Can black triangles between teeth be fixed?

Table of Contents

Do you have black triangles?

How to get rid of black triangles?

When the idea of a perfect smile comes to mind, most people think of fixing crooked teeth and whitening as examples of fixing their dental imperfections. However, a common problem not known about is the black spaces at their gum lines also known as “Black Triangles” are the third most identified aesthetic complaint. (Scientific reference- Cunliffe and Pretty, The European Journal of Prosthetics and Restorative Dentistry 12/2009 17(4):177-81).

What are black triangles?

Black triangles are small gaps that can form between your teeth and your gum line. Their clinical name is less attractive, called open gingival embrasures. They usually affect the front teeth and are caused by a lack of
gum tissue. Because the teeth taper toward the root, the gaps are often triangular in shape.

In addition to being a cosmetic issue it can also cause other dental problems if not treated.

If you notice gaps forming between your teeth, I would recommend that you discuss this concern with us, as we a uniquely able to specifically treat black triangles using Bioclear Method https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/. Read on to learn more.

What causes black triangles?

There are several reasons why you develop black triangles or the gap between your teeth along your gum line.

Black triangles can appear between your teeth for several reasons and some may have health consequences which stem from your gums. Black triangles are usually caused by gum recession. Our gums naturally recede as we age, but gum disease, dental infections, and vigorous brushing can increase it. Black triangles (Open Gingival Embrasures) are triangle-shaped gaps between your teeth, which is obvious when you smile. Roughly 67 percent of adults have them.

The shape of the tooth:

Teeth come in different shapes and sizes. Your incisors are the front teeth in your mouth. Black gaps can form between your teeth if your pores are narrower at the gum line than at the biting surface. Conditions like gum disease can cause your gums to recede or thin. Your gums stop filling the natural spaces between your teeth, leaving empty spaces that look like black triangles.

1. Gum recession:

Normal healthy gums are usually pink and fill in the small gaps that surround your teeth.

Heavy handed toothbrushing, age, smoking and gum disease can cause the gums to shrink away from the teeth. This exposes the roots leaving them vulnerable to sensitivity, food getting trapped and cavities.

2. Aggressive brushing:

Gum tissues are sensitive. Some people have thinner gums than others. If you scrub your gums aggressively or you floss too hard, you can injure the soft tissue between your teeth and damage your gums over time. It creates gaps between your teeth like gum disease Our Dentists and Oral Health Therapists can help you learn to brush correctly and prevent black triangles from forming.

3. Bone loss:

Active gum infection also known as periodontitis can result in the bone dissolving just under the gums. This is caused by a constant immune response to the bacteria that never leaves and hides deep under the gums. Once the bone is lost, the gums also shrink away from the teeth, leading to the formation of black triangles. As the bone beneath them begins to disappear, your gums will also begin to recede. Problems like osteoporosis and severe gum disease can cause bone loss. Speak to our dental team if you think your dark triangles may be due to bone loss.

4. Orthodontic treatment:

If you have had orthodontic care, small gaps may form between your teeth as they move into their new positions. Braces and other orthodontic treatments are meant to
secure or move your teeth to a better location. But these changes can leave gaps between your teeth that may require further treatment.

A 2018 study found that the likelihood of adults with braces developing black triangles between their upper and lower incisor teeth was 22 percent and 36 percent, respectively.

5. Triangular tooth shape:

Some people have rectangular teeth, where the width of the tooth at the gum line isn’t much different than the width tooth edge. This results in broad contacts between the teeth which means that only a small space needs to be filled by the gum tissues.

Some people have narrower teeth at the gum line so that the tooth has a more triangular shape. Triangular teeth are more likely to develop these gaps as there is more space between the contacts and the gum tissue.

5. Thin fragile tissue:

The thickness of gum tissue varies from person to person. Thin tissues are more prone to irreversible damage. So if there is gum disease, elective dental treatment such as a crown, a dental implant, or gum surgery, the gums may not return to their previous fullness afterwards.

If you suspect you may have this condition, be sure to have it treated. It will restore confidence in your smile and appearance and it will also reduce risks of further dental issues.

Should you be concerned about black triangles?

Most patients dislike the black triangle due to the way they look. As dentists, we dislike black triangles because they can trap food and plaque, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
If you are unhappy with your black triangles book a consultation with our dental team and we can show you what can be done to help get rid of the black triangles.

Can black triangles be prevented?

Black triangles cannot necessarily be prevented, and some patients tend to have them because they have very triangular-shaped teeth or thin gum tissue.
However, you can reduce and avoid gum recession by taking care of your oral health and with a good daily oral care routine this can reduce contributing factors such as gum
disease and dental infections.

This includes gentle and thorough brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day. Dental Hygiene. You should also watch out for any symptoms of gum disease such as red, swollen gums; loose teeth; and bleeding while brushing. Book an appointment with us if you have any concerns.

How to get rid of black triangles?

Eliminating Black Triangles can dramatically improve your smile increasing your confidence and boosting your dental health.

Indirect porcelain crowns and veneers

To date, dentists have been using this treatment option to yield good results however it comes at a very high financial and biological cost. Tooth structure is often shaved down and removed in order to be covered with porcelain. The outcome looks good afterwards, however, it would be more ideal to be able to keep the original tooth structure. Therefore, at Bella Dental we offer a unique technique to help get rid of black triangles:

THE BIOCLEAR MATRIX SYSTEM

This is a revolutionary technique characterized by composite resin injection over-moulding. https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/ BIOCLEAR Matrix System

The result produced is superior aesthetics and it also more durable. Precious tooth structure is preserved as the material is bonded to the existing teeth.

BIOCLEAR https://www.bioclearmatrix.com/ uses specialised shape barriers which helps to sculpt natural contours to fill the negative spaces in black triangles. With results in stronger teeth that support restoration to eliminate the unsightly gaps.

Dr Geoffrey Wan is fully certified to provide treatments using the BIOCLEAR Matrix technique, an ideal solution to fix black triangles between teeth. he is also one of the first dentists to offer the BIOCLEAR procedure in Australia. BIOCLEAR Certified Provider

A case shown below is a patient who is in her 40’s who just finished her braces. These photos show the black triangles that had appeared after the braces were removed. She had experienced recession and noticed the spaces opening up between her teeth over the years. Veneers were an option but did not want to shave down her perfectly healthy teeth for that outcome.

The BIOCLEAR method was adopted and the front 6 teeth were restored using the BIOCLEAR protocols. Post-operative x-rays were taken to demonstrate the absence of overhangs and tooth contours were preserved for easy hygiene upkeep and more beneficial for gum health. This patient now loves her smile.