Black Triangle Teeth – How to Fix Black Triangles Between TeethDo you see small gaps at the base of your teeth? If you do, you probably have black triangles. Also known as gingival embrasures, black triangles are small gaps at the base of the teeth. They pose an aesthetic concern to the point where some people actually find it hard to smile in public. But what causes black triangle teeth? Are they the same as gaps between teeth? Learning how to close black triangles between teeth requires that you have a better understanding of what causes them. There is also no need for alarm because this is an issue that is common to about 30% of adults. There are also a variety of solutions, including tooth bonding and dental bridges in Barrie. You simply need to find a dental clinic that treats black triangles. What Causes Black Triangles? Black triangles are caused by gum recession. If you look at your teeth, you will notice sharp, pointed pieces of gum tissues which come up between the teeth. These pieces of gum tissue are known as ‘papilla’. When the papilla is infected or traumatized, the gum might pull back. When it recedes, the neck of your teeth will be exposed. This exposure is what leaves spaces at the base of the teeth. When the gum continues to recede, the gaps may get bigger. These spaces are known as black triangles. They get this name because they appear as dark triangles between the teeth when you look at a photograph or smile in your mirror. The key difference between having a black triangle and a gap between the teeth is the appearance of the gum tissue. There is less gum tissue with black triangles. This is because, with the black triangle, the papilla tissue will be lost as a result of gum recession or bone loss around the base of your teeth. The gap between the teeth is higher up and typically appears by the gum line rather than between the teeth. Impacts of Black Triangles Black triangles cause aesthetic and health problems. For aesthetics, people dislike the appearance of the gaps between the teeth. This often makes them embarrassed or self-conscious. Other people hate the feeling of air flowing between the gaps of their teeth as that makes odd noises or bubbles when speaking. Moreover, black triangles can make teeth appear larger because the condition exposes excess enamel. The dark gaps further make your smile, teeth, and facial appearance look older. It can also be very frustrating after eating because food particles will be stuck between the teeth. A major health problem caused by black triangles is they allow food and debris to get stuck between the teeth. This leads to the accelerated formation of tartar and plaque. The bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease feed on tartar and plaque. Although plaque can be removed by brushing, you will need to visit a hygienist or dentist to remove tartar. It is also good to note that the formation of tartar and plaque on the gum line will lead to gum irritation and cause the gum to recede even further. What to do With Black Triangles Between Teeth Can black triangles in teeth be fixed? The answer is yes. There are many dental treatments that can be used to fix black triangles. 1. Proper dental hygiene The best method for fixing black triangles is to keep it from happening. The gum tissue is quite sensitive. If you are too aggressive when brushing, you might damage it. Developing good oral hygiene habits will keep the gums healthy and tight around the teeth. If you don’t pay attention to your gums or you are too rough on them, they will get infected and start pulling back from around the teeth. As you may already know, gum tissues never grow back. It is up to you to take good care of them so that they don’t recede. Your daily care plan should include gently brushing along the gums and flossing in order to remove plaque and prevent the buildup of tartar. As you floss, ensure you slide the floss up under the edges of the gum to clean that space. A water flosser can be used to clean the edges of the gums. You must never jerk floss into the gum as that may cause the gums to pull back. Still on proper dental hygiene, it is imperative that you visit your dentist regularly. The dentist will perform regular professional cleaning and treat any teeth and gum infections before they cause serious problems. Always address teeth and gum diseases as soon as they are diagnosed to prevent gum recession. 2. Veneers If your question to your dentist is can you fix black triangles between teeth, dental veneers is probably the first recommendation you will get. These are cosmetic restorations that mask the front teeth. They are placed across the front teeth since these are the teeth people see when you smile. Unlike crowns that cover an entire tooth, veneers only cover the front part of the tooth and a little bit over the sides. You have the freedom to choose the shape, size, and color you want. Using veneers to fix black triangles involves a two-step process. The first step is all about getting the target teeth ready. It includes adjusting the enamel as well as taking impressions that will be sent to the lab. The width of the teeth will also be reduced to create room for the veneers. The second step takes place after a few weeks. This involves the placement of permanent dental veneers on your teeth. 3. Orthodontics At times the black triangles are just illusions. This is more so if your teeth are tilted, crooked, or misaligned. Correcting this kind of issue requires orthodontic aligners or therapy. Bringing crooked teeth back into alignment may close the extra space that appears like black triangles. Your dentist will assess your condition and let you know which of the two options you need. Braces The traditional braces that use a bracket and wire are the most efficient and affordable way of correcting misaligned teeth. You don’t necessarily have to go with metal. There are ceramic and tooth-colored appliances available. Braces take about 12 months to correct your teeth. There are, however, some accelerated options available. Invisalign If you are set against the wearing of braces and need black triangle teeth bioclear, your dentist may recommend Invisalign. These are easier to clean and less visible. Your tooth movement will be mapped digitally ahead of time so that you get pre-fitted alignment trays that move the teeth to the desired position. You simply need to switch the trays every few weeks, as directed by your dentist. 4. Dental bonding This is an affordable and fast cosmetic treatment that treats all manner of aesthetic irregularities. The material used is similar to the one used in the dental filling. It can be bonded to several surfaces. Dental bonding is considered the best option treatment for covering misshaped enamel, stains, and black triangles. The best thing is you will not need drilling or numbing during the procedure. The dentist starts by roughening up the outer layer of the enamel to achieve a tighter bond. A shade guide will be used to pick a composite color. Finding the right color is easy since the bond is available in many hues. The composite will then be adjusted to fill teeth gaps. Bright light will be used to cure the resin. 5. Dental crowns If you are unsure what to do with black triangles between teeth and the options mentioned above don’t seem viable, you may want to consider dental crowns. These are full coverage restorations that encircle an entire tooth. They help adjust the length and width of teeth. The dentist can design dental crowns to fill the space left by receding gums. You will need two appointments when getting a dental crown treatment. The first appointment will focus on prepping the teeth. This involves reducing the size of the tooth so that the dental crown can slip over easily. An impression will then be taken to help with the prefabrication of a dental crown. The second appointment will be after two weeks. The dental crown will be bonded onto your tooth or teeth permanently. 6. Hyaluronic acid treatment Hyaluronic acid treatment is used to tighten the skin, erase premature aging, and is also used with dermal fillers to add volume to the skin. The treatment can be used to relieve inflammation or treat osteoarthritis in joints. In treating black triangles, hyaluronic acid is applied to the gingival tissues to inhibit bacteria, stimulate the development of blood vessels, and speed up healing. The treatment is believed to help with the regeneration of tissues. Thus the reason it is used to fix black triangles. Your dentist will apply hyaluronic acid treatment after deep cleaning. It is usually applied topically. You may be given a gel to take home for daily use. In some cases, hyaluronic acid treatment may be injected into the gums to plump them up for immediate volume. 7. Tissue grafting Gingival grafting is also a viable solution for closing black triangles between teeth. The procedure is also referred to as soft tissue grafting. The gum tissue will be moved from one area to another where gums have receded or are missing. Minimally-invasive procedures are available. Tissue grafting helps re-cover the exposed areas, thus solving the issue of black triangles. All in all, it is hard to restore ‘papilla’ fully. The procedure involves the removal of gum tissues from the roof of the mouth or from a third party. The gum tissue is then placed over the tooth and might be sewed into place. The donor might feel sore after the procedure. Your dentist might not be able to perform tissue grafting. You may be recommended to a periodontist that specializes in dental implants and gum disease. To build up the bone, bone grafts may be needed if black triangles are a result of bone loss. A pinhole technique may be used to loosen the gum and reattach using collagen strips. The use of this technique will depend on how much of the gum tissue has receded. Pinhole techniques are less invasive and don’t require sutures or incisions. Pinhole surgical repairs are also 96.7% more effective in treating black triangles. Best Way to Prevent Black Triangles Have you started noticing black triangles appearing, or are you worried you will get them? Getting ahead of this condition is the key to saving your smile and avoiding invasive dental procedures. You can keep the gaps from forming or getting worse by doing the following: Scheduling regular cleanings with your dentist: This helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which are the main cause of gum disease. As aforementioned, gum disease is the leading cause of black triangles. Floss regularly and properly: Flossing helps remove plaque between the teeth. This prevents the growth of bacteria that causes gum disease. Be careful not to injure your gum when flossing. Never poke the gums with a toothpick: You should also not force proxy brushes where they don’t fit. Harsh dental hygiene methods, age, bone loss, gum disease, and the shape and size of your teeth are the main causes of black triangles. Appearance is not the only concern. Black triangles may lead to health problems. That is why you should contact your dentist to understand what causes black triangle teeth and what you should do about them. Are you still unsure what to do with black triangles between teeth? At Molson Park Dental, we are happy to answer any questions you may have on black triangles and provide the best solutions for fixing all your dental problems, including black triangles. The treatment we recommend varies from one patient to the next. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment. We are always happy to restore your smile and improve your dental health.
