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Oral anatomy
Oral anatomy

Widely spaced teeth
Definition:
Physical separation of the teeth with increased space between the teeth.

Alternative Names:
Teeth - widely spaced

Considerations:
Increased spacing can be seen as a temporary, normal condition related to acquisition of adult teeth. Increased spacing of teeth occurs as a permanent condition in several storage diseases. Wide spacing can also result from continued growth of the maxilla or jaw as is seen in acromegaly.
Common Causes:
Home Care:
  • Call your health care provider.
  • Ask about possibility of orthodontic work to improve appearance if it is bothersome.
Call your health care provider if:
  • your child's teeth or jaw appear to be developing abnormally.
  • other symptoms accompany the appearance of widely spaced teeth.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Are there abnormally colored teeth?
  • Are there abnormally shaped teeth?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:After seeing your health care provider:
Most often, this is a normal finding. If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of widely spaced teeth, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Review Date: 12/7/2001
Reviewed By: Jennifer A. Schwartz, D.M.D., General Dentist, University of Pennsylvania Dental Care Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed HealthCare Network.
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