• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.125-134
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• 2023

Objectives: The aim of the study was to quantify and compare craniofacial asymmetry in subjects with and without symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Materials and Methods: A total of 126 adult subjects were categorized into two groups (63 with a TMDs and 63 without a TMDs), based on detection of symptoms using the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder-Diagnostic Index (TMD-DI) questionnaire. Posteroanterior cephalograms of each subject were traced manually and 17 linear and angular measurements were analyzed. Craniofacial asymmetry was quantified by calculating the asymmetry index (AI) of bilateral parameters for both groups. Results: Intra- and intergroup comparisons were analyzed using independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively, with a P<0.05 considered statistically significant. An AI for each linear and angular bilateral parameter was calculated; higher asymmetry was found in TMD-positive patients compared with TMD-negative patients. An intergroup comparison of AIs found highly significant differences for the parameters of antegonial notch to horizontal plane distance, jugular point to horizontal plane distance, antegonial notch to menton distance, antegonial notch to vertical plane distance, condylion to vertical plane distance, and angle formed by vertical plane, O point and antegonial notch. Significant deviation of the menton distance from the facial midline was also evident. Conclusion: Greater facial asymmetry was seen in the TMD-positive group compared with the TMD-negative group. The mandibular region was characterized by asymmetries of greater magnitude compared with the maxilla. Patients with facial asymmetry often require management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology to achieve a stable, functional, and esthetic result. Ignoring the TMJ during treatment or failing to provide proper management of the TMJ and performing only orthognathic surgery may result in worsening of TMJ-associated symptoms (jaw dysfunction and pain) and re-occurrence of asymmetry and malocclusion. Assessments of facial asymmetry should take into account TMJ disorders to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.156-164
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• 2015

Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy is considered a standard technique in mandibular orthognathic surgeries to reduce unexpected bilateral stress in the temporomandibular joints. Unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (USSO) was recently introduced to correct facial asymmetry caused by asymmetric mandibular prognathism and has shown favorable outcomes. If unilateral surgery could guarantee long-term postoperative stability as well as favorable results, operation time and the incidence of postoperative complications could be reduced compared to those in bilateral surgery. This report highlights three consecutive cases with long-term follow-up in which USSO was used to correct asymmetric mandibular prognathism. Long-term postoperative changes in the condylar contour and ramus and condylar head length were analyzed using routine radiography and computed tomography. In addition, prior USSO studies were reviewed to outline clear criteria for applying this technique. In conclusion, patients showing functional-type asymmetry with predicted unilateral mandibular movement of less than 7 mm can be considered suitable candidates for USSO-based correction of asymmetric mandibular prognathism with or without maxillary arch surgeries.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2024

The facial nerve stimulates the muscles of facial expression and the parasympathetic nerves of the face. Consequently, facial nerve paralysis can lead to facial asymmetry, deformation, and functional impairment. Facial nerve palsy is most commonly idiopathic, as with Bell palsy, but it can also result from a tumor or trauma. In this article, we discuss traumatic facial nerve injury. To identify the cause of the injury, it is important to first determine its location. The location and extent of the damage inform the treatment method, with options including primary repair, nerve graft, cross-face nerve graft, nerve crossover, and muscle transfer. Intracranial proximal facial nerve injuries present a challenge to surgical approaches due to the complexity of the temporal bone. Surgical intervention in these cases requires a collaborative approach between neurosurgery and otolaryngology, and nerve repair or grafting is difficult. This article describes the treatment of peripheral facial nerve injury. Primary repair generally offers the best prognosis. If primary repair is not feasible within 6 months of injury, nerve grafting should be attempted, and if more than 12 months have elapsed, functional muscle transfer should be performed. If the affected nerve cannot be utilized at that time, the contralateral facial nerve, ipsilateral masseter nerve, or hypoglossal nerve can serve as the donor nerve. Other accompanying symptoms, such as lagophthalmos or midface ptosis, must also be considered for the successful treatment of facial nerve injury.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.37
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• pp.4.1-4.6
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• 2015

Osteochondroma is rarely reported in the maxillofacial region; however, it is prevalent in the mandibular condyle. This slowly growing tumor may lead to malocclusion and facial asymmetry. A 39-year-old woman complained of gradual development of anterior and posterior unilateral crossbite, which resulted in facial asymmetry. A radiological study disclosed a large tumor mass on the top of the left mandibular condyle. This bony tumor was surgically removed through condylectomy and the remaining condyle head was secured. Subsequently, bimaxillary orthognathic surgery was performed to correct facial asymmetry and malocclusion. Pathological diagnosis was osteochondroma; immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor exhibited a conspicuous expression of BMP-4 and BMP-2 but rarely expression of PCNA. There was no recurrence at least for 1 year after the operation. Patient's functional and esthetic rehabilitation was uneventful.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.313-317
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• 2002

Asymmetry in the face and dentition is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Functional asymmetry can result the mandible being deflected laterally if occlusal interferences prevent proper intercuspation in centric relation. Five year old girl was referred to the pediatric department for mandibular deviation. The patient had right posterior crossbite and 2.5mm midline deviation due to dental caries on the primary teeth. The authors used the activator as occlusal splint for eliminating habitual posturing and deprogramming the musculature in the treatment of functional asymmetry and for occlusal stabilization restored the primary molars with cast crowns.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.259-262
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• 2006

Fibrous dysplasia(FD) of the bone is a slowly progressive, benign disease of unknown cause where normal architectures are replaced with fibrous and osteoid tissue. FD of the maxilla usually manifests as a bony enlargement with painless swelling and bone deformity, contouring to facial asymmetry. The lesion may involve the nasal fossae, orbits, or alveolus bone, causing diverse functional disturbance. Treatment options range from shaving to total maxillectomy and reconstruction depending on the presenting symptoms. Shaving, partial maxillectomy and maxillary sinus formation was performed in 5 patients with fibrous dysplasia in the past 2 years. Follow up period ranged from 1 month to 11 months. Aesthetic appearance, CT findings, and relief from symptoms were compared. In all patients, facial asymmetry was restored to symmetry and nasal obstructive symptoms were improved. With this procedure, expansion of the lesion will be controlled until puberty, preventing the development of new functional disturbances. After puberty, no further treatment can be anticipated due to the growth arrest inherent to the disease.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.38
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• pp.12.1-12.6
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• 2016

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis can be accompanied by various degrees of functional and esthetic problems. Adequate mouth opening, occlusal stability, and harmonious facial form are the main goals of treatment for ankylosis. Distraction osteogenesis has proven to be an excellent treatment for lengthening the ramus-condyle unit. However, various timings for distraction have been suggested, and there is no consensus on selection criteria for performing the procedure in stages or simultaneously with other treatments. Case presentation: In this case report, concomitant intraoral distraction and gap arthroplasty was planned to treat TMJ ankylosis and associated facial asymmetry. After gap arthroplasty and 23 mm of distraction, the ramus-condyle segment was successfully lengthened and mouth opening range was significantly increased. The resultant interocclusal space was stably maintained with an occlusal splint for 4 months after distraction. Finally, good occlusion was achieved after prosthetic treatment. The remaining mandibular asymmetry was corrected with osseous contouring and augmentation surgery. The mouth-opening range was maintained at 35 mm 24 months after treatment. Conclusion: Gap arthroplasty with intraoral distraction as a one-stage treatment and subsequent contouring surgery can be applied to correct ankylosis with moderate malocclusion and facial asymmetry.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.191-198
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• 2022

Peripheral facial palsy generally results from damage to the facial nerve. As facial asymmetry is observed, it accompanies not only functional problems but also psychological and social difficulties. Medical institutions treat most patients, however, there are still patients who rely on invasive methods by unqualified practitioners for fear of sequelae. This case describes a 61-year-old woman who experienced facial palsy twice. She visited our hospital with skin damage after folk patch therapy for her facial palsy. Combined Korean medicine treatment was administered during treatment period. After treatments, the symptoms of facial palsy and skin lesions improved. This case showed that Korean Medicine was efficacious in improving symptoms of facial palsy with damaged skin caused by folk patch therapy. Education and awareness of uncontrolled invasive treatments for facial palsy are needed.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.77-87
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• 2010

Skeletodental asymmetries are common and asymmetric orthodontic treatments are very difficult to correct successfully. The cause of asymmetries can be the skeletal asymmetry, dental, or functional, or combinations of these causes. Skeletodental asymmetries can be the result of congenital factors, such as hemifacial microsomia and environmental factors, such as trauma. Optimal treatment outcome of the severe facial asymmetry requires the orthognathic surgery. Mild asymmetry problem can be treated by only orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic treatment of asymmetry is usually difficult. Facial asymmetry orthodontic treatment are primarily based on proper diagnosis and careful treatment planning. Side effects of asymmetric elastic to treat midline discrepancies are canted occlusal plane, tipped incisors and unesthetic results. In the management of dental arch asymmetries, the clinician should select the appropriate force system and the appliance design necessary to address the asymmetry while minimizing undesirable side effects. This report presents treatment strategies for the treatment of skeletodental asymmetry. In this case report, the clinical case with midline discrepancies treated by optimal mechanics is described. Through diagnosis and strategic treatment mechanics can obtain proper midline correction with minimal side effects.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.57-62
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• 2017

A 21-year-old woman presented with facial asymmetry. Crepitus and clicking of the temporomandibular joint were noted. The midline deviated 5.5 mm to the left, and secondary malocclusion was observed. Panoramic and cone-beam computed tomographic images showed an irregular and exophytic bony mass on the anteromedial surface of the right mandibular condyle. A 3-phase bone scan revealed increased tracer uptake on the affected side. The lesion was treated with excision and reshaping under the diagnosis of osteochondroma confirmed by a histopathological examination. The lesion recurred after 3 years, and the patient underwent condylectomy. Mandibular condylar osteochondroma is often resected because it causes functional and aesthetic problems, but it rarely recurs. To the best of our knowledge, only 2 cases of recurrent osteochondromas of the mandibular condyle have been reported previously. Surgical treatment of the osteochondroma should be performed considering the possibility of recurrence, and long-term follow-up is recommended.