There are differences between a crooked grin and an asymmetrical grin. A crooked grin is considered charming and cute. An asymmetrical smile is unbalanced and usually not all that beloved because it’s typically caused by a functional problem. Then there is a feature known as midline misalignment which makes teeth look like they’re not in the right place. Customized prepless veneers can fix it all.
What Qualifies as an Asymmetrical Smile?
Smiles are not meant to be unbalanced or lopsided, with one side bigger than the other. A symmetrical smile is, by default, more appealing visually than an asymmetrical one. Though everyone’s view of themselves and others is subjective, many people who are walking around with asymmetry are not all that happy about this feature.
While people can be born with a quirky, crooked smile, the asymmetrical smile is created. There are typically two main causes:
- Teeth grinding. This unconscious habit of teeth grinding and clenching usually happens while you sleep. If you don’t wear a customized mouthguard which can protect your upper and lower jaws of teeth from each other, tooth enamel will eventually get worn down, often on one side. This result creates an asymmetrical appearance (not to mention leaving you open to tooth decay and infections from deteriorating enamel).
- Gum recession. Teeth grinding has multiple side effects and gum recession is common when teeth put chronic pressure on each other. These receding gums not only affect your smile cosmetically but health-wise too, making you more susceptible to gum disease.
What Is Midline Misalignment?
Off-center front teeth are usually described as midline misalignment. The vertical line between the top and bottom front teeth is meant to align with the nose, lips, and middle of the face. When these elements are not in a line together, they are noticeably off-center.
This misalignment can occur because of a problematic bite, chronic teeth grinding, crowding, early baby tooth loss, thumb sucking, pacifier use, and tooth damage, but sometimes it is simply part of your smile’s DNA.
Balance an Asymmetrical or Misaligned Smile with Prepless Veneers
Some people who have midline misalignment opt for braces or Invisalign to correct the problem, but plenty of adults aren’t interested in lengthy treatment and want the problem fixed faster and to correct other imperfections at the same time.
Prepless veneers make an asymmetrical smile or midline misalignment disappear by balancing your entire smile. Here is what you need to know:
- Each veneer is customized in size and shape.
- Veneers build up a smile where it is deteriorating.
- Shorter teeth can be enhanced with longer veneers.
- An incorrect midline can be covered over with veneers.
If you do have a teeth grinding problem, your cosmetic dentist will want to address this issue too once your smile makeover is complete. The last thing you want is for your new veneers to be destroyed by an unconscious bad habit.
Find out how to straighten out your unbalanced smile by scheduling an in-person visit with Dr. Michael J. Wei at his cosmetic dentistry practice in Midtown Manhattan.
