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

Introduction: 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. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: As detected in axial view, 9 of 18 pa-tients 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. Conclusion: 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.