• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.525-530
• /
• 2005

Maxillary median diastema is the term used when there is spacing between maxillary central incisors. The space between maxillary central incisors are often observed during ugly duckling stage. In most of the cases, as maxillary permanent canines erupt, it gradually disappears. Maxillary median diastema needs to be treated when there is up to 2mm of space between the incisors even after eruption of permanent canines or when there is 3mm of space, at least, before the eruption of the canines. Particulary, for the latter case, orthodontic treatment is recommended because not only the esthetic point of view but also to regain the eruption space for maxillary lateral incisors and canines. The appliance used for orthodontic treatment are removable appliances, using finger spring and etc, and fixed appliances, using rubber elastics and coil spring. If rubber band alone was used to treat median diastema without any other appliance such as band, tube or bracket, it will gradually move downward along the root surface. Then it will destroy the peridontal ligament and causes tooth mobility, extrusion, and avulsion. This report presents cases of damaged tooth due to improper use of rubber band when treating maxillary median diastema.