Orthodontic multidisciplinary treatment in a patient with Idiopathic Hemifacial Paralysis : Case report

Aims: Establishing a multidisciplinary diagnostic and clinical protocol for the treat-ment of these complex cases affected by hemifacial paralysis. Case Report: This case report aimed to describe orthodontic treatment in a patient with mono-lateral facial paralysis and facial asymmetry to avoid worsening of facial asymmetry and dysgnathic condition during the growth. The patient suffered from id-iopathic hemifacial paralysis since he was born. The Paralysis afflicts the sixth nerve, abducens, and the seventh, facial. The orthodontic treatment started in 2001 and the patient is still following periodic visits as far as September 2015. Facial asymmetry defined as a difference in the size or shape of the sides of the face, is correlated with facial harmony; it is well known that facial deformities are often exacerbated by growth. While mandibular asymmetry is a common finding in individuals with a nor-mal facial appearance severe asymmetry can cause both esthetic and functional prob-lems. Conclusions: Orthodontic treatment is necessary to correct orofacial asymmetry; in this case hypofunction of the right side of the face is strongly correlated with lack of growth of the bony structures. Multidisciplinary treatment is required, the patient was treated with a facial reanimation surgery. This surgery rehabilitates the basics facial functions and it’s also called “smile surgery”.