Gaps Between Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gaps Between Teeth?
A dentist, a doctor who cares for teeth and gums, or an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in correcting bite and tooth position, usually treats gaps between teeth. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are gaps between teeth?
Gaps between teeth are extra spaces between teeth. The medical name for a gap between the front teeth is diastema, and another name is widely spaced teeth.
Widely spaced teeth can also be temporary, tied to normal growth as adult teeth develop. Orthodontists, dentists who specialize in teeth and bite, can help people of any age.
Symptoms
The main sign is extra space between teeth. Other health symptoms can sometimes come with widely spaced teeth. A child's teeth or jaws may also appear to be developing abnormally.
Causes and who gets it
Wide spacing can result from several diseases or from continued growth of the jawbone. Some conditions that can cause widely spaced teeth are acromegaly (a growth hormone condition), Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, injury, and Morquio syndrome.
Other causes include:
- Sanfilippo syndrome.
- Possible gum disease.
- Tooth shifting due to gum disease or missing teeth.
- Congenitally missing teeth, which means teeth that were missing from birth.
- A large frenum, the small fold of tissue that joins the lip to the gum.
How doctors diagnose it
A dentist will examine the mouth, teeth, and gums. Other tests may include dental x-rays and x-rays of the face or skull.
Treatment
If the look of your teeth bothers you, ask your dentist if braces can help. Orthodontic care uses devices such as braces to close gaps between teeth.
If your teeth are spaced too far apart, correction may be recommended. The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy bite, which means straight teeth that properly meet the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier to bite, chew, and speak.
Braces and aligners (clear trays that move teeth) are the tools orthodontists most commonly use to guide teeth into their proper positions. Retainers keep the results of orthodontic treatment steady. Most people who receive orthodontic care are kids, but adults get braces too. In young children, orthodontic treatment may guide proper jaw growth, which can help permanent teeth come in properly.
Some dental restorations, such as crowns, veneers (thin shells placed on the front of a tooth), bridges, or implants, may help improve the appearance and function of teeth.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if your child's teeth or jaws appear to be developing abnormally. Also contact your provider if other health symptoms come with the widely spaced teeth.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at your mouth and help you decide whether to see a dentist or an orthodontist. They can also help you keep track of any other health symptoms that come with the gaps.
Common questions
Should I see a dentist about gaps between teeth?
Yes, a dentist can examine your mouth, teeth, and gums, and may order dental x-rays. If the look of your teeth bothers you, ask your dentist if braces can help.
Can braces close gaps between teeth?
Yes, braces are one of the devices orthodontic care uses to close gaps between teeth. Ask your dentist if braces can help.
Do gaps between teeth go away on their own?
Sometimes, because widely spaced teeth can be a temporary condition tied to normal growth as adult teeth develop.
Can gaps between teeth be a sign of another health problem?
Sometimes, because several diseases can cause wide spacing between teeth. If other health symptoms come with the gaps, contact your health care provider.
What can cause gaps between teeth?
Several things can, including normal growth, a large frenum, missing teeth, tooth shifting from gum disease, injury, and some diseases.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Widely Spaced Teeth
- MedlinePlus - Orthodontia
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) - Orthodontics
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
