Can facial asymmetry be corrected with orthodontic treatment?

Asymmetry caused by tooth alignment or bite problems can be improved with orthodontic treatment alone. However, skeletal asymmetry caused by differences in the length or shape of the jawbone itself has limits with orthodontics alone and may require jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) in combination. Whether the asymmetry is dental or skeletal in origin is determined through detailed analysis such as X-rays. For growing children, growth-modification treatment can sometimes reduce the progression of asymmetry, so we recommend an early examination.