Assessment of Facial Asymmetry in Patients Reporting for Orthodontic Treatment

Aim and Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of facial symmetry in patients and its correlation with different morphometric and skeletal malocclusions among those reporting for orthodontic treatment.

Background: Facial asymmetries exist in all individuals. It is commonly stated that the right side of the face is not an ideal replica of the left side. Facial asymmetry can be associated with different types of malocclusion and growth patterns. Significant facial asymmetry causes both functional as well as aesthetic problems. Hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of asymmetry in patients reporting for orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Method: This study was conducted on 162 patients in the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, within the age group of 14 to 26 years. Extra-oral photographs of the frontal view of patients were taken in a standardised manner. The Rule of fifth was modified and a midline was marked through the sagittal section of the face. The parts on the left and right side of the face were measured in pixels and compared. The deviations were noted in each part and statistically analysed to correlate with the type of malocclusion and growth pattern.

Results: All the three parts in the face were not equal on either side. Facial asymmetry was more concentrated on the lateral part when compared to the other two parts. Asymmetry is seen more in patients with class II malocclusion, horizontal and average growth patterns when compared to other malocclusion and growth patterns.