Surgical/Orthodontic Treatment of Mandibular Asymmetries

The management of a mandibular asymmetry requires a combined surgical and orthodontic approach. Orthodontic and orthopedic management in a growing patient can sometimes fully correct an emerging minor mandibular asymmetry. Moderate to severe asymmetries can usually be minimized but not fully corrected with early orthodontic and orthopedic intervention. Sometimes the severity of associated dysfunction or the presence of developmental compensations that are occurring with growth require early surgical intervention. Early surgical asymmetry correction (during growth), as well as surgical treatment at growth cessation, has the same requirements with respect to selecting the proper treatment approach. Ideally, the selected treatment should optimize symmetry, while minimizing morbidity and treatment duration and maximizing long-term predictability.