Correction of Facial Asymmetry

Restoring Balance: Correction of Facial Asymmetry

Symmetry is the foundation of natural beauty and harmony. When we talk about facial asymmetry, we often mean an imbalance caused by the incorrect position or size of the jaws. This is not just an aesthetic issue; it's a complex problem whose solution lies at the intersection of orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery, and which allows for stunning transformations.

What is the cause of facial asymmetry?

It is important to distinguish between two types of asymmetry. Dental asymmetry is caused by the incorrect position of teeth on symmetrical jaws. Skeletal asymmetry is a more complex situation where the jaws themselves are different sizes or are shifted relative to the center of the face. It is skeletal asymmetry that contributes most to the visible imbalance of features.

How does orthodontics help correct asymmetry?

The approach depends on the cause and the patient's age.

1. For dental asymmetry: We can achieve excellent results with braces or aligners, aligning the dental arches and centering them.

2. For skeletal asymmetry in adults: The only path to true balance is combined treatment. As an orthodontist, I perfectly align the teeth on each jaw, and then a maxillofacial surgeon surgically places the jaws themselves into a symmetrical position.

Is it possible to avoid surgery if the asymmetry is caused by the jaw position?

In some cases of mild asymmetry, we can use orthodontic camouflage. We change the inclination of the teeth to visually hide and compensate for the skeletal imbalance. This improves the smile but does not change the position of the bones. It is a compromise, the possibility of which we can only discuss after a full 3D diagnosis.