Are Black Triangles Normal?
Black triangles are naturally occurring spaces between the teeth. They are especially common for patients with triangular teeth or for those with receding gums. It is actually helpful to have small spaces between the teeth in order to effectively clean out food and debris. Unfortunately, larger gaps can cause issues with the accumulation of plaque and make the teeth difficult to clean. Cosmetic bonding and interproximal reduction (IPR) are two treatments which are commonly used for black triangles. The spaces can also appear following orthodontic treatment such as braces.
Black triangles occur naturally in the space between the tooth and the gums at the base of the tooth. Some of the most common causes for black triangles include age, receding gums, orthodontic treatment, gum disease, and triangular teeth. Black triangles can also form due to poor oral hygiene, using aggressive force when brushing, a patient’s smoking habits, and pregnancy.
Black triangles are often considered to be a cosmetic issue, however, they can cause serious problems from the accumulation of food and plaque. Severe black triangles can increase a patient’s risk for gum disease and cavities. A small space is normal and actually helpful in cleaning between the teeth.
The tooth’s shape can impact the likelihood of black triangles forming. Certain tooth shapes are more prone to visible triangles, while other shapes make the gaps less likely. There are three different types of tooth shapes which includes oval, rectangular, and triangular. Based on the shape of the tooth, there are varying categories of gaps. The natural gap of the tooth is largely dictated by the shape.
1. Rectangular teeth have straight parallel edges and fit together top to bottom without noticeable gaps. Teeth that are rectangular do not have significant space between the teeth, making it unlikely for visible black triangles to appear.
2. Oval teeth have rounded edges towards the bottom. While this shape creates space at the bottom of the tooth, the tops of the teeth fit snuggly together. Gaps are also less common with oval teeth.
3. Triangular teeth have sloped edges, similar to a triangle. The teeth touch at the biting surface of the tooth, and contain space between the tops of the teeth near the gums. Black triangles are very common with a patient who has triangular teeth.
Two popular treatments used for black triangles are cosmetic bonding and interproximal reduction (IPR).
Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is often used when the gaps between the teeth are too large for the use of IPR. The dentist will fill the gap with a white, tooth-colored resin material. They will then shape the bonding and use a UV light is to harden the bonding. Bonding is a relatively quick and affordable treatment method.
Interproximal Reduction
Interproximal reduction or IPR can be used to reduce visible black triangles. With the IPR procedure, the dentist will place a small filling around the edge of the tooth to ensure the teeth fit together properly. IPR has limitations on the amount of filing which can be used to fill in the black triangles.
In some cases, patients with less severe black triangles can reduce the appearance of the gaps through the use of improved oral hygiene. This includes using the proper technique while brushing and flossing. Patients with prominent black triangles should make an appointment with their dentist. The dentist can help determine the cause and create a treatment plan.