Prevalence of Midline Diastema and Willingness for Treatment in Adults of Chennai: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Dental midline diastema is a major aesthetic concern. The prevalence of midline diastema varies in different population groups and with age, gender and race. Aim: To determine the prevalence of midline diastema among 500 adult patients (18 to 35 years) in Chennai and their willingness to undergo treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to June 2018 at Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 500 patients were clinically examined. Midline diastema, if present was measured intraorally using a divider and ruler by measuring the distance between the mesioincisal angles of the central incisors. The presence of potential factors leading to diastema and willingness to undergo treatment were assessed and recorded. The collected data was statistically analysed and Chi-square test was done to elucidate the association between proportionate variables. The p-value ≤0.001 was considered significant. Results: A total of 500 patients (339 females and 161 males) in the age group of 18-35 years (mean age 23.61±6.59 years) were included in this study. Out of 500 patients, 128 had midline diastema. Prevalence of midline diastema was higher in the maxilla (21.80%) than in mandible (9%). The most common aetiological factor was generalised spacing with deleterious habits for midline diastema in the maxilla (30.30%) and periodontitis for the mandible (44.44%). The 35 people were willing to undergo treatment (62.86% for the maxillary arch and 42.86% for the mandibular arch) of which 5 people chose cosmetic treatment over orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: The prevalence of maxillary midline diastema was high. The willingness to undergo treatment for maxillary diastema was greater due to aesthetic concern. The lack of knowledge and awareness among the patients regarding midline diastema and the availability of treatment often results in delayed diagnosis and necessary treatment.

Keywords

• aesthetics
• malocclusion
• orthodontic space closure
• permanent dentition