Crowding and spacing are among
the most common teeth problems in adults, with crowding affecting about 24% of women
and 14% of men, and spacing found in 8% of women and 13% of men. In Asian society, ambivalence exists as
to whether a diastema is a favorable physical trait or not. A small mid-line diastema is usually not considered unattractive by any group of people.
However,
as the size of the gap increases to a more easily seen physical trait, the
level of comfort someone has in personally possessing a “gapped-tooth
appearance” may decrease to the point of creating a feeling of
self-consciousness. If the condition develops an outward self-consciousness in
relation to the way a person feels about a personal physical trait they
possess, it can affect the way that person acts in life. This, in turn, could
have a negative influence in certain career and social situations in which they
are placed.
There can be wide variations of
perception concerning the significance of a midline diastema when translated
through different cultures, socioeconomic groups, and ethnic backgrounds.
Indeed, unfair and ill-perceived judgments are leveled at people who possess
certain physical traits. When testing the perceptions of subjects viewing
anonymous faces with certain features, including dental midline diastemas, the
subjects ranked the individuals in the images to be significantly less
intelligent, beautiful, and sexually attractive. In addition, the anonymous
faces were judged to belong to a lower socioeconomic class than the same faces
with an ideal occlusal presentation. This finding illustrated that
a social disadvantage was wrongly implied, simply on the appearance of one’s
dentition—even if it was a healthy one.
Case
Report
An
51-year-old asian female reported to
Dentist & Dontist Dental clinic, Hyderabad, with unsightly appearance of her teeth. On
examination she had normal medical history. Coming to the dental history she
had visited a dentist 5 years ago for checkup & he had suggested filling
the gap in between her teeth. A composite restoration was done & it was
fine for 2 years .the restoration was lost after 2 years and she got it filled again but it was lost.
Vexed with the filling she didn’t get it done again, but she was very unhappy
with her smile.
Treatment, Progress
& Results
The patient was seen every eight
to 12 weeks (four to six aligners) to check for aligner fit, and cooperation
(Fig. 2). Excellent patient compliance contributed significantly to the success
of this case.The final result showed good alignment and occlusion,with up right
canines and ideal overbite and overjet (Figs-3)., they compared favorably with
many published cases treated with fixed appliances.
See the actual patient photos (Before -& after treatment)
