Etiology and treatment of midline diastema: A review of literature

Abstract

Introduction: Midline diastema can be physiological, dentoalveolar, due to a missing tooth, due to peg lateral, midline supernumerary teeth, proclination of the upper labial segment, prominent frenum or due to a self-inflicted pathology by tongue piercing. The treatment involves observation and follow up, active orthodontic tooth movement, combined orthodontic and surgical approach, restorative treatment and Mulligan’s technique of overcorrection.

Material and Methods: Hand and electronic searching was done for 55 articles for this review of literature.

Results: Midline diastema is common dental anomaly having multiple causes and various orthodontic and surgical options for management.

Conclusions: Midline diastemas require proper diagnosis and timing for better care of patients.