Median diastema in a college students sample in the Baghdad City

الملخص EN

Background : 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 This study aimed at determining the prevalence, heredity and acceptance of diastema in a sample of Iraqi students in institute of medical technology in Baghdad.

Material and method: This study was based on examination of a sample of students of institute of medical technology / Baghdad to determine the prevalence, satisfaction and heredity of median diastema in Baghdad from October 2010 till June 2011, the age was ranged between 18-21 years.

A total of 200 students (100 males and 100 females) were randomly selected.

Gathered information included the presence of midline central diastema.

Results : the incidence of midline diastema was 28 % (maxillary 22.5 %, mandibular 2.3 %, and both arches- 3.2 %).

It occurred more frequently in males (40 %) than males (16 %), and also better appreciated in females (50.6%) than in males (4.1 %).

A female is more likely to have a maxillary midline diastema (81.2 % females : 65 % males), while a male is more likely to have a mandibular midline diastema (22.5 % males : 12.5 % females).

Majority of females (87.5 %) found with median diastema were dissatisfied with their esthetic and seek treatment, whereas only (40 %) were dissatisfied.

Close to two-thirds (62.5 % : p > 0.05) of the cases of diastema were inherited, with equal chances in both genders.

Conclusion : the results of this study showed that median diastema is common in the study sample of Iraqi population ,most of sample students were unpleasant with their diastema, and diastema could run between families.

Further studies on the variations and hereditary patterns of midline diastema among different populations will help greatly on cosmetic dentistry.