Cranial and facial asymmetry in early childhood
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Markku Larmas auditorium (H1091), Dentopolis
Topic of the dissertation
Cranial and facial asymmetry in early childhood
Doctoral candidate
Doctor of Dental Surgery Anniina Launonen
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Population Sciences
Subject of study
Oral Development and Orthodontics
Opponent
Professor Timo Peltomäki, Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland
Custos
Professor Virpi Harila, University of Oulu
Cranial and facial asymmetry decreases during early childhood
Cranial and facial asymmetry can already be observed in early childhood, but the amount, direction, and development of facial asymmetry, as well as its relationship to cranial asymmetry, are not well understood. A new doctoral thesis investigated the occurrence and development of cranial and facial asymmetry in early childhood using three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue imaging.
The study found that preterm birth does not appear to increase the risk or severity of cranial asymmetry compared to full-term birth. However, occipital flattening was more pronounced among preterm children. Cranial asymmetry was found to decrease equally in both full-term and preterm children after the age of three months.
The dissertation concluded that slight facial asymmetry is present in all children from an early age, and facial symmetry improves significantly during the first years of life. Additionally, the effect of infant cranial asymmetry on the face tends to diminish as the child grows. However, the influence of the early years does not disappear entirely: the study identified that a history of deformational plagiocephaly (DP), sleep position, and earlier facial asymmetry are potential risk factors for facial asymmetry at the age of six.
The doctoral research was conducted at the University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, as a longitudinal population-based cohort study. Cranial asymmetry was examined in 34 preterm and 34 full-term children from infancy to three years of age. Facial asymmetry was assessed in a cohort of 102 full-term children at 12 months, three years, and six years of age.
The research utilized 3D soft tissue imaging, where an accurate three-dimensional model of the face and head is created from photographs taken simultaneously with several cameras. This method enables precise and repeatable imaging without radiation exposure, making it ideal for monitoring the growth and asymmetry of the head and face in children.
The study found that preterm birth does not appear to increase the risk or severity of cranial asymmetry compared to full-term birth. However, occipital flattening was more pronounced among preterm children. Cranial asymmetry was found to decrease equally in both full-term and preterm children after the age of three months.
The dissertation concluded that slight facial asymmetry is present in all children from an early age, and facial symmetry improves significantly during the first years of life. Additionally, the effect of infant cranial asymmetry on the face tends to diminish as the child grows. However, the influence of the early years does not disappear entirely: the study identified that a history of deformational plagiocephaly (DP), sleep position, and earlier facial asymmetry are potential risk factors for facial asymmetry at the age of six.
The doctoral research was conducted at the University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, as a longitudinal population-based cohort study. Cranial asymmetry was examined in 34 preterm and 34 full-term children from infancy to three years of age. Facial asymmetry was assessed in a cohort of 102 full-term children at 12 months, three years, and six years of age.
The research utilized 3D soft tissue imaging, where an accurate three-dimensional model of the face and head is created from photographs taken simultaneously with several cameras. This method enables precise and repeatable imaging without radiation exposure, making it ideal for monitoring the growth and asymmetry of the head and face in children.
Created 12.5.2026 | Updated 13.5.2026