Evaluation and correction of facial asymmetry in the coronal plane.

Correction of a facial asymmetry, manifest as canting of the occlusal, piriform, or intergonial planes, is a challenging problem requiring accurate preoperative evaluation, planning, and operative execution. A lack of understanding and appreciation for the three-dimensional geometry of the asymmetry may result in undercorrection or incomplete correction of the deformity. Recent advances in virtual three-dimensional planning have provided surgeons with an additional tool to improve the clinical outcomes for patients with facial asymmetries. This report focuses on the basic geometric relationships that dictate the magnitude of correction and the importance of correlations between model surgery, virtual planning, and intraoperative positioning of the jaws.