Are Black Triangles Normal
Black triangles can occur naturally for some patients. These spaces are especially common for patients with triangular shaped teeth or patients who have receding gums. Small spaces actually aid in effectively cleaning between the teeth. Larger gaps, however, can cause issues such as collecting food debris and plaque. Two common treatment options for black triangles are cosmetic bonding and interproximal reduction (IPR). It can be common for black triangles to appear following orthodontic treatment.
Cause
Black triangles naturally occur in the space between the tooth and the gums when two triangular shaped teeth touch one another. Below are some of the most common causes for the formation of black triangles:
* Age and receding gums
* Gaps created from orthodontic treatment
* Gum disease
* Triangular tooth shape
In addition, the following can cause the formation of black triangles: poor oral hygiene, too much force when brushing, smoking habits, and even pregnancy.
While the black triangles are a cosmetic issue, they can also allow for the accumulation of food and plaque between the teeth. This increases the patient’s risk for cavities and gum disease.
These spaces are quite normal and when they are small can actually beneficial as the spaces aid in effectively brushing and flossing the teeth.
The shape of the tooth plays a big role in how likely it is for black triangles to form. Patients with certain tooth shapes are more prone to visible triangles, however, it is actually less common for patients not to have any gaps.
In general, there are three different categories of tooth shapes. This includes rectangular, oval, and triangular. There are varying categories of gaps based on these three tooth shapes. The shape of the tooth largely determines what type of gap is natural for the teeth.
1. Rectangular: these teeth have straight parallel edges. The teeth fit together at the top and bottom of the tooth without any noticeable gaps. Teeth which are rectangular do not create space between teeth and black triangles are highly unlikely.
2. Oval: this tooth shape contains rounded edges at the bottom. This creates a space at the bottom of the edges of the teeth where they touch. Because the tops of the teeth fit snuggly together, gaps are less common for oval teeth as well.
3. Triangular: teeth which are triangular have sloped edges, just like a triangle. The teeth touch at the wider bottom edge and create a more significant space between the tops of the teeth. Black triangles are quite common in patients with triangular teeth.
IPR and cosmetic bonding are the most common treatments used to eliminate or improve the appearance of black triangles.
Interproximal Reduction (IPR)
The dentist can perform a procedure called interproximal reduction or IPR to reduce the appearance of black triangles. During IPR, the dentist placed a small amount of filling on the edge of the tooth to ensure the teeth fit together without major gaps. There are limitations on the amount of filing which can be placed.
Bonding
When the gaps between the teeth are too large for IPR, cosmetic bonding can be used. With this treatment, the gap is filled with white, tooth-like material. A UV light is used to harden the bonding.
Patients with less visible triangles may find that the gaps improve through improved oral hygiene and proper brushing techniques. If you have bothersome black triangles between the teeth, follow up with your dentist to determine the cause and best treatment option.