Facial Asymmetry

Asymmetric occlusal relationships can result from asymmetry within an individual arch or from asymmetric skeletal relationships between the maxilla and the mandible. A careful observation will reveal some degree of asymmetry in all the faces. Although some of this asymmetry is found primarily in the soft tissue, skeletal contributions can be significant. Once properly diagnosed, a conscious decision can be made, compensate for, or treat the asymmetric condition. Undiagnosed asymmetries may cause treatment times to be prolonged, force a delay and possibly embarrassing reversal in treatment direction, or ultimately leave the patient with an anticipated or compromised result.