Maxillary Midline Diastema in Nigerians: Beauty or Malocclusion

Abstract

Background: The aim of th is study was to determine the perception of maxillary midli ne diastema in adults in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: The study group comprised 203 civil servants (104 males and 99 females) between the ages of 19 to 65 years who were randomly selected from various government ministries. The perception of maxillary midline diastema was determined from the response to a fixed choice questionnaire and a 100-point visual analogue scale to rate responses to an altered smile with widths of maxillary midline diastema ranging from lmm to 8mm.The social classification of the participants was according to the Registrar General's Social Class. Resuits: There was a significant difference, (P <0.05), between the 5 social classes and perception of maxillary midline diastema. Maxillary midline diastema was perceived most as a sign of beauty in social class III in 69 (45.1%). There was also a significant difference (P<0.001) M the perception of width of midline diastemas a sign of beauty from all the social classes. Diastema widths between 1- 6mm were regarded as a sign of beauty in 96%. Larger diastemas between 7- 8mrn were rated as unattractive (malocclusion) in 79%. A small number (13.3%) believed that diastemas should be created artificially, while 35.5% believed that diastemas greater than 6mm should be dosed. There was no significant association between age, ethnicity a nd gender in the percePtion of max...Y.1. d lastem a. Conclusion: Maxillary midline diastemata large as 6mm were regarded as a sign of beauty and social class affects the perception of maxillary midline diastema.