Unveiling Facial Asymmetry

Symmetry of the face is the one of the most important features for the perception of attractiveness. Symmetry means both sides of the face, right and left, are alike. Many human body parts undergo development with bilateral symmetry. This implies that the right and left sides can be divided into identical mirror images, but the face often presents with a mild degree of asymmetry. The degree of asymmetry has a negative impact on functional and facial aesthetics. Anthropological research has shown that symmetry and averageness are important keys to the attractiveness of human faces. In today’s era, facial attractiveness is valued the most and multiple measures are taken to maintain or achieve facial attractiveness. There are multiple causes to cause facial asymmetry in an individual. There are various etiological factors leading to facial asymmetry. It can be congenital, developmental, acquired or neurological. To diagnose asymmetry, a multiple steps take place starting from clinical examination to radiographic examination. Clinical examination includes visual inspection of the face. Medical history of the patient helps in determining the cause of asymmetry. Similarly, dental history records any history of trauma, previous extractions, caries etc. in extra oral examination, frontal evaluation is done to evaluate midline. Photographs with frontal view (relaxed and smiling), profile view and oblique view are used to assess any gross asymmetry between the two sides of the face. While clinical examination is an important step in diagnosis, radiographic examination is provide valuable information. Posterior-anterior cephalogram plays lead role in the diagnosis of asymmetry, alongside other modalities such as Lateral cephalogram, orthopantomogram, MRI, CBCT scan, CT scan. Treatment modalities can be surgical or non surgical. Treatment planning also depends on the asymmetry diagnosed during what age group i.e. children, adolescents or adults.