Black triangles are also known as “open gingival embrasures.” There are small gaps or spaces between two teeth and the gums. They can be naturally occurring and can also form over time due to a dental problem. They are fairly common, and if treated, can be fixed. Now, there are a few reasons as to why black triangles occur.
Tooth Shape: The natural shape, size, and position can cause a dark triangular shadow. There are rectangular teeth, oval teeth, and triangular teeth. Triangular teeth have a wider edge, which creates space for those black triangles. And the more triangular the tooth’s shape, the more pronounced the black triangle will be.
Overly Aggressive Brushing: There is such a thing as brushing your teeth too hard. This can hurt the gum tissue between your teeth if you scrub or floss too hard.
Receding Gums: Gum recession, often caused by gum disease, can cause a black triangle. When gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, or recedes, it exposes more of the tooth’s root, creating a gap between the two teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment: Braces, retainers, or other orthodontic treatments that are meant to move your teeth can sometimes leave gaps. If this is the case, you may require further treatment.
There are a number of ways to treat or fix black triangles.
Proper Dental Hygiene: Brushing properly and gently and flossing daily will help to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy. If the black triangles are minor, proper oral hygiene to improve gum health may enable your gums to return to normal and close the small black gap between the two teeth.
Dental Bonding: This is one of the least invasive treatment options to close the gap, especially in cases where the black triangle is very small. Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that involves a tooth colored composite. The resin is matched to the natural color of the tooth, and a liquid is applied to help the material stick to the tooth. It is then shaped to the desired shape and cured with a specific light. On average, dental bonding costs around $400 per tooth but can range anywhere between $300 and $900.
Veneers or Crowns: In a more advanced case, a porcelain crown or veneer is the best option. A veneer is custom-made of porcelain or composite that is bonded to the front of the tooth to improve the appearance and close the black triangle. They are very durable and can last between 10 and 20 years. Crowns are very similar to a veneer, but instead cap the entire tooth. In many cases, crowns are more functional, whereas veneers are primarily for cosmetic reasons. Veneers are much more expensive than bonding. It can range anywhere between $900 and $2,500, and the price range typically depends on the type of veneer.
Braces or Aligners: Shifting the position of the tooth might be necessary to bring the teeth together and close the black triangle. Without insurance, in the United States, braces typically cost between $2,500 and $7,000 and depend on how complex the case is and the treatment plan. In most cases, clear aligners cost more than metal braces, on average, between $3,000 and $9,000.
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