Maxillary midline diastemas are a common esthetic problem that dentists must treat. Many innovative therapies have been used, varying from restorative procedures to surgery (frenectomies) and orthodontics. At times, these procedures have been performed by the dentist without full appreciation of the factors contributing to the diastemas.
CAUSES:
Baby teeth have gaps called primate spaces. These are normal and necessary to allow enough room for the permanent teeth to come in. However when such a space exists in permanent dention it is considered as a malocclusion.
The most common cause of diastema in adult teeth is malocclusion, or poor fit between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. This usually can be corrected with orthodontics.
Another common cause of diastema is a high attached labial frenum. The labial frenum is found at the mid line inside the upper lip, and it is a flap of mucosa and connective tissue that holds the upper lip close to the teeth. If this tissue is short and too tight, it can result in the diastema. This problem can usually be corrected with a minor surgical procedure called a labial frenectomy. This is sometimes done in conjunction with orthodontics to move the teeth together.
Presence of a mesiodens,cyst or any abnormal structure also leads to a diastema.
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