Management of the Maxillary Diastema by Various Dental Specialties

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 76, Issue 4
Author(s): Bryan Wheeler, Caroline K. Carrico, Bhavna Shroff, Tegman Brickhouse, Daniel M. Laskin
PurposeThere is considerable controversy in the literature concerning the indications for frenectomy for treating a maxillary diastema and for timing of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to survey pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons on their opinion of this matter to develop a consensus.Materials and MethodsAn anonymous 7-item electronic questionnaire was sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons asking about the etiology of the maxillary diastema, its diagnosis, and treatment.ResultsAlthough there was no agreement among the oral and maxillofacial surgeons for the timing of frenectomy and when the diastema should be closed, the pediatric dentists and orthodontists generally agreed that frenectomy should not be performed before the permanent canines are erupted and that the operation should follow orthodontic closure of the space.ConclusionAlthough there was no complete consensus among the 3 groups, a logical treatment approach for the maxillary diastema is proposed.



https://ift.tt/2Gc1Asm