Have you ever noticed that one side of your face looks noticeably larger every time you check the mirror?
In fact, this appearance is far more often caused by a misaligned bite between the upper and lower teeth than by a truly severe skeletal asymmetry.
That’s exactly why Dongdaemun Orthodontics pays such close attention to the left-right balance of the chewing muscles as part of every evaluation.
Key Takeaways
Dongdaemun Orthodontics evaluates both tooth alignment and how the upper and lower jaws come together, which may help the appearance associated with facial asymmetry improve naturally over the course of facial asymmetry orthodontic treatment.
The process relies on 3D CT imaging and facial analysis equipment to map the relationship between the skeleton and the teeth, then plans tooth movement around the center line of the face.
A significant share of Korean adults live with some degree of malocclusion, which is why identifying the underlying cause through precise diagnosis is such an important first step.
If crooked teeth have you considering orthodontic treatment,
it helps to look beyond simply straightening the teeth
and also consider how the teeth show when smiling and the overall shape of the mouth.
Because the cause of crooked teeth differs from person to person,
what needs to be checked also depends on whether the issue is limited to tooth alignment or also involves the position of the upper and lower jaws.
Can Orthodontic Treatment Alone Improve Facial Asymmetry?
When the skeleton itself isn’t severely asymmetrical,
orthodontic treatment alone may help improve the appearance of facial asymmetry.
Facial asymmetry refers to a condition where, relative to the center line of the face, the eyes, cheekbones, or corners of the mouth appear uneven in height or size from left to right.
There are broadly two causes:
skeletal asymmetry, where the bone itself grew unevenly,
and functional asymmetry, where a misaligned bite causes the chewing muscles to develop unevenly on one side.
Seoul National University Hospital describes malocclusion as follows.
Malocclusion refers to a condition in which the upper and lower jaws do not come together normally, or the teeth are uneven and crooked.
| Type | Main Cause | Effect of Orthodontic Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Functional asymmetry | Misaligned bite position, one-sided chewing habits | May improve with orthodontic treatment alone |
| Skeletal asymmetry | Uneven growth of the jawbone itself | Treatment direction must be determined after precise diagnosis |
According to a report by Edaily, surveys indicate that more than one in two Korean adults experiences some degree of malocclusion,
so this is a common concern rather than a rare one.
Simply straightening the teeth into a line doesn’t address an underlying skeletal imbalance, and an unnatural look can remain.
Analyzing the face’s center line together with the horizontal bite relationship is what allows both function and appearance to be addressed at the same time.
How Does Dongdaemun Orthodontics Perform a Precision Diagnosis?
A precise diagnosis at Dongdaemun Orthodontics begins with combining 3D CT imaging and facial analysis equipment.
Rather than simply photographing the inside of the mouth,
examining the three-dimensional structure of the skull and jawbone is what makes an accurate treatment plan possible.
It’s especially important that the plan also factors in details such as how much gum shows when smiling and lip thickness.
- Simulating in advance the direction the teeth will move and how the bone is likely to develop
- Thoroughly evaluating the condition of the jaw joints and the tension in the surrounding muscles
- Setting the bite position in line with the overall balance of the face
3D CT analysis examines the jawbone and surrounding muscles in three dimensions, not just the teeth, which can help reduce variables during treatment and improve predictability.
In recent years, the number of orthodontic patients aged 40 and older has been steadily rising.
According to a Korean Association of Orthodontists survey reported by Dental Times (Daily Dental) in 2018, the share of orthodontic patients aged 40 and older grew from 4.9% in 2010 to 6.1% in 2017,
while the proportion of new patients in their 40s starting treatment climbed from just 1.2% in 2000 to 9.3% in 2017.
This is exactly why precise diagnosis to pinpoint the exact cause matters even more for adults whose growth is already complete.
How Can You Maintain Facial Balance During Orthodontic Treatment?
Treatment at Dongdaemun Orthodontics tracks not just how quickly the teeth move,
but also changes in the surrounding soft tissue, such as the lips and cheeks.
As the teeth shift and the profile of the mouth changes, fine adjustments are made so the angle between the nose and chin stays in harmony,
and progressing gradually in stages — rather than forcing rapid change — tends to produce a more natural-looking result.
✅ From the front, check whether the center line of the face lines up with the center line of the teeth
✅ From the side, check whether the nose, lips, and chin form a balanced profile
✅ Check whether chewing force is distributed evenly rather than concentrated on one side
Adjusting the appliance to the individual based on thorough bone analysis may help support left-right symmetry over the course of treatment.
The goal isn’t simply straightening the teeth —
it’s completing the balance of the whole face alongside that.
What Kind of Care Is Needed During Treatment?
Once the appliance is attached, it’s important to keep strictly to a schedule of regular dental visits.
That’s because the fine adjustments made to the force applied to the teeth have a major effect on overall bone alignment and facial balance.
Food also tends to get caught around the appliance easily,
so it’s important to actively use oral hygiene tools such as interdental brushes and floss to keep the area clean at all times.
Chewy or hard foods can dislodge orthodontic appliances or place unnecessary strain on tooth movement, so it’s best to get in the habit of avoiding them where possible.
With thorough at-home care and regular checkups following your provider’s guidance, not just the alignment of the teeth but a more balanced overall appearance can gradually take shape.
If you’re researching orthodontic clinics in the Dongdaemun area,
checking treatment information first on the Cheongnyangni Yonsei Dajeonghan Orthodontics website is one way to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can orthodontic treatment alone improve facial asymmetry?
If the asymmetry isn’t caused by a severe skeletal issue but rather by a misaligned bite that makes the face look uneven, orthodontic treatment may help bring about improvement.
2. How is a precision diagnosis carried out?
It combines 3D CT imaging, an intraoral scan, and detailed facial measurements to analyze the relationship between the skeleton and the teeth in three dimensions.
3. Does attaching an appliance also change the shape of the face?
As the protrusion of the mouth area decreases or the jawline becomes more defined, changes in overall appearance can occur. That said, the degree of change varies from person to person.
4. Is there anything to be especially careful about during treatment?
To avoid damaging the appliance, steer clear of sticky or hard foods, and brush thoroughly to help prevent cavities.
5. Can adults get facial asymmetry orthodontic treatment at Dongdaemun Orthodontics too?
Yes — adults whose growth has finished can proceed with treatment once the cause is identified through precise diagnosis, and the proportion of patients aged 40 and older has in fact been rising steadily.
References
· Seoul National University Hospital, “Malocclusion,” Medical Information, Seoul National University Hospital. View source
· Dental Times (Daily Dental), “Orthodontic Patients Under 10 and Over 40 on the Rise,” Nov. 23, 2018. View source
· Edaily, “More Than Half of Koreans Have Malocclusion… What’s the Best Time for Adult Orthodontic Treatment?” View source
· Korean Association of Orthodontists (KAO), Official Website. View source
This article is intended for general health information purposes and is not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified specialist.
