The influence of transseptal fibers on incisor position and diastema formation.

Transseptal fibers are a part of the gingival group of fibers of the periodontal membrane, and they are very tough and resistant. They form a chain from tooth to tooth which, provided that it remains intact and is sufficiently strong to resist displacing muscular pressures, will preserve the contacts between the teeth throughout the arch. If the continuity of the chain is interrupted, the balance of the forces acting upon the teeth on either side of the break is upset and considerable displacements can occur. Maxillary median diastemas are classified as "simple" or "persistent" according to their etiology, and an operation to clear the upper midline suture of transeptal fibers is described as an essential part of the treatment of persistent upper median diastema.