If you have black triangles between your teeth, you may be interested in how to reduce them and fill the gaps in your smile. We explain what causes black triangles and which treatment options advanced cosmetic dentists use for spaces between teeth.
What Are Black Triangles Between Teeth?
Black triangles between teeth are triangular spaces near the gumline. The gaps form when you do not have enough gum tissue between your teeth.
What Causes Black Triangles Between Teeth?
Factors that can cause what looks like black triangles between teeth include tooth shape, gum recessions, bone loss, or trauma.
- Tooth Shape. Misshaped teeth that narrow at the gumline can create gaps that look like black triangles.
- Gum Recession. Gum recession from aging, gum disease, or aggressive brushing leaves less gum tissue to cover a tooth. Gaps can result.
- Bone Loss. Advanced gum disease also causes bone deterioration, leaving spaces between teeth.
- Gum Trauma. Inserting hard or pointy objects between your teeth instead of using dental floss can create gaps between them. Also, aggressive dental work can damage the gum tissue and leave spaces between your teeth.
- Orthodontics. Although braces or Invisalign may have straightened your teeth, you may notice gaps at your gumline when they are in the correct positions.
What Is the Treatment for Black Triangles?
Porcelain veneers can close black triangles between teeth
Depending on the condition of your teeth and the extent of black triangles, treatment options may include one or more of the following:
- Gum Disease Treatment. If gum disease contributes to spaces between your teeth, a dentist must treat it before using cosmetic dentistry to close the gaps.
- Gum Grafting. Tissue loss may require grafting to fill the gaps and protect your tooth roots.
- Bone Grafting. If some of the bone that supported your teeth has deteriorated, grafting material can build up the bone.
- Dental Bonding. An advanced cosmetic dentist can layer dental composite by hand to widen teeth and fill in the black triangles. The composite will match your natural teeth perfectly.
- Porcelain Veneers. Custom dental porcelain shells fit over the fronts of the teeth in your smile zone, making them larger where needed to fill the gaps in your smile.
Please schedule a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss the cause of the black triangles between your teeth and how to treat them.
Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.