Abstract
Introduction: Maxillary anterior spacing or midline diastema is the most frequently seen aesthetic concern among children, which can be quite challenging for the clinician to manage. There can be a significant disparity in the aesthetic perception from person to person and is greatly influenced by their personal experience and social environment.
Aim: This study investigated the aesthetic perceptions of Saudi mothers to various Maxillary Midline Diastemas (MMDs) in mixed dentition.
Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study using structured questionnaire was employed for Saudi mothers chosen by stratified- cluster random sampling technique over a period of eight months (November 2016 to June 2017). The questionnaire assessed their perception about various MMDs using photographs and the source of information about MMDs. Data were statistical analysed (SPSS version 20) using the Chi-square test, with the level of significance set at p-value <0.05.
Results: The sample consisted of 300 Saudi mothers with a response rate of 86.2%. The maximum mean score was 4.80 +/- 0.20 for the MMD photograph showing central incisor tooth discrepancy which the mothers perceived to be the most unpleasant (81%). The very unpleasant perception from the mothers' perception for group D and B showing ugly duckling stage was (55%) and thumb sucking habit (33%), respectively. The MMD photograph showing high frenum attachment was perceived by 51% of the mothers to be unpleasant and 7% as very unpleasant. Moreover, on comparison it showed the least mean score of 3.65 +/- 0.41.
Conclusion: The perception of Saudi mothers to various types of MMDs was found to be aesthetically unpleasant. Early detection of the MMDs by the Saudi mothers and intervention by the dental specialist can reduce the progression of the prevailing condition to a severe malocclusion.