RELATING FACIAL ASYMMETRY WITH MANDIBULAR MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS: A CBCT STUDY

Introduction: It is imperative to have a sound knowledge of causes and various aspects of facial asymmetry. Objectives: To evaluate asymmetry in the lower third of face, correlate the asymmetry with morphological features of the mandible, to correlate the dental and skeletal asymmetry in the mandible and to determine a correlation between these parameters and skeletal asymmetry at point menton using CBCT. Methods: Pre-treatment records of 15 patients (07 males and 08 females, aged 16.93 ± 2.19 years) with asymmetry of lower third of face due to unknown aetiology and chin deviated to right (Group A, study group) were compared with 15 patients (07 males and 08 females, aged 16.12 ± 2.06 years) presenting with no gross facial asymmetry (Group B, control group). Multiplanar Reformation view of CBCT data in sagittal plane was used to assess condylar height, ramus length and mandibular body length in both groups. Results: The mean condylar heights on both sides were similar in Group B (P-value > 0.05). The condylar height on right side in Group A was smaller compared to the left side condyles in both groups (P-value 0.05). The skeletal midline deviation was higher compared to the dental midline deviation towards right in Group A (P-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Condylar height is an important factor responsible for asymmetry of the lower third of the face and deviation of chin in adolescent patients with asymmetry of unknown aetiology.