Matthew SY Chia Farhad B Naini and Daljit S Gill The.pdfVIP

44 Orthodontic Update May 2008 Matthew SY Chia Farhad B Naini and Daljit S Gill The Aetiology, Diagnosis and Management of Mandibular Asymmetry Abstract: An understanding of the aetiology of mandibular asymmetry and a thorough methodical diagnostic approach is essential for the appropriate management of patients presenting with dentofacial asymmetry. The aim of this review article is to describe the developmental, pathological, traumatic and functional causes of mandibular asymmetry, to provide a guide to diagnosis through clinical examination and special investigations and, finally, to outline the management of patients presenting with a mandibular asymmetry, focusing particularly on the treatment of developmental asymmetries. Clinical Relevance: This article presents a review of the aetiology, diagnosis and management of mandibular asymmetries with a particular focus on developmental asymmetries. Ortho Update 2008; 1: 44-52 he word symmetry is derived from Causes Examples the Greek word symmetria which Tmeans ‘of like measure’. Symmetry Developmental Hemimandibular elongation is defined as correspondence in size, Hemimandibular hyperplasia shape and relative position of parts on Hemifacial microsomia opposite sides of a dividing line or median Achondroplasia plane. Asymmetry is described as a lack