Computational analysis of craniomandibular tissues for the correction of mandibular asymmetries in childhood

The craniofacial asymmetry, which is defined as the size difference between the left and right hemi-faces, is a consequence of a different growth of the mandibular ramus. This difference may be due to the unilateral chewing, to occlusal interferences, or to muscle-bone dynamic alterations.  All of them with great biomechanical importance.

This morphological difference is aggravated during growth, since it not only causes an anomalous esthetic effect but, furthermore induces limitations on the chewing functional habits, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), or disorders of the ear, among others.

Despite it has been demonstrated the relation between the malocclusion and the skeleton disproportion [1], and it has been simulated numerically the chewing biomechanics [2], currently the correction of facial abnormalities on children is made from a clinical point of view, exclusively. There are not computational simulations that consider the real morphology of the mandibular asymmetry, or the functional unbalance of the muscles in the presence of these asymmetries.

A better knowledge of the stress imbalance in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or of the malfunction of the chewing muscles, would improve the diagnosis and allow the development of an earlier treatment plan.