Widely spaced teeth
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Definition
Widely spaced teeth can be a temporary condition related to normal growth and development of adult teeth. Wide spacing can also occur as a result of several diseases or continued growth of the jawbone.
Alternative Names
Teeth - widely spaced
Causes
Some diseases and conditions that can cause widely spaced teeth are:
- Acromegaly
- Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
- Injury
- Morquio syndrome
- Normal growth (temporary widening)
- Possible gum disease
- Sanfilippo syndrome
- Tooth shifting due to gum disease or missing teeth
- Large frenum
Home Care
Ask your dentist if braces can help if the appearance bothers you. Some dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or implants may help improve the appearance and function of teeth.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
- Your child's teeth or jaws appear to be developing abnormally
- Other health symptoms accompany the appearance of widely spaced teeth
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The dentist will examine the mouth, teeth, and gums. Other tests that may be done include:
- Dental x-rays
- Facial or skull x-rays
References
Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC. Abnormalities of teeth. In: Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC, eds. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 4th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2016:chap 2.
Tinanoff N. Development and developmental anomalies of the teeth. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 307.