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Diastema | |
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![]() Space between the two front teeth | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | diastema |
MeSH | D003970 |
TA98 | A05.1.03.078 |
TA2 | 904 |
FMA | 77271 |
Anatomical terminology |
A diastema (pl.: diastemata, from Greek διάστημα, 'space') is a space or gap between two teeth. Many species of mammals have diastemata as a normal feature, most commonly between the incisors and molars. More colloquially, the condition may be referred to as gap teeth or tooth gap.
In humans, the term is most commonly applied to an open space between the upper incisors (front teeth). It happens when there is an unequal relationship between the size of the teeth and the jaw. Diastemata are common for children and can exist in adult teeth as well.