Orthodontic and orthognathic management of a complex mandibular asymmetry

The application of a combined surgical-orthodontic procedure for the treatment of major facial deformities (eg, asymmetries) and associated malocclusions has become an increasingly prevalent treatment modality over the past few decades. Development of sound conjoint treatment principles made possible the correction of skeletal and dental dysplasias that were unyielding to either surgical or orthodontic treatment alone. The presence and severity of dentofacial asymmetries has been the subject of many commentaries and investigations. Treatment of facial asymmetry has always been a challenge with respect to the cause and the rationale behind the corrective procedures adopted. This case report describes a 23-year-old male patient whose chief complaint was attributed solely to the clinically discernible facial asymmetry. A combined orthodontic and surgical approach was done to correct both the dental and skeletal asymmetry. The reasons for selecting this treatment protocol and the 5-year postretention stability of the final results obtained are highlighted in this report.