Condition
Teeth - widely spaced
David Cohen, M.D.Published 8 April 20051 min read
Key points
- Widely spaced teeth can be a temporary condition related to normal growth and the acquisition of adult teeth.
- Home Care If the appearance is bothersome, ask your dentist about the possibility of orthodontic work (braces).
- 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.
Alternative names
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.
Common Causes
- Normal growth (temporary widening)
- Tooth shifting due to missing teeth
- Acromegaly
- Morquio syndrome
- Sanfilippo syndrome
- Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
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
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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