One of the easiest ways to recognize dental balance is by examining the symmetry of a person’s face. Dental alignment and TMJ function affect the positioning of a person’s jaw and cheekbones, two of the foundational features of the face. How can you tell if someone’s face is symmetrical? While controversial, the Marquardt mask may still contain helpful insight into the idea of facial symmetry.
What Is the Marquardt Mask?
The Marquardt mask represents the golden ratio imposed on the human face. Dr. Marquardt developed this mask to include one-dimensional and two-dimensional geometric elements formed by the golden ratio.
Problems With the Marquardt Mask
According to Dr. Marquardt, beauty is universal and beautiful faces conform to the “golden mask.”
The mask was designed to represent the ideal beauty features for all people but has been criticized for:
- Assuming that a single diagram can represent human beauty
- Not being representative of any race or ethnicity other than caucasian
- Only representing masculine traits
What We Can Learn Using This Model
Despite the problems posed by the Marquardt mask, the geometric shapes used to make up the model do reflect facial symmetry. For patients suffering from a TMJ disorder, this has even greater significance. Because TMJ disorders are often the result of an underdeveloped mandible, this underdevelopment can result in functional and cosmetic problems, most notably asymmetry.
How Can Asymmetry Be Treated?
The Marquardt mask can be a valuable tool in helping identify asymmetry, but what can be done to improve or resolve asymmetry? Some of the best methods and tools available for treating asymmetry can be found at Dr. Marzban’s office.
Dr. Marzban utilizes the following procedures and methodologies when TMJ disorders and asymmetrical imbalances:
- Customized mouthguards that relax and retrain muscles
- TENS therapy for immediate relaxation and pain relief
- Myofunctional therapy
- Dental restorations such as dental crowns or veneers
- Invisalign®
- ControlledArch Orthodontics
Find Solutions for Facial Asymmetry and Imbalances in Burke, Virginia
Dr. Marzban is the only dental professional in the Burke, Virginia area, licensed to practice Digital Smile Designs (DSD). Digital Smile Designs can be an integral part of creating and showcasing reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry capabilities to promote and establish dental and facial balance. For more information on asymmetry, please visit our contact page or schedule a consultation with Dr. Marzban by calling 703-323-8200.
