What does “Facial asymmetry” mean?
Facial asymmetry means differences between the two sides of the face in shape, position or movement. Small differences are common, but causes can involve the bite, jawbones, soft tissues, nerves or muscles. The description alone does not determine a need for dental treatment or surgery.
Consider onset, changes and function together
Tell the team whether the difference has been present since childhood, followed an injury or has changed recently. Assessment includes chewing, jaw movement, sensation and expression as well as appearance in photographs. If one side of the face suddenly droops, an arm becomes weak or speech becomes slurred, seek emergency medical help immediately rather than waiting for a dental appointment. Seek immediate help even if these symptoms go away after a short time.
Assess the teeth, jawbones and soft tissues separately
Assessment considers tooth alignment and midlines, jaw movement during closure, skeletal relationships and facial soft tissues. Necessary records help distinguish what tooth movement can address from what needs other evaluation. A selfie or a single comparison of the two sides cannot establish the cause.
Ask what can change and which differences may remain
Even when a dental cause is identified, the choice of observation, orthodontics or coordinated care depends on the findings and goals. Differences in bone and soft tissues cannot all be changed by the same method. If choosing treatment, confirm expected functional and appearance changes, limitations, risks and follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does facial asymmetry always require jaw surgery?
No. Decisions depend on the cause, degree of difference, functional concerns and desired changes. Causes outside dentistry may require assessment by another specialty.
Will aligning the dental midline make the face symmetrical?
That cannot be guaranteed. The dental midline must be distinguished from left–right differences in the jawbones and soft tissues. Ask what orthodontics can change and which differences may remain.
Checking the cause and treatment scope of facial asymmetry
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Does the difference come from teeth, jaw movement, bone or soft tissue?
Explanation and evidenceAsk how onset and change, function and sensation, examination and any necessary imaging fit together, and whether further assessment is needed.
Penn Medicine: Definition, causes and assessment of facial asymmetry - A choice suited to your condition
What changes can treatment offer, and what are its limitations?
Explanation and evidenceConfirm the roles of tooth movement and other approaches, alternatives such as observation or coordinated care, functional and appearance goals, risks and follow-up.
Penn Medicine: Definition, causes and assessment of facial asymmetry
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- Penn Medicine: Definition, causes and assessment of facial asymmetrypennmedicine.org (opens in a new tab)
- AAPD: Assessment and management of developing dentition, occlusion and crossbite (2024 revision)aapd.org (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech problems and stroke warning signsnhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
