Differential Diagnosis for "No Gap"

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Diastema closure: This is the most likely diagnosis when there's no gap between teeth, especially if the patient had a previous gap that has closed. This could be due to various reasons such as orthodontic treatment, natural movement of teeth, or habits like thumb sucking that have stopped.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Normal anatomical variation: Some individuals naturally have teeth that are closely spaced without any gaps, which is a normal variation of dental anatomy.
  • Orthodontic treatment outcome: If the patient has undergone orthodontic treatment to close a gap, the absence of a gap could be the intended outcome of this treatment.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
  • Periodontal disease: Although less likely, periodontal disease can cause teeth to move and potentially close gaps due to loss of supporting structures. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe dental and overall health issues if not addressed.
  • Oral cancer: Though rare, oral cancer can cause changes in the alignment of teeth or the appearance of gaps due to tumor growth. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Supernumerary teeth: The presence of extra teeth can sometimes cause no gap or reduced space between teeth, especially if these supernumerary teeth are small and impacted.
  • Dental crowding due to other systemic conditions: Certain systemic conditions can affect jaw size or tooth size, leading to crowding and potentially no gaps between teeth. These conditions are rare and would require a comprehensive medical and dental evaluation to diagnose.