Abstract
The term "asymmetry" is used to make reference to dissimilarity between homologous elements, altering the balance between structures. Facial asymmetry is common in the overall population and is often presented subclinically. Nevertheless, on occasion, significant facial asymmetry results not only in functional, but also esthetic issues. Under these conditions, its etiology should be carefully investigated in order to achieve an adequate treatment plan. Facial asymmetry assessment comprises patient's first interview, extra- as well as intraoral clinical examination, and supplementary imaging examination. Subsequent asymmetry treatment depends on patient's age, the etiology of the condition and on the degree of disharmony, and might include from asymmetrical orthodontic mechanics to orthognathic surgery. Thus, the present study aims at addressing important aspects to be considered by the orthodontist reaching an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan of facial asymmetry, in addition to reporting treatment of some patients carriers of such challenging disharmony.
Highlights
Many human body parts undergo development with bilateral symmetry
PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS Epidemiological studies assessing facial asymmetries in orthodontic patients clinically found a prevalence ranging from 12% to 37% in the United States,21-23 23% in Belgium[24] and 21% in Hong Kong.[25]
DIAGNOSTIC METHODS In many patients, asymmetry results from a series of dentofacial changes and might lead to postural compensations that hinder the correct characterization of this disharmony
Summary
Many human body parts undergo development with bilateral symmetry. This implies that the right and left sides can be divided into identical mirror images. PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS Epidemiological studies assessing facial asymmetries in orthodontic patients clinically found a prevalence ranging from 12% to 37% in the United States,21-23 23% in Belgium[24] and 21% in Hong Kong.[25] Whenever prevalence was assessed by radiographic examination, it presented values higher than 50%.6,11 In Brazil, Boeck et al[26] assessed the prevalence of skeletal deformities in a sample comprising 171 patients in need of orthodontic-surgical treatment.
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