Are Black Triangles Normal?

You may notice a black triangle between your teeth. It is important to take note of this and reach out to your dentist because while some can be only cosmetic issues, other gaps might indicate there is a larger health risk.

Are Black Triangles Normal?

In some cases, yes, black triangles are extremely normal. Black triangles are also known as gingival embrasures. They are very common, especially among people over the age of 20. There are a few reasons as to why black triangles occur: tooth shape, overly aggressive brushing, receding gumline, and orthodontic treatment.

Tooth Shape: Everyone’s teeth are shaped differently. There are rectangular teeth, oval teeth, or more triangular teeth. Triangular teeth in particular have a wider edge, which creates space for black triangles to appear, and the more triangular the tooth’s shape, the more pronounced the black triangle will be.

Overly Aggressive Brushing & Receding Gums: There is such a thing as brushing your teeth too hard. If you scrub aggressively or floss hard, this can wear away at your gums, cause infection, or cause your gums to recede. Gum recession can also, and oftentimes is, caused by gum disease, which can lead to a black triangle. When gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, or recedes, it exposes more of the tooth’s root, creating a gap between the two teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment: Braces, retainers, or other orthodontic treatments that are meant to move your teeth can sometimes leave gaps. If this is the case, you may require further treatment.

What are the Treatment Options for a Black Triangle?

Black triangles are not life-threatening, and they can be treated. There are a few options to consider depending on the severity of the case, your doctor’s recommendations, as well as your preference and price range.

Dental Bonding: This option is one of the least invasive options to close a black triangle and is most commonly used in cases where the gap is very small. Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure where a composite made of resin is color-matched to your surrounding teeth and then applied to the natural tooth and cured with a light. In some cases, the dentist might need to lightly roughen your original tooth to help the composite resin stick.

Crowns or Veneers: In a more advanced case of a black triangle, a crown or veneer may be recommended by your dentist. A veneer is made of porcelain or composite and is bonded to the front of your natural tooth to improve its appearance and close the gap. Crowns are very similar to veneers, the only major difference being that it caps the entirety of the tooth. Crowns can be more functional, whereas veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes.

Braces: Your dentist may recommend braces or aligners to shift your teeth into the ideal placement, which will close the gap. Not only do braces or aligners help to close a black triangle, but they can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or a bad bite.

If you have had a black triangle for months or even years, it is never too late to contact your dentist for next steps. Your dentist will create a solution plan best fit for you and your oral needs.

Related Article: Cost to Fix Black Triangles?