3 Reasons Why You Have Black Triangles Between Your Teeth

A bright and white smile can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem. Many dental problems can affect the look and function of your teeth, and black triangles are one of them. Not only do black triangles create an unpleasant appearance to your smile, but they also invite other dental issues to form, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

If you have started to notice black triangles forming between your teeth, one of these three reasons may be the cause.

What Are Black Triangle Teeth?

More commonly known as black triangle teeth, open gingival embrasures are the spaces between the teeth and gum line. These triangle shapes form as we age, through hard brushing techniques, and as a result of gum disease or periodontal disease. Repairing these types of openings isn’t just for cosmetic reasons. There are several significant health reasons to fix these types of gaps between your teeth. The triangle gaps can become food traps, leading to plaque, stains, and tooth decay. The accumulation of debris can also potentially lead to gum disease.

Black Triangle Causes

There are several different causes of black triangles forming between the teeth.

The most common causes include:

Gum Recession

Gum tissue is what binds your teeth together and holds them in place. Lifestyle factors like smoking and tobacco use can cause the gum tissue to shrink or pull away from the teeth. Additionally, gum recession can be easily caused by aggressive brushing and general aging. Once the roots of the teeth are exposed, it makes them vulnerable to bacteria, plaque, and cavities.

Poor Dental Hygiene Habits

Not using proper brushing techniques can create problems with the gum tissue. Brushing teeth too aggressively or using a toothbrush with hard bristles will damage your gums over time and create black triangles between teeth.

Bone Loss 

Gum disease can also be caused by a loss of bone near a tooth’s base. When the bone is lost, it affects the surrounding gum tissue, which also commonly leads to gum recession and the formation of black triangles.

Treatment Options

There are several different treatment methods for eliminating black triangles between the teeth. Your dentist will suggest the best possible treatment depending on your specific case and how severe your black triangles are.

Composite Resin Bonding

Dental bonding can be an excellent treatment option for filling in gaps. Your dentist may advise using a tooth-colored resin to fill any triangles between your teeth, depending on your specific needs.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are often the preferred treatment method to fill in gaps to create a more even and beautiful smile. Applying veneers includes modifying your natural tooth surface, so the veneer and tooth form a sturdy bond. Veneers last up to 20 years and are commonly used in many restorative dentistry treatments.

Orthodontics

Suppose black triangles develop between your teeth due to a procedure or process that affected the alignment of your teeth. In that case, you may be able to fill the gaps by moving teeth into the correct position with orthodontic treatment.

Hyaluronic Acid Gum Treatment

Your dentist may recommend regenerating gum tissue by injecting hyaluronic acid in some cases. This process is not painful, and the recovery time is short, making it a standard method of treating black triangles.

Dr. Aubrey Baudean DDS offers several types of Restorative Dentistry treatments to correct black triangles or any other Dental issue. The health of our patients’ smiles is our top priority. Contact us today to help keep your teeth and overall dental health in excellent condition.