Health Encyclopedia

Widely spaced teeth

Definition

Widely spaced teeth can be a temporary condition related to normal growth and the 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

Common Causes

Acromegaly
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Injury
Morquio syndrome
Normal growth (temporary widening)
Possible gum disease
Sanfilippo syndrome
Tooth shifting due to missing teeth

Home Care

Ask your dentist if braces can help if the appearance is bothersome.

Call your health care provider if

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

Review Date:5/28/2008
Reviewed By:Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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