Facial Asymmetry
What Is Facial Asymmetry?
This is where there is a lack of balance between both side of the face.
No face if perfectly symmetrical, and mild asymmetry is normal. There are many conditions that can increase the severity of facial asymmetry but the most common is simply where growth of the face has been slow or more pronounced on one side. This may affect the whole face, or more commonly just the upper and lower jaw which may have grown more to one side.
Severe asymmetry can affect the cosmetic appearance to your face and this is usually what patients complain of. It may also affect the bite which may be asymmetric or ‘wonky’.
Facial Asymmetry Treatment
Most cases of facial or jaw asymmetry require combined treatment with orthodontic braces followed by jaw surgery.
Surgery aims to reposition the jaws to give symmetry and harmony to the face. This cosmetically transforms the face and smile. Commonly both upper and lower jaws require repositioning with an aim of correcting the midline of the face in all 3 planes. Occasionally other procedures such as nose, cheekbone, or chin surgery can be used to complement this.
Benefits Of Surgery To Correct Gummy Smile
- Improved cosmetic balance of the face. Jaws and face will look in proportion, giving a beautiful smile.
- Improved bite allowing patients to bite and chew normally. Prevents early damage and wear of the teeth so they will last longer
- Improved breathing and snoring as the upper jaw is repositioned in a way to also improve the airway
- Improved confidence due to the transformational change
