Black triangles are small gaps between teeth near the gum line; they’re also known as open gingival embrasures or open embrasures. They occur when there is some loss of the gum tissue or of the bone tissue supporting the teeth․ They are most often an esthetic concern, but they offer a space for food particles and bacteria to grow. Black triangles can also make it more difficult to remove plaque buildup‚ but it is possible to correct or improve them․
The best treatment for your black triangles will depend on the cause and size of them․ For milder cases of gum disease, treatments can reduce inflammation and improve the condition of the gum tissue․ Healthy gums may eventually re-form to some degree‚ which could reduce the spacing between teeth․ This may not be a complete closure of the spaces‚ but will make them less noticeable and make it easier to keep clean․
Cosmetic bonding is another recommended for the treatment of black triangles․ The dentist adds a tooth-colored resin material to the sides of the teeth‚ altering their shape․ The dentist can alter the width of the teeth and/or the contact point between the teeth to eliminate the gap․ Bonding can often be accomplished in a single visit and does not compromise the enamel or structure of your teeth․
Orthodontic treatment, or braces, is a method that may be best if misalignment or spacing is the root cause of the black triangles․ Closing gaps between teeth can help increase how well teeth meet at the gumline․ In some cases, the dentist can complete a minimally invasive dental procedure that decreases the space between teeth. This is known as interproximal reduction, and it can be combined with orthodontics in order to reduce the size of the gap․
Where gum recession or bone loss has occurred and left you with black triangles, the dentist may be able to use a tissue graft. You will need to have sufficient healthy tissue available to cover a graft, and you will need to be healthy enough to heal from surgery. Specific types of grafting may increase the amount of tissue and thereby decrease the size of your black triangles․
Another method of dealing with black triangles involves the use of dermal fillers in your gums. Just like using dermal fillers in your lips can increase their size, when they are injected into the gums, they can offer immediate results․ The treatment is minimally intrusive and does not require special preparation․ However‚ filler injection results last anywhere from six months to two years and will need to be repeated․
It is important to remember that not all black triangles can be closed․ Improvement depends on your tooth shape‚ the position of the bone‚ and the condition of the gum tissue․ Depending on the reason for your black triangles the dentist may combine more than one method to improve the gum health․ Addressing your black triangles will not just improve the aesthetics of your smile‚ but also will improve your overall oral health․
If you have more questions about dental black triangles or how addressing them could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see your treatment options for black triangles.
Related Article: What Causes Black Triangles?