Surgical correction of patients with asymmetries

Facial asymmetry is quite common and, when sufficiently severe, can warrant surgical orthodontic intervention. The causes of facial asymmetry are numerous and can be generally classified as congenital, developmental, or subsequent to pathology or injury. A systematic and comprehensive examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan are requirements for successful correction of facial asymmetry. Several of the more common facial asymmetries presenting for treatment to the orthodontist and surgeon are discussed in this article. Some fundamental surgical and orthodontic principles for treating these deformities are described. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of a surgical and orthodontic approach to the evaluation and treatment of some of the more common facial asymmetries.