Facial Asymmetry and Orthodontics in Seoul
Quick answer
Facial asymmetry in orthodontics means the jaw, chin or bite is noticeably uneven between left and right. Some asymmetry is normal; larger differences can come from a jaw shift, uneven jaw growth or tooth positions. At Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics, Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee uses CBCT and 3D facial scanning to separate dental from skeletal causes before discussing options.
What facial asymmetry is
No face is perfectly symmetrical. In orthodontics, asymmetry becomes relevant when the chin deviates to one side, the jaw angle is fuller on one side, the bite is shifted or the smile cants. Clinicians separate three broad types: dental, where teeth are tipped or shifted but the jaws are balanced; functional, where the jaw slides sideways to fit the bite; and skeletal, where the jaw bones themselves differ in size or position.
Common causes
- Uneven growth of the lower jaw, sometimes more noticeable during the teens
- A one-sided crossbite causing the jaw to shift on closing
- Missing teeth or asymmetric extractions in the past
- Jaw joint conditions affecting growth on one side, which may need medical evaluation
- Chewing on one side or soft-tissue differences, which usually play a smaller role
Why it matters
Many people notice asymmetry in photos and feel self-conscious. Functionally, a shifted bite may wear teeth unevenly or load one side of the jaw more. In children, a functional shift may influence growth over time, so early correction is often recommended. Because jaw joint problems can occasionally contribute, careful diagnosis matters before tooth movement.
How it is diagnosed
This is where 3D imaging is especially helpful. A RAY Quantum 5D CT (CBCT) scan allows the left and right sides of the jaws and the jaw joints to be measured and compared in three dimensions. The RAY Face 3D facial scanner records the soft tissue of the face, so the skeletal findings can be related to what you actually see in the mirror. Intraoral digital scans show the bite and dental midlines. In growing patients, skeletal maturity analysis indicates whether further growth is expected.
Treatment options
- Dental or functional asymmetry: braces or aligners, sometimes with temporary anchorage devices, can correct tipped teeth, midlines and a jaw shift. See also midline shift.
- Children with a jaw shift: early orthodontics, such as upper-jaw expansion, may remove the shift.
- Skeletal asymmetry: orthodontics can improve the bite and partly mask mild differences, but noticeable skeletal asymmetry usually needs orthodontics combined with jaw surgery.
Typical timeline
Dental and functional cases commonly take roughly 12–24 months. Surgical plans involve orthodontic preparation, surgery and finishing, generally taking longer. Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.
What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro
The first visit takes about 60 minutes, including scans, X-rays or CT and facial photos. Dr. Lee explains in English which parts of the asymmetry come from the teeth and which from the bones, and what orthodontics alone can realistically change. In Dr. Lee's practice, the 3D face scan is reviewed alongside CBCT so that the plan addresses the asymmetry you notice, not only the measurements. Her award-recognized research on facial asymmetry in Class III patients informs this work. You receive a written estimate before deciding.
At a glance
- Mild facial asymmetry is normal; treatment focuses on noticeable or functional differences
- Types: dental, functional (jaw shift) and skeletal
- Assessed with RAY Quantum 5D CT and RAY Face 3D facial scanning
- Severe skeletal asymmetry often needs orthodontics combined with jaw surgery
- Dr. Lee received a KAO Excellent Poster award for research on Class III facial asymmetry
Your orthodontist
Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD
- MOHW-certified orthodontic specialist
- PhD in Orthodontics, Yonsei University; Severance Hospital residency
- Member, Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists
- 2026 AJO-DO peer reviewer
- Consults in fluent English and treats you herself, start to finish
Isu Station Exit 2 · 1-minute walk
Mon & Thu until 9 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM
+82 2-592-2080
Frequently asked questions
Can braces fix an uneven jaw?
Braces or aligners can correct asymmetry caused by tooth positions or a jaw shift, and can make mild skeletal differences less noticeable. They cannot change the size or shape of the jaw bones in adults. When skeletal asymmetry is significant, combined orthodontic and surgical treatment is usually discussed.
Is facial asymmetry normal?
Some degree of asymmetry is normal in almost everyone and is rarely noticed by others. It becomes a concern when the chin or jaw is visibly off-center, the bite is shifted or there is discomfort. An orthodontic assessment with 3D imaging can show whether a difference is within the normal range.
Why is my child's chin moving to one side?
A common reason is a one-sided crossbite that makes the lower jaw slide sideways when the teeth meet. Uneven jaw growth or, less often, a jaw joint condition can also contribute. An early orthodontic check helps identify the cause, and some children benefit from treatment such as palatal expansion.
Should I see a surgeon or an orthodontist first?
Starting with an orthodontist is often useful, because 3D imaging can clarify how much of the asymmetry is dental versus skeletal. If surgery appears appropriate, the orthodontist can explain the combined approach and refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for their opinion.
Related reading
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after an in-person examination. See our editorial and medical review policy .
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