No face is perfectly symmetrical.
Sometimes, the difference between one side and the other deserves a closer look.
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No face is perfectly symmetrical. Sometimes, the difference calls for a closer look.
1 · What an asymmetric face is like
No face is perfectly symmetrical, and that's part of what makes it natural. In an asymmetric face, the difference between one side and the other becomes noticeable: a chin that deviates, a tilted smile, a lower jaw that is longer or more marked on one side. It can come with a Class III face or a Class II face. Its origins vary: excess growth on one side, a lack of development on the other, or development that drifted off the face's axis. The most typical is condylar hyperplasia, when the joint on one side keeps growing after the rest of the face has stabilized; the joint on one side can also gradually lose bone, which is called condylar resorption. Different causes call for different treatments.
2 · What you notice and what you feel
Aesthetic: a chin that drifts to one side, a smile and a line of the teeth that tilt, mouth corners at different heights and one side of the lower jaw longer or more marked than the other.
Functional: you chew more on one side than the other, and one of the joints works harder. An asymmetry always overloads one side more than the other, which is why it isn't only something you see.
Oral: the teeth fit differently on the right than on the left; sometimes they cross on one side only and wear more on that side. The joint that works harder can tire, hurt, make noises, lock or slip out of place (TMD).
Postural: the head and neck tend to tilt to compensate, and the muscles on one side work harder than on the other.
3 · How it's studied and how it's treated
The diagnosis needs more than a photograph: a conversation about what you notice, what you feel and your history; a clinical exam of how your teeth fit, of your smile and of your joints; and a 3D virtual study. Depending on the case, other tests are added, such as a bone scan (SPECT), an MRI or CT scans compared over time. Each one adds another piece of information.
There's no single formula. Each case is decided individually, based on what your diagnosis shows, what you prefer and what the team sees for your situation. Most often, the foundation is orthodontics and surgery working together: your teeth, and how they fit, are the key that makes everything come together and stay in place, and surgery brings the structure into an optimal, harmonious position. In an asymmetric face, treatment depends on the cause: if a joint keeps growing, the plan may include a condylectomy, and each structure is brought to its center so both sides work in balance. The joint is looked after at every stage. Depending on the case, other specialties or facial procedures are added. Everything is planned beforehand on a digital twin of your face; the full path is in The process.
The first step is a conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for one side of the face to be different from the other?
Yes, a slight difference between the two sides is natural. It's studied when it becomes evident, when it has been changing, or when it affects your bite, your joints or how you feel about your face. The evaluation determines whether there's anything to treat.
Is asymmetry just a cosmetic issue?
No. An asymmetry always overloads one side more than the other, and at different levels: in the teeth, in the joints, in the muscles and in posture. That's why one of the joints often works harder than the other, and tiredness, pain or a jaw that locks or slips out of place can appear. Function and harmony are studied together.
Can asymmetry keep increasing?
It can, especially when a joint keeps growing or is gradually losing bone. That's why, if you notice that your face or your bite has been changing, it's a good idea to have it evaluated. Detecting it early makes it possible to plan with more options and in the right order.
What is condylar hyperplasia?
It's when the condyle—the part of the lower jaw that forms the joint—keeps growing on one side after the rest of the face has settled, and the asymmetry progresses over time. It's the most typical cause, but not the only one: a condyle can also resorb, meaning it gradually loses bone. That's why each case is evaluated individually.
What is a bone scan (SPECT) and why is it ordered?
It's a test that shows bone activity. In asymmetry, it can help tell whether one of the jaw joints is still growing. It's one more piece of information: it's ordered depending on the case and interpreted together with your history, the clinical exam and the other studies.
What is a condylectomy?
It's a surgery that removes the part of the joint that is still growing, to stop the asymmetry from progressing. Depending on the case, it's done on its own or together with orthognathic surgery. It's indicated when the complete diagnosis shows that this growth is still active, and it's decided case by case.
Can it be resolved with orthodontics alone?
In mild asymmetries, orthodontics can improve how the teeth fit together and is a valid alternative, with more limited goals. When the difference lies in the structure of the face, combining orthodontics and surgery makes it possible to address it, along with the load each side bears. We'll go over every option with you. ---
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