Craniofacial Asymmetry: A Literature Review

Craniofacial asymmetry is a very common finding. Possible etiologies include genetic and environmental factors or a combination of both. There is no age or gender preference for the development ofcraniofacial asymmetries in general, except for the postural plagiocephaly, which has been more frequently found in male babies. Craniofacial asymmetries have been identified before birth in presumably normalfetuses. Congenital and non-congenital craniofacial asymmetries have been related to certain types ofpathology. One or more of the different structures of the cranial, dentoalveolar, and/or mandibular areas may be involved in the existing asymmetry. Assuming there is good function, soft tissue may camouflage an existing skeletal craniofacial asymmetry. No correlation has been established between craniofacial asymmetries and malocclusion. However, a correlation between soft tissue dysfunction and postural changes has been established and may account for a chain ofcompensatory effects that may include the development or the amplification ofan existing craniofacial asymmetry.