Will Black Triangles Go Away?
Black triangles, or open gingival embrasures, are the space between two teeth at the gum line which can leave patients susceptible to dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay. Most of the time, black triangles are simply a cosmetic issue and do not cause any harm but occasionally, they can become a food trap, allowing food and plaque to develop and make a good hiding space for decay-causing bacteria.
A patient may develop black triangles for any number of reasons, even simply the shape of their teeth. When the teeth are wider at the biting surface but taper at the root, there is likely to be a black triangle between teeth. Other factors that can cause black triangles include gum recession, bone loss, and poor dental hygiene. Patients that brush too aggressively can damage their gum tissue and overtime, black triangles can appear.
Gum recession is a side effect of periodontal disease but age and lifestyle choices do play a role. As we age, the gum tissue naturally begins to thin and recede, leaving the root of the tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and black triangles.
Will black triangles go away?
Unfortunately, black triangles will not go away on their own. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available to close the space between your teeth and restore your smile! Depending on the size and reason you have black triangles, your dentist may recommend one treatment option over another but they will discuss those at length with you when creating a treatment plan.
Composite Bonding
Dental bonding is one option that can be used to restore a number of dental maladies, including black triangles! Bonding uses the same tooth-colored resin material as dental fillings and does not require the loss of tooth structure to be applied. The surface of each tooth in the open space is etched with an acid solution to give the bonding something to hold on to and the bonding is placed on those surfaces to close up the space.
Porcelain
Porcelain dental restorations, such as dental crowns or veneers, are another great way to close up open gingival embrasures. These are both considered permanent restorations because tooth structure has to be removed to allow space for the restoration. Veneers only cover the front of the tooth and are really only appropriate for the front teeth that show when you smile. Dental crowns, however, cover the entire tooth and can be used anywhere in the mouth.
Crowns and veneers are going to be significantly more costly than bonding but they last so much longer that it is often more cost-effective in the long run. Porcelain restorations can last up to 20 years, even longer with proper hygiene and regular maintenance.
Orthodontic Treatment
Braces and clear aligners are one way to help pour the tea closer together and close up black triangles but they can also lead to the appearance of black triangles. As teeth begin to shift and straighten, black triangles that were not there before may begin to appear. Interproximal reduction, or IPR, can help remove some of the tooth structure between the teeth to allow the ortho appliance to pull the teeth even closer together and close the space.
Injections
Hyaluronic acid is not only great for your skin, it can help regenerate gum tissue. Hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the infected gum tissue to rejuvenate the area. Other cosmetic fillers can also be used to close black triangles. Injections have a quick recovery time but they do not last forever and may need to be touched up every 6 months or so.
Speak with your dentist to see what treatment options are available and which might be best for you!