Dental Midline
The imaginary vertical line passing between the central incisors of the upper or lower arch, used as a reference for symmetry assessment in orthodontic records.
Full Definition
The dental midline refers to the contact point between the two maxillary or mandibular central incisors and ideally coincides with the facial midline and the skeletal midline. Discrepancies between the upper and lower dental midlines, or between the dental and facial midlines, are documented in orthodontic examination records and treatment plans. Editors must be careful to specify whether 'dental midline' refers to the maxillary or mandibular arch, and to distinguish it from the skeletal midline or facial midline. Midline shifts are typically reported in millimetres and specified by direction.
Usage
Usage note: Qualify as 'upper' or 'lower' (or 'maxillary'/'mandibular') dental midline when both arches are discussed. Report deviations in millimetres with directional qualifier (left or right).
In Context
- "The upper dental midline was shifted 2 mm to the right relative to the facial midline." — Orthodontic examination record
- "Authors should state whether the reported midline deviation involves the maxillary or mandibular dental midline." — Editorial review comment