day Clear Aligners
-
Treatment model: 100% remote
-
Treatment duration: 3-5 months
-
Wear time: 22 hours each day
Caspersmile Nightlong Clear Aligners
-
Treatment model: 100% remote
-
Treatment duration: 5-7 months
-
Wear time: 10 hours per night
What's included in your clear aligners plan?
-
Dental impression kit
-
Personalized treatment plan
-
Complete set of aligners
-
A set of retainers (free)
-
Teeth whitening kit (free)
Get the smile alignment you deserve with Caspersmile clear aligners.
Treat your overbite or underbite conveniently with Caspersmile Clear Aligners.
Buy now
Midline issues need more than just retainers
While retainers play a crucial role in maintaining your post-treatment smile, they aren't designed to correct midline shifts. If you're dealing with a midline issue, the right approach starts with identifying its severity.
For more noticeable midline shift problems, braces are required, but for mild to moderate cases, clear aligners like those offered by Caspersmile are a convenient, discreet, and effective solution. Caspersmile clear aligners offer a modern path to a properly aligned, confident smile.
FAQs

References
Midline misalignment. (n.d.).
https://www.drmosslehi.com/blog/2022/09/midline-misalignment