Black triangles are a very common cause for a patient wanting to perfect their smile. Gingival embrasures, commonly known as black triangles, are the space between two teeth and the gumline. The gap can increase with time and can also trap food, leading to plaque.
Causes of Black Triangles
Black triangles can occur for a few reasons, one of the most common being a natural factor. 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.
Gum recession can also be a cause of 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. In addition to gum recession, there is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection in the gum and bone that supports the tooth. This can be a result of poor oral hygiene. Symptoms of this disease may include loose teeth, bleeding, swollen gums, or bad breath. It is important to brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up, which can lead to periodontal disease and gum recession, which can lead to black triangles.
And lastly, overly aggressive brushing can cause gum recession, which can increase the gum gap between two teeth. You might also develop black triangles after orthodontic work, such as braces or aligners, and in that case, you might have to repeat the treatment to close the gap.
Can black triangles go away?
The answer to that is, yes. But not on their own. 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.
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.
Braces or Aligners: Shifting the position of the tooth might be necessary to bring the teeth together and close the black triangle.
You may notice a black triangle getting larger. Remember, since they often will not go away on their own, it is important to meet with your dentist so that they can come up with the appropriate plan for you and your oral health.
Related Article: Are Black Triangles Normal?