Effect of Direct Anterior Diastema Closure on Quality of Life and Dental Anxiety

Effect of Direct Anterior Diastema Closure Treatment on Oral Health-related Quality of Life and Dental Anxiety

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of non-invasive direct anterior diastema closure on dental anxiety and oral health-related quality of life in adults with maxillary anterior diastema. Direct composite resin restorations are widely used for diastema closure due to their minimally invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be completed in a single clinical visit. However, limited information is available regarding the psychological and quality-of-life outcomes of this treatment.

In this prospective single-arm clinical study, adult participants presenting with anterior diastema receive non-invasive direct composite restorations for diastema closure. Dental anxiety and oral health-related quality of life are assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Participants complete these questionnaires before treatment and three months after the restorative procedure. The study aims to determine whether direct anterior diastema closure improves oral health-related quality of life and reduces dental anxiety in affected individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• Absence of previous restorative treatment (including restorative, endodontic, or prosthetic procedures)
• Periodontally healthy teeth
• Presence of anterior diastema with a width of less than 2 mm
• Absence of malocclusion
• Good general systemic health
• No use of anxiety-reducing pharmacological agents (e.g., sedatives, anxiolytics, or analgesics) prior to treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of cognitive or psychiatric disorders
• History of substance abuse
• Presence of malignant diseases
• Presence of acute dental or periodontal conditions