You wake up one morning, face the mirror, and notice it: Your grin is slightly off-kilter. Now, you wonder, “Have I always had a lopsided smile? Or is this something new that calls for a visit to the dentist?”
The truth is both scenarios are possible. Yes, a bit of asymmetry is normal, and it could be a total nonissue. However, it can also signal a more serious condition. So, which is it? Only your dentist can tell. But while you wait for your appointment, learn more about this facial imbalance and how it can affect your life.
What does a lopsided smile mean?
A lopsided smile is a facial expression where one side of the mouth is lifted or curved higher while the other droops or remains steady. It can indicate a serious condition requiring medical attention. To be sure, speak with your dentist immediately for a proper diagnosis.
What causes a lopsided smile?
Before jumping to conclusions, uncover some possible reasons behind your uneven grin. Not all causes of a lopsided smile are alarming – some might be simpler than you think.
Dental issues
A bit of crookedness is common and often harmless. But, according to the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, your teeth might also have something to do with that lopsided smile. An uneven smile might mean you have misaligned teeth, tooth decay, or broken teeth. A visit to your dentist can help identify these issues and their impact on your smile.
To know if you have misaligned teeth, take this online smile assessment today.
Genetics
If your parents have a lopsided smile or asymmetrical features, you could have inherited this charming quirk. Maybe your cousins have it, too!
Ageing
A BioMed Research International study reveals how ageing affects your facial features. As you get older, you might lose collagen around your mouth and the skin may become thinner. Additionally, the muscles may weaken and the jawbone can shrink. All these factors may contribute to the lopsided appearance of your smile.
Jaw issues
Your jaw plays a significant role in facial symmetry. Misaligned jaws are behind malocclusions and bite problems like overbites and underbites. These can make your smile appear uneven. Trauma or disease affecting the jaw could be at the root of the problem, so a dental consultation is advisable.
Stroke
A drooping, uneven smile might signal a stroke, especially if accompanied by weakness on one side of your body or slurred speech. Head to the emergency room ASAP if you notice these symptoms.
Facial paralysis
This is another serious condition to watch out for. This condition involves nerve and muscle issues, leading to facial weakness and asymmetry. Consult your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Bell’s palsy
This temporary condition causes one side of the face to become paralysed, leading to an uneven smile. If your face feels weak and one corner of your mouth starts to droop, seek medical attention immediately.
Injury
Facial injuries from a knock, fall, or accident can shift and swell facial structures, resulting in an asymmetrical smile.
How do I know I have a lopsided smile?
You know your face better than anyone, so you are the best person to spot facial asymmetry. Examine yourself in the mirror and observe signs and changes. Visualise an invisible line down the centre of your face and check the alignment of your eyes, nose, and lips. If something seems off – one side is higher or lower than the other – you may have a lopsided smile due to any of the factors above.
For confirmation and peace of mind, consult your dentist. For more serious conditions, such as a stroke or facial paralysis, call 000 immediately or go to your local emergency department.
When should you be worried about a lopsided smile?
It depends on your underlying condition. If your dentist identifies an issue, discuss potential treatments immediately.
For example, if they diagnose that your misaligned teeth are behind the unevenness, ask about the most suitable orthodontic treatment for your needs. Optionally, you can inquire about aligner therapy with ClearCorrect, which can move teeth into their proper positions effectively, comfortably, and discreetly.
If your dentist assures you that your lopsided smile is a natural feature, your concerns might shift to appearance. A lopsided smile can possibly trigger insecurities, leaving a dent in your self-esteem.
But all hope is not lost! Times are changing, and more people champion the celebration of one’s uniqueness.
Instead of seeing your smile as a disadvantage, consider it a unique trait that defines you. Also, know that you can always take proactive steps to improve your smile. You can head back to your dentist and gain confidence by recognising your options.
Famous people with lopsided smiles
If you want to learn how to embrace the uniqueness of your smile, just look to celebrities for inspiration. These celebs have fully embraced the asymmetry as a unique and defining feature of their faces. You can follow suit, but make sure you also get your dentist’s clearance.
Here are some stars who dazzle the red carpet with their asymmetrical features:
- Toni Collette
- Rachel Griffiths
- Keith Urban
- Caitlin Stasey
- Natalie Dormer
- Will Arnett
- Katie Holmes
- John Mayer
- Kristen Stewart
- Andy Samberg
- Alicia Keys
- Lamar Odom
- Drew Barrymore
- Milo Ventimiglia
- Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting
- Lorde
- Dermot Mulroney
Yes, your teeth may be behind your lopsided smile. But there can also be no issue at all; it’s just a natural feature waiting for you to embrace. So, consult your dentist to get to the bottom of things. The good news is that there’s a solution out there, regardless of what’s behind your uneven grin or how it might be affecting your looks and confidence.
References:
Coping with grief. (2022, July 26). NIH News in Health.
Haj‐Mohamadi, P., Gillath, O., & Rosenberg, E. L. (2020). Identifying a facial expression of flirtation and its effect on men. Journal of Sex Research, 58(2), 137–145.
Rauch, J. (2018, September 28). The 7 types of smiles and how people perceive them. Talkspace.
Thiesen, G., Gribel, B. F., & Freitas, M. P. M. (2015). Facial asymmetry: a current review. Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, 20(6), 110–125.
Trojahn, C., Dobos, G., Lichterfeld, A., Blume-Peytavi, U., & Kottner, J. (2015). Characterizing Facial Skin Ageing in Humans: Disentangling Extrinsic from Intrinsic Biological Phenomena. BioMed Research International, 2015, 1–9.
