Have you noticed small, dark, triangular spaces near your gumline when you smile?
Clinically known as open gingival embrasures, but sometimes referred to as black triangle teeth, these gaps occur when the gum tissue between two teeth doesn’t completely fill the space. While often a cosmetic concern, the spaces can also make it easier for food and plaque to get trapped, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
In this post, our Naperville orthodontists are breaking down the most common causes of black triangles between teeth and what you can do about them.
6 Potential Causes of Black Triangles
Natural Tooth Shape
One of the most common causes of black triangles between teeth is simply genetics.
Some people naturally have triangular-shaped teeth that are wider at the biting surface and narrower near the gumline. When these teeth sit next to each other, there can be visible spaces between them.
Gum Recession
Aging, aggressive brushing habits, smoking and periodontal disease (aka gum disease) can all cause the gums to recede. As the gums pull away from your teeth, they may leave triangular gaps.
Bone Loss
The alveolar bone helps to hold your teeth in place. When it deteriorates due to osteoporosis, gum disease, or missing teeth, the gum tissue disappears as well and no longer fills the space between the teeth.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums that occurs when plaque and bacteria build up. It’s also one of the more serious causes of black triangles between teeth.
Mild gum disease, called gingivitis, is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene.
However, if gingivitis isn’t treated, it advances into periodontitis, the more severe form. Periodontitis destroys the tooth-supporting bone and gum tissue, creating pockets between the teeth and gums and visible spaces.
Orthodontic Treatment
This one surprises many people. In some cases, braces or clear aligners can reveal existing spacing issues that were previously hidden by overlapping teeth.
That doesn’t mean orthodontic treatment caused the problem; it often means proper alignment exposed the underlying tooth shape.
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, our American board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Manal Ibrahim and Dr. Christine Gin, use precise digital treatment planning to troubleshoot problems like this in advance and state-of-the-art appliances, such as Invisalign® and SureSmile® prescription braces wires, to create more aesthetic outcomes.
Aggressive Brushing
Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or applying too much pressure can contribute to gum recession and black in between teeth.
Stick with a soft-bristled brush and gentle technique to avoid damaging the delicate gum tissue.
Are Black Triangles Between Teeth Bad?
In some cases, black triangles are purely cosmetic. But they can also:
- Trap food debris
- Make flossing more difficult
- Allow for plaque buildup
- Increase your risk of cavities
- Contribute to gum disease
It’s worth having the gaps evaluated, especially if you notice new spaces developing.
How to Fix Black Triangle Teeth
The best treatment depends on what’s causing the issue. Options include:
Orthodontic Treatment
If tooth alignment is contributing to the problem, Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Gin can reposition the teeth with Invisalign or braces.
They may also use strategic tooth movements, auxiliaries, or other techniques to minimize or eliminate the appearance of black triangles.
Cosmetic Bonding
Curious about black triangle teeth bonding? For smaller gaps caused by tooth shape, this can be an effective, affordable option.
The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the tooth to alter its shape and close the space. Depending on the severity of your black triangles, bonding might be recommended on its own or in addition to orthodontic treatment.
Because we’re under the same roof as the cosmetic experts at Naperville Dental Specialists, we can offer seamless, coordinated care from diagnosis through smile transformation.
Veneers
For patients looking for a complete smile makeover, porcelain veneers are bonded to the enamel to mask black triangle teeth and improve their shape and symmetry.
Naperville Dental Specialists offers custom veneer options, including no-prep veneers.
Gum Grafting
If severe gum recession is the primary issue, gum grafting may be recommended to restore lost tissue.
Better Oral Hygiene Habits
Preventing further gum recession is just as important as treatment.
Be sure to:
- Brush gently at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once daily (be careful not to snap the floss between the teeth and against the gums)
- Attend regular dental cleanings and exams
- Address gum disease early
Fixing Black Triangles Between Teeth Starts With the Right Diagnosis
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for fixing black triangles between teeth because the root cause matters.
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, our orthodontists use advanced imaging technology and diagnostic expertise to identify what’s causing the spaces and recommend the most effective solution.
If cosmetic dentistry is also needed, our partners at Naperville Dental Specialists can help complete your smile transformation.
Book a complimentary consultation with a Naperville orthodontist today to discover the best path to a healthier, more confident smile.
