Facial Asymmetry & Orthodontics

Orthodontists demonstrate robust expertise in assessing face symmetry when compared with laypersons, and expertise in only the most difficult judgments compared with general dentists. Both orthodontists and general dentists have a significant advantage when judging face symmetry with upright compared with inverted faces. When face symmetry is assessed with accurate photographic records from different time points, analogous to monitoring a patient over time for a progressive asymmetric deformity, our data suggest that orthodontists will incorrectly identify symmetry in less than 15% of these situations.