Widely Spaced Teeth

Definition

Widely spaced teeth can be a temporary condition related to normal growth and the acquisition of adult teeth. It can also occur as a permanent condition in several diseases. Wide spacing can also result from continued growth of the maxilla or jaw, as is seen in acromegaly.

Oral anatomy

Alternative Names

Common Causes

• Normal growth (temporary widening)
• Tooth shifting due to missing teeth
• Acromegaly
• Morquio syndrome
• Sanfilippo syndrome
• Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
• Possible presence of periodontal disease or trauma

Home Care

If the appearance is bothersome, ask your dentist about the possibility of orthodontic work (braces).

Call your health care provider if

• Your child's teeth or jaws appear to be developing abnormally.
• Other symptoms accompany the appearance of widely spaced teeth.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Dental x-rays
• Facial or skull x-rays

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Review Date:8/12/2005
Reviewed By: Johanna Jacobs, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.