Treating Dentofacial Asymmetries with Orthodontics Only: Where are the Limits?

Asymmetries can be dental, functional or skeletal in nature, hence requiring different treatment approaches. While dental asymmetries can be corrected by pure orthodontic means, skeletal asymmetries may require an additional surgical approach, especially in patients aiming at an optimum treatment result. As functional asymmetries are often caused by either posterior crossbites (with or without Class III features) or by deficient unilateral mandibular growth (Class II subdivision), which can lead to subsequent skeletal manifestations, an early correction is highly recommended. The author will show clinical patients to illustrate the different treatment approaches with emphasis on treatment approaches in the deciduous or early mixed dentition.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the three different asymmetry classes.
• Propose the correct treatment approach for the different asymmetry types.
• Comprehend the importance of early corrections of functional asymmetries with simple mechanics.