Prevalence, Aetiology, Management and Retention of Midline Diastema in Orthodontic Patients in Ghana

Abstract

Background: In African cultures, the midline diastema is regarded as a sign of beauty but on the contrary, in western societies, it is considered unattractive. Aim: To review the presentation, management, retention and associated aetiological factors of midline diastema in orthodontic patients at the university of Ghana School of medicine and dentistry orthodontic clinic and a private Orthodontic Clinic over a ten-year period. Methods: This retrospective study was designed with data from patient records in combination with telephone follow up (TFU). It included collection of data on demographics, chief patient concerns, diastema characteristics, status of midline diastema and bonded retainers at TFU. The level of statistical significance was prespecified at 0.05. SPSS Version 221,vas used for Statistical analysis. Results: Midline diastema was seen in 92 out of 661 patients resulting in a prevalence rate of 13.9%. The most common aetiological factor for the midline diastema was proclination of maxillary incisors (n=32, 34.8%) and the most influencing factor for orthodontic treatment was protruding upper teeth (n=26, 28.3%). The greatest mean diastema widths of 4.3mm was observed in patients whose chief concern was the presence of the diastema. Midline diastema was closed using fixed labial brackets in all patients. In majority (n=89, 96.7%) of patients, the midline diastema was completely closed. Evaluation of retention by TFU showed that (n= 80, 88.9%) patients still had bonded retainers in place. Conclusion: Patients tended to be more concerned about the Proci.ai. °finds.. than thediastema.