110_ Black Triangles_ Can Black Triangles Be Fixed_

Can Black Triangles Be Fixed?

When the gum tissues don’t fully occupy the spaces between the teeth at the gum line, black triangle-shaped gaps appear. This often occurs because the gum tissue is eroded by friction or compromised by disease and recedes back from the teeth, but it can also appear simply because of the shape of the teeth or the natural condition of the gums. Black triangles won’t go away on their own, but it’s usually possible to slow their progression, and dentists also offer many different types of treatments to restore the appearance of the smile and the integrity of the gum line. Many patients prefer to fix their black triangles, which are clinically known as open gingival embrasures, for cosmetic reasons, and dentists often recommend fixing black triangles to prevent them from turning into traps for bacteria and disease. At the very least, make sure your dentist closely monitors your teeth at regular checkups if you have black triangles, to make sure they stay clean and healthy and intervene if needed.

The optimal treatment for black triangles will depend largely on their severity and their cause. When black triangles arise because of overly aggressive dental hygiene, modifying your hygiene habits can slow, or even stop, the progression of gingival embrasures, though the condition cannot reverse itself. If you had braces and black triangles formed after your orthodontic treatment, additional orthodontic treatment can often correct the issue. For an aesthetic solution, dentists can fill visible gaps with dental resin, using either pink resin to match the gums, tooth-colored resin to match the teeth, or a combination of both. Dentists might also suggest dental veneers, which are thin layers of dental composite that are cemented onto the fronts of the teeth, modifying their shape and filling the gap.

If the gingival embrasures have appeared because of gum recession, dentists may prefer to use a hyaluronic acid treatment to revitalize them, plumping them and boosting their volume. These injectable treatments create appealing results which can be expected to last about a year. Of course, maintaining optimal oral hygiene habits is integral to prolonging the benefits of hyaluronic acid treatment and support the continued oral health. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush the teeth, holding the brush gently and moving the bristles in a soft circular motion along the gum line. Take care not to disturb the sensitive tissues of the gums, and brush for two minutes, focusing on each quadrant of the mouth for about thirty seconds. It’s a good idea to invest in an electric toothbrush, if that’s an option for you, as these devices time your brushing and also indicate when you’re brushing too hard or too fast, and when you floss, make sure to gently glide the floss rather than stabbing it into your gums.

While black triangles could happen naturally and aren’t uncommon in people with teeth that are slightly triangular, they could also be a sign that there’s an underlying issue with the oral health or even with the overall health. Make sure to check in with your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and make an informed decision about treating your own dental embrasures and the conditions that might be causing them.