A midline diastema refers to spacing between the two front teeth. It is commonly seen in the maxillary arch during the transition from primary to permanent dentition. Causes include deciduous dentition spacing, abnormal frenal attachments, microdontia, missing teeth, and abnormal habits. Diagnosis involves a blanch test and radiographs. Treatment involves removing any underlying causes before using removable appliances, fixed orthodontic appliances like springs and elastics, or cosmetic restorations to close the space. Long term retention like fixed retainers is generally recommended.

1. Correction Of Midline
Diastema
DR SUGAREDDY
PROFESSOR HOD, DEPT OF
ORTHODONTICS
NAVODAYA DENTAL COLLEGE,
RAICHUR

2. Contents
 Introduction
 Etiology
 Diagnosis
 Treatment planning
 Retention

3. Introduction
 It refers to any spacing or gaps existing in the
midline of the dental arch.
 Common in maxillary arch.

4. Etiology
 Deciduous dentition
 Ugly duckling stage,before eruption of permanent
canines.
 Abnormal frenal attachments.
 Microdontia.
 Presence of mesiodens.
 Congenitally missing teeth.
 Abnormal pressure habits.
 Trauma.
 Heredity.
 Racial predisposition.

5.  Ugly duckling stage:-

6.  Microdontia:- relative or true.

7.  Abnormal frenum attachment:-

8.  Abnormal pressure habits:-

9. Diagnosis
 Blanch test
 Radiographic examination i.e IOPA

10. Treatment
 Removal of etiologic factors before
undertaking appliance therapy is necessary.
 Classified into following categories:-
 use of removable appliances
 use of fixed appliances
 role of cosmetic restorations

11.  Removal of etiologic factors:-

12.  Removable appliances:-
 Hawley’s appliance incorporating finger
springs.

13.  Split labial bow appliance.

14.  Fixed orthodontic appliances:-
‘M’spring.

15.  Elastic thread stretched in a figure of eight
fashion.
 Elastic chains.
 Closed coil springs.

16.  Cosmetic restorations /prosthesis:-
 Composite buildups
 Crowns
 Implant prosthesis

18. Retention
 Usually long term & hence, fixed retainers are
generally recommended.