Fixing of asymmetry in jaw (photos)

Question

A couple of weeks ago i noticed that my jaw was pretty asymmetrical. No one really mentioned it, besides my parents, who however noticed that my mouth was acting strangely. Looking at pictures it seems like it hasn't always been that way, neither did i have some speaking problems. I'm wondering i a fall i made back when i was 13 could have caused it? (I'm 16 now btw) none of my relatives have noticeable asymmetries. I included some pictures of today, post i fell and how i looked when i fell.

Elliot Lach, MD · Answer

Differences in the appearance of the jaw or the central
prominence of the chin can be a function of asymmetry in growth of the lower
jaw bone or differences in the rate of growth of the maxilla, or upper jaw. If
the maxilla on one side grows faster than the maxilla on the other side, the
appearance of asymmetric growth may look like there is a difference in the way
the jaw looks as you seem to be observing.  Regardless of the cause,
whether remotely related to a possible trauma, or just the way you are
developing, the main functional concern is how your teeth are growing and
whether you are able to chew your food properly. You should know that as a
male, your lower jaw or mandible can continue to grow for many more years, till
you’re about 21 years old perhaps- that’s many years after your other bones
have stopped growing and have reached skeletal maturity.So the good news is that if this does bother
you, there may be some orthodontic options available. Orthognathic surgery could be offered when the orthodontic
approach does not work and there is a strong reason to correct your bite which
might change sometime over the next several years.

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If you look closely at just about everyone, you will see that no one is perfectly symmetric. Even the most handsome and beautiful models and actors have some degree of asymmetry. It is doubtful that your fall had anything to do with your mild asymmetry. Even in the pre-fall photo you can see that the left side of your face is slightly longer than the right. I wouldn't be concerned about the slight asymmetry. You're still a handsome kid. Thanks for sharing your photos and question. Best wishes.

Fixing of asymmetry in jaw (photos)

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Fixing of asymmetry in jaw (photos)

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