What else can be done for my facial asymmetry? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I’m an Asian Female who’s had a colourful dental history - thumbsucking as a child led to many dental issues & procedures & treatments. I had been told by previous dentist that my teeth are too big, my jaw too small which led to teethcrowding, wisdom teeth and TMJ issues that has caused so much facial asymmetry to my face as well as my lips. Im so depressed as I feel I have done all I could/spent so much yet the pic attached is the best it’s been and it still looks bad. Help!

Timothy Osborn, MD · Answer

You appear to be candidate for jaw surgery. Although this is a big procedure, it would fix your bite/teeth alignment as well as the asymmetry in your jaw and lips. You have a what we call a "yaw" which means your jaw swings out to one side, which is why the left side of your face appears larger then the other. With that comes other facial asymmetries, like your teeth and lips. Essentially, it is hard to line everything up when the base itself is not aligned. There are many things that go into planning jaw surgery, and you will end up needing braces or Invisalign along with it. It is a lot to process but the final outcome would be worth it. However, if you are strictly looking for just cosmetic options, jawline contouring would be a good place to start. We could contour your jawline down to be more symmetrical with the other side. This procedure is done through the mouth, so there are no external incisions. Although there is a limit as to how much can be shaved down. It is hard to tell without a profile view but you may also appreciate a genioplasty. This would bring your chin down to elongate the lower portion of you face (which is short compared to the rest). This would further improve the appearance of asymmetry and create more facial balance. There is also a lip repositioning surgery that can be done to improve the upper lip, although there is a limit to those movements. We are happy to set up a virtual or in-person consultation to discuss things further!

Santiago Lopez, DDS · Answer

Cases of facial asymmetry due to previous dental treatment or abnormal growth of the mandibles can be difficult to correct, most of the time they involve the care of a team in which each specialist try to gain back the symmetry on all third facial profiles, a care from an oral surgeon, plastic surgeon and a cosmetic dentist, sometimes is needed in this complex cases, they take time and is bumpy road while recovering, but it can be done!, I would recommend consulting with a group of surgeon specialized in maxillofacial surgeries and once the asymmetry is corrected, you can restore your smile. Sometimes at the end, all that you will need may be orthodontics, to align your bite better and your teeth will improve as well, enhancing your smile.

Ajay Kashi, DDS · Answer

Please stop in at our practice for a free consultation and 3D X-ray. Let us do a thorough evaluation of your condition and needs and discuss some possible treatment options for you.Regards,Dr. Ajay Kashi

What else can be done for my facial asymmetry? (Photo)

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What else can be done for my facial asymmetry? (Photo)

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