Midline Diastema: A Retrospective Presentation in a Tertiary Hospital, South- South, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Midline Diastema is a common malocclusion trait with various aetiological factors which timely clinical intervention is important. Its presentation varies among age groups and gender. The objective of the study was to assess the pattern of midline diastema among patients at a tertiary hospital, South-South, Nigeria.

Methods: An eight-years (2017-2024) retrospective study of four hundred and sixty patients who presented to the Child Dental Health department at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital during the period. Relevant information regarding their socio-demographic data, midline diastema and other occlusal characteristics were collected from their medical records. Only records of patients with complete information were included in the study. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Association between parameters were determined with chi square test and the level of significance was set as p<0.05.

Results: Four hundred and sixty subjects, comprising of 182 males and 278 females, with a mean age of 15.3 (±8.2) years, were seen during the study period. One hundred and forty-one (30.7%) had mid line diastema (?0.5mm). Majority of the subjects were in the 10-19 years age group. Majority (75.2%) had midline diastema in the upper jaw only. Most (48.5%) had intermediate type of diastemata. There were no statistically significant differences in the types of diastemata in gender and age.  The association of diastema and the occlusal characteristics showed more prevalence in Angle’s Class I malocclusion, Skeletal pattern I, increased overjet and deep overbite with no statistically significant associations.

Conclusion: Midline diastema is found more in the upper jaw and among females. It is more prevalent among adolescents.