Orthodontic Considerations in the Management of Facial Asymmetries

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the role of the orthodontist in the clinical management of patients with asymmetries affecting the middle and lower parts of the face. It will cover briefly the systematic clinical evaluation of bilateral symmetry for the bimaxillary complex and furthermore describe the analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional records. It will then cover in detail the five stages of orthodontic treatment required for the patient with dentofacial asymmetry undergoing orthognathic surgery, including the seven objectives of orthodontic preparation. The role of the orthodontist in the immediate preoperative appointment, potential intraoperative requirements and the immediate postoperative appointment will be discussed. Finally, postoperative orthodontics and retention regimes are described.