Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to quantify the symmetry of the facial hard tissue structures using three-dimensional radiographic imaging modalities in a normal Caucasian population group.
Materials and methods
Electronic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to February 2021. The studies assessing symmetry of facial bones using computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT were included.
Results
The initial search revealed 8811 studies. Full-text analysis was performed on 33 studies. Only 10 studies were found eligible based on the inclusion criteria. The qualitative analysis revealed that a significant variability existed in relation to the methodologies applied for symmetry quantification.
Conclusion
The current review suggested that the overall relative symmetry of the normal Caucasian population group varied depending on the skeletal structure being assessed; however, majority of the observations showed a symmetry within the range of 1 mm without any significant difference between left and right sides.
Clinical relevance
The quantification of facial hard tissue structure symmetry is vital for the diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontic and/or maxillofacial surgical procedures.
Prospero registration number CRD42020169908