Abstract

Dental arch asymmetry is defined as the deviation of incisor median from the median sagittal plane (MSP), the manifestations of which are exclusively dental and occlusal, without associated skeletal abnormalities.

The diagnosis of possible dental arch asymmetry requires an analysis of space by hemi-arch, which takes into account the asymmetric aspect of malocclusion and gives more realistic reflection of therapeutic goals. Indeed, this analysis makes it possible to highlight:

• requirement for different dental movements on the right and left.
• necessity for possible asymmetric extractions.
• imperatives of differential management of anchorage

This work illustrates the recommended approach for space analysis in a case of dental arch asymmetry. The objective was twofold: firstly, to demonstrate the importance of hemi-arch analysis in comparison to comprehensive assessment of space across the entire arch; and secondly, to define therapeutic goals indicated by this analysis, which are related to the position of lower incisor in the antero-posterior direction and correction of anterior and posterior asymmetries, and differential management of anchorage.