Assessment of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Findings in Facial Asymmetric Patients

Due to the complexity of facial asy-mmetry, the diagnosis of different aspects of asymmetry via conventional radiographs is not precise. In this study, we investigated findings of facial asymmetry by using cone- beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. In this descriptive study, we evaluated CBCT findings of 18 patients i.e. a group of 14 females and 4 males having a mean age of 22.7 years who referred to a maxillofacial radiology clinic due to facial asymmetry from 2010 to 2011. Findings of asymmetry were inves-tigated using axial, coronal and sagittal views. As detected in axial view, 9 of 18 patients had yaw in the maxilla. Approximately 14 and 11 patients had yaw in the mandible and zygoma respectively. Differences were observed between the medio-lateral dimensions of the condylar heads in 7 patients. We also detected the cervical spine deviation in 9 cases. Moreover, a difference in the antero-posterior position of the glenoid fossa in 10 patients was observed. In coronal view, “roll” i.e “cant” in the maxilla, mandible and orbital cavities was found in 14, 12 and 1 patient respectively. Differences in the condylar neck height in 9 patients and in the level of the glenoid fossa in 11 patients were observed. CBCT is effective in evaluating the details of asymmetry and its effects on facial structures. In addition, three-dimensional approaches for the analysis of asymmetry transform it from a simple and predictable phenomenon into an incredibly complicated process. Pursuing orthodontic treatment plan without considering these complexi-ties and details is not successful.