Which dental appliance is used to correct midline discrepancies?

The functional appliance is utilized to correct midline discrepancies by modifying the position of the jaw and teeth. These appliances generally work by promoting proper alignment through variable forces that guide the growth of the facial skeleton and the dental arches. They can help reposition the lower jaw to a more favorable relationship with the upper jaw, aiding in the correction of the midline alignment of the teeth and jaws.

This approach is particularly effective because it addresses both the dental and skeletal components that contribute to the midline discrepancy, providing a more comprehensive solution than appliances that focus solely on teeth alignment. By encouraging optimal jaw growth and position, functional appliances can lead to improved occlusion and aesthetics.

In contrast, other appliances like retainers are primarily designed to maintain alignment after orthodontic treatment, rather than correct discrepancies. A facial mask is generally used to treat specific growth discrepancies and is more focused on the maxilla than the midline. An expander is mainly used to widen the upper arch and address crossbites, rather than directly correcting midline issues.