Mandibular asymmetry and its relation to pain dysfunction.

Fifty-three subjects were examined for mandibular asymmetry using measurements from submental-vertex and frontal cephalograms. All subjects displayed malocclusions and were examined for sensitivity of the muscles of mastication to palpation. The amount of pretreatment pain to muscle palpation was then correlated to the degree of asymmetry found. No statistically significant correlation was shown between mandibular asymmetry and muscle sensitivity. The following conclusions were drawn from this study: 1. There was no correlation between the amount of mandibular morphologic asymmetry and the amount of facial pain elicited from muscle palpation. 2. In the sample used, asymmetry seemed to be the rule rather than the exception. 3. The clinician needs to be aware of asymmetry in all three planes of space in order to plan his occlusal treatment in advance and prepare patients for possible compromise. 4. Class II molar and canine relationships may be more difficult to correct on the patient's right side than on his left, provided there is no compensation from glenoid fossa position or the maxillary dentition.