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.

• 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

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

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

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

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