An 8-year-old patient has a diastema between the maxillary central incisors. What is most likely to happen?

Correct answer: A. The diastema will close if it was less than 2 mm when the rest of the teeth erupt

• A. A diastema ≤2 mm often closes naturally as the lateral incisors and canines erupt. Diastemas >2 mm are less likely to self-correct and may require orthodontic intervention.
• B. Larger diastemas (>2 mm) are unlikely to fully close spontaneously.
• C. Diastema typically decreases, not increases, as lateral incisors and canines erupt (ugly duckling stage resolves).
• D. In the ugly duckling stage, diastemas are expected to change — typically close — with further development.