The midline: diagnosis and treatment

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1990 Jun;97(6):453-62. doi: 10.1016/S0889-5406(05)80025-3.

Abstract

The importance of coordinated midlines often is unappreciated as it relates to the treatment plan for the orthodontic case. All three of the patient's midlines--facial, maxillary, and mandibular--must be considered if ideal correction is to be achieved. Proper differential diagnosis of the cause will allow the practitioner to appropriately use either inter- or intraarch mechanics for the resolution of midline discrepancies. Midline correction should be undertaken from the initiation of treatment and once all midlines are coordinated they should be maintained as a guide for any further force systems used in completing the case. Functional, dental, and iatrogenic midline discrepancies are discussed pertaining to their diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Asymmetry / diagnosis
  • Facial Asymmetry / etiology
  • Facial Asymmetry / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Abnormalities / diagnosis
  • Mouth Abnormalities / etiology
  • Mouth Abnormalities / therapy*
  • Orthodontic Appliances
  • Orthodontics, Corrective / instrumentation
  • Orthodontics, Corrective / methods*