How to Fix Black Triangles Between Teeth
If you can’t stand to glimpse those unsightly black triangles between your front teeth, you’re not the only one. Millions of Americans suffer from this problem, which can result from a combination of poor oral care and dental health, natural aging processes, and even genetic factors.
Most don’t do anything about these black triangles because it doesn’t seem like there’s much to be done. But as any oral healthcare professional will tell you, that’s not true.
Ready to go against the grain and say goodbye to black triangles once and for all? Here’s how to do it and what to know before you get started.
What Causes Black Triangles Between Teeth?
The proper name for black triangles is “gingival embrasures.” They have several possible causes, with many patients experiencing more than one at a time:
- Gum disease: Periodontal disease can occur due to poor diet, poor oral hygiene, viral or fungal infections, and other factors. There may be a genetic component, as well. Over time, gum recession can occur as gum tissue recedes, opening up spaces between teeth.
- Dental bone loss: A later-stage outcome of tooth decay and/or very poor gum health, dental bone loss can noticeably change the mouth’s structure. As teeth and gums shift, black triangles may appear between the front teeth.
- Poor brushing technique: You can have too much of a good thing if it’s not done right. Overly aggressive toothbrushing increases the risk of gum recession and black triangles. Most dentists recommend switching to an electric toothbrush to avoid the temptation to brush too hard.
- Orthodontic treatments: While beneficial overall, orthodontic treatments like braces and retainers can open up spaces between teeth as a side effect of straightening.
- Natural factors: Black triangles sometimes occur for no clear reason. Rather than accept that they’re here to stay, why not do something about them?
How to Prevent & Fix Black Triangles Between Teeth
The best way to prevent black triangles is to practice good oral hygiene. That means:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice per day, and ideally after each meal, to keep your gum line healthy
- Flossing once per day or as directed by your dentist
- Getting regular professional cleanings, at least once per year
- Seeking periodontal care when you experience unexplained pain, inflammation, or other gum issues
Unfortunately, as we’ve seen, these simple steps aren’t always enough to prevent black triangles. If prevention is out the window, here’s what you can do to fix them:
- Get a veneer: Also known as dental bonding, a tooth colored composite resin is a minimally invasive way to hide black triangles for good. No grafts required.
- Try orthodontics: Orthodontics often make black triangles worse, but a skilled orthodontist can design a system that pushes your front teeth closer together without making them crooked.
- Ask about gum fillers: At least one recent study suggests that injectable dermal fillers can shrink or eliminate black triangles. Hyaluronic acid treatment is the preferred method due to low side effect incidence and reasonable cost. Be sure to work with a trained provider, though.
Consider a tissue graft: This is the best option when veneers, orthodontics, and fillers aren’t well-tolerated.
