110_ Black Triangles_ Cost to Fix Black Triangles_

Cost to Fix Black Triangles?

Black triangles are gaps, shaped like triangles, that appear between the teeth at the gum line. Estimates indicate that nearly three-quarters of US adults over the age of 20 have black triangles, also called open gingival embrasures. Many people choose to treat their black triangles for cosmetic reasons, though there are also health benefits that can accompany the treatment for black triangles. While black triangles can appear for a number of different reasons, their presence may be related to the overall health of your gums, and dental attention is the first step toward determining whether your black triangles should be treated or can be left alone.

When the gum tissue is healthy, it appears rosy-pink and vital, comfortably embracing the tops of the teeth and filling in any spaces that may exist there. Normal aging can deplete the gum tissue’s natural vitality, causing it to pull back from the teeth and appear to recede. Smoking and gum disease are two other common culprits in the formation of black triangles. When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth can gradually become exposed, increasing their sensitivity and vulnerability to disease. Black triangles can also be caused by osteoporosis, overly aggressive brushing, orthodontic treatments, and the overall condition of the gums and shape of the teeth. There are multiple treatment options for black triangles, depending on the cause and the severity, and each of these comes with its own pros, cons, and costs.

The first step toward addressing black triangles is halting their progression. If your brushing technique is injuring your gums, your dentist can provide instruction on healthy, effective brushing, and if your gum recession is the result of gum disease, your dentist can treat the gum disease to prevent it from advancing – with your cooperation, of course. Some patients choose to fill their black triangle gaps with bonding treatments, using composite dental resin to fill out the gaps between the teeth. This resin might be pink, to match the gums, or it might be tooth-colored, to match the teeth; in some treatments, pink and white resin are both used, rebuilding a natural-looking, healthy, gap-free gum line. Dental bonding treatments range in price from $300 to $600 per tooth. Dentists might also recommend adding composite veneers to a bonding treatment for black triangles, enhancing the overall appearance of the treated teeth. Of course, these add to the cost.

Gentle, thorough oral hygiene is nearly free, and it’s the best way to improve and maintain the health of the oral cavity and reduce the likelihood of black triangles developing or progressing. Dentists may recommend gum treatments, like hyaluronic acid injections or gum tissue grafts, or they may prescribe orthodontic treatments to mechanically close the gapped areas. While black triangles might be an indication of gum disease, which should be treated promptly no matter what, they can also encourage the development of gum disease. This is because the gapped areas are easy targets for trapped food debris and bacteria, both of which lead to gum disease when allowed to accumulate. Some patients aren’t bothered by the appearance of black triangles and choose to leave them untreated; this could be fine, but make sure your dentist monitors the area to detect any early developments of disease and ensure the continued health of the teeth and gums.