Generally, mandibular position is dictated by the maxilla, maxillary teeth and occlusal plane angulation. However, asymmetric maxillary arch, which can occur in the molar region despite careful presurgical orthodontic treatment, can lead to improper positioning of the mandible and residual asymmetry, especially in the mandibular angle and ramus area.

I suggest herein that, in orthognathic surgery for asymmetric mandibles, the mandibular movement required to achieve an appropriate occlusal relationship to the maxilla can be classified into two types according to the subtype of mandibular asymmetry: rotational or translational.

In surgical treatment for rotational mandibular asymmetry, when the mandibular midline is shifted laterally, the most posterior aspect of one distal segment is rotated medially and the other side is rotated laterally. This causes gaps between the fragments when performing mandibular osteotomy. Displacement of the condyles medially or laterally within the mandibular fossa can occur when the proximal and distal segments are not passively positioned to one another during the application of internal fixation devices2. Several techniques are available to minimize or eliminate condylar displacement and its sequelae2,3,4.

In presurgical orthodontic treatment for translational mandibular asymmetry, transverse dental decompensation of the posterior as well as the anterior teeth in both arches is required for lateral translational movement of the mandible and successful restoration of facial symmetry5,6. However, I have found that presurgical transverse dental decompensation for asymmetric patients is frequently incomplete, especially in the maxillary molars. I recommend establishing increased overjet of the molar region in postsurgical occlusion or additional maxillary yawing to achieve favorable esthetic results in these cases6.

Surgical treatment planning for asymmetric patients should consider asymmetry subtypes and the movement of the asymmetric mandible as well as other traditional parameters.