Diastema in Nigerian Society

The frequency of occurrence of diastema and its acceptability was studied. Diastema occurs more among females and Nigerians primarily regard diastema as a thong of beauty. Some even go to have it created for them artificially. Of the various forms; maxillary midline diastema is the most prevalent while mandibular midline is the least. There is preference for the midline anterior diastema and therapy to close the diastema was considered unnecessary. Lateral diastema is not as much favoured. There is also an indication that diastema runs in some families