Affiliation:
1. PGCert in Medical Education (Dist), Community Dental Officer, St Leonard's Hospital, London
2. Registrar in Orthodontics, Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital
3. Consultant in Orthodontics, Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital
Abstract
A midline diastema is a part of normal dental development, which, in the mixed dentition, is termed the ‘ugly duckling’ stage. Supernumerary teeth, however, can also be a cause, with the most common type being a mesiodens. Supernumeraries can cause other complications including delayed or failure of eruption of a permanent tooth, displacement of crowns, crowding, root resorption and cyst formation. Treatment options for supernumeraries include immediate or delayed removal or active monitoring. This article advocates for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the need for future complex treatment. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case emphasizes the importance for clinicians to accurately and carefully diagnose the cause of a midline diastema and the presence of supernumerary teeth early in development. Prompt orthodontic referral can reduce the need for later complex surgical and orthodontic treatment.