Abstract
The interdependent relationship between functions and forms in various vital tissues also exists in the maxillofacial area. In the present study, the correlation of lateralized mastication index (LI) with the assymmetry of constituting elements of the maxillofacial form was examined on the assumption that masticatory lateralization in the masticatory movement representative of stomatognathic function, i.e. long-term, persistent lateralized mastication is mainly responsible for the assymmetry of the maxillofacial form. As a result, it was observed that the facial form presented a relatively narrower width on the non-habitual chewing side than on the habitual one and that combined lines of cheilion tended to be inclined to the habitual chewing side.
