Facial aesthetics: 2. Clinical assessment

The clinical ability to alter dentofacial form requires an understanding of facial aesthetics. This is vital for any clinician involved in treatment that will alter a patient's dentofacial appearance, whether through orthodontics, facial growth modification, corrective jaw surgery or aesthetic dentistry. Part 1 of this article covered the historical and theoretical aspects of facial aesthetics and their importance in contemporary dentofacial treatment. Part 2 covers important aspects of the interview and clinical assessment of patients requiring alterations in their dentofacial appearance, including guidelines used in the assessment of facial proportions and symmetry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These articles cover the theoretical and clinical aspects of facial aesthetics required by clinicians involved in the treatment of dentofacial deformity.