1. In comparing characteristics associated with the presence or absence of diastema at the age of 16 years, generalized spacing was the only significant factor. 2. In the 230 children who had a diastema of 0.5 mm. or greater at age 9, there was a significant association between the diastema and the amounts of crowding or spacing at age 16. 3. A clinician must analyze the individual case in order to determine whether the diastema is to close through normal development or if there exists a likelihood of its persistence.