A mandibular asymmetry could be due to the right and left side differences in condylar/ramal/mandibular body size, morphology, occlusal interference, condyle/TMJ disc displacement, or mostly due to combination of the above. Although improvement of mandibular asymmetry had been considered not easy merely by orthodontic treatment, in some patients, it could still be improved orthodontically with variated orthognathic effects. However, “who could have a better improvement of mandibular asymmetry without jaw surgery” remains unclear. Clinically, we found that mandibular asymmetry could be improved better by orthodontic treatment in cases whose occlusal interference/condyle/TMJ disc displacement plays the major part of mandibular asymmetry. The purpose of this presentation is to decipher the causes of mandibular asymmetry, to illustrate the orthodontic mechanics/appliances for the improvements, to exam the changes/adaptations of the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossae, and to explore the possible orthodontic improvement of mandibular asymmetry due to mandibular size difference.
Learning Objectives:
After this lecture, attendees will be able to:
Decipher the etiologies of mandibular asymmetry through CBCT analyses & what cases of mandibular asymmetry could be improved orthodontically.
Identify the kinds of orthodontic appliances and mechanics that could be applied for the orthodontic improvement of mandibular asymmetry.
Outline the changes and adaptations of mandibular condyle/glenoid fossae after the orthodontic treatment.
