What Are Dental Black Triangles?

Dental black triangles are small, triangle-shaped gaps between teeth near the gum line. Normally, gum tissue fills the space between teeth. When that tissue shrinks or never fully fills in, a gap is left behind that looks dark, which is where the name comes from.

Black triangles are common, and they’re about more than appearance. Food can get trapped in the gaps, which makes them harder to keep clean. They can also grow larger if the underlying cause isn’t treated.

What Causes Black Triangles?

• Gum recession. When gums pull back from the teeth, the space between them opens up.
• Gum disease. Periodontitis can destroy the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. Learn the symptoms of gum disease to watch for.
• Aging. Gum tissue naturally thins and recedes over time. Here’s more on aging and gum disease.
• Tooth shape. Teeth that are wider at the biting edge and narrower near the gums are more likely to leave a gap.
• Orthodontic treatment. Straightening overlapping teeth can reveal spaces that were hidden before.
• Brushing or flossing too hard. Aggressive brushing or snapping floss into the gums can damage gum tissue over time.

That last point doesn’t mean you should floss less. Cleaning between your teeth once a day is still important, so just be gentle. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and guide floss carefully along each tooth instead of forcing it down. Our guide on how to brush your teeth the right way walks through proper technique.

How We Treat Black Triangles

The first step is finding and treating the cause. If gum disease or recession is involved, we’ll get your gums healthy and stable before any cosmetic treatment, so your results last. Once your gums are healthy, there are several ways to close or reduce black triangles. They’re listed here from least to most involved:

• Dental bonding. Tooth-colored composite resin is added to the sides of the teeth to reshape them and fill the gap. Little or no tooth structure is removed, so bonding is usually comfortable without anesthesia and is often done in one visit.
• Bioclear restorations. An advanced bonding technique that uses clear, specially shaped molds to build up the teeth with composite in a single, smooth layer. The results are strong, highly polished, and natural-looking. Bioclear takes specialized training and materials, so it typically costs more than traditional bonding.
• Invisalign® with interproximal reduction (IPR). The sides of the teeth are gently smoothed to remove a tiny amount of enamel, then clear aligners move the teeth closer together to close the gaps.
• Porcelain veneers. Custom porcelain shells cover the front and sides of the teeth, changing their shape to close the spaces while also improving color and appearance.
• Crowns. When a tooth also needs strengthening, a crown can restore its shape and close the gap at the same time.

The best option depends on the size of the gaps, the shape of your teeth, the health of your gums, and your goals. At your consultation, we’ll walk you through which treatments fit your situation.

Preventing Black Triangles From Getting Worse

Because black triangles are often linked to gum recession, protecting your gums is the best prevention. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean between your teeth daily, and keep up with checkups and cleanings so we can spot gum problems early.

 

Cary NC Cosmetic Dentist Infographic

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

My teeth are discolored. What can I do?

Discoloration is very common. Surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco usually respond well to professional teeth whitening. Discoloration from deeper inside the tooth, such as from aging, certain medications, or injury, often doesn’t whiten well. For those stains, veneers or bonding may be the better choice. At your consultation, we’ll look at what’s causing your discoloration and recommend the option most likely to give you the results you want.

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Some people feel mild, temporary sensitivity during or shortly after whitening. It usually fades within a few days. Professional whitening lets us use custom-fitted trays that protect your gums and adjust the treatment if sensitivity becomes a problem, which is harder to do with over-the-counter kits. Learn more about whether teeth whitening is safe.

When are veneers a better option than whitening?

Veneers are often the better choice when whitening hasn’t brightened your smile enough, or when you want to fix more than color, such as chips, gaps, or uneven shapes. See the cosmetic issues veneers can solve and what the process looks like.

Can I whiten my veneers, crowns, or bonding?

No. Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. It doesn’t change the color of porcelain or composite. If you’re planning cosmetic work, whiten your natural teeth first, so we can match your new restorations to your brighter shade.

How long do cosmetic treatments last?

It depends on the treatment and how well you care for it. Porcelain veneers often last 10 to 15 years or longer. Bonding typically lasts several years before it needs a touch-up. Whitening results fade gradually and can be refreshed as needed. Regular checkups, good home care, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting your nails all help your results last.

Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

Treatments done only to improve appearance, like whitening and most veneers, usually aren’t covered. Some procedures that also restore function, such as crowns, may be partly covered. We’ll check your benefits and go over costs with you before treatment. See our insurance information.

Cosmetic Dentistry Glossary

Composite resin. A tooth-colored material used in bonding, fillings, and Bioclear restorations. It’s shaped directly on the tooth and polished to blend in with your natural smile.

Porcelain. A strong, stain-resistant ceramic used for veneers and crowns. It reflects light much like natural enamel, which gives it a lifelike appearance.

Enamel. The hard outer layer of your teeth. Enamel gradually wears thinner with age, which can let the yellower layer underneath show through.

Extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains sit on the surface of the teeth and usually respond well to whitening. Intrinsic stains are inside the tooth and are often better treated with bonding or veneers.

Periodontal disease. A bacterial infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Signs include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession. Untreated, it can lead to black triangles and tooth loss, so gum health always comes first in any cosmetic plan.

202 Davis Grove Circle, Suite 102, Cary, NC 27519

Cary NC Cosmetic Dentist Google Review

“Excellent dental care as always….consistently pleasant, highly skilled, comfortable environment. My family and I have been using their services for many years, and unreservedly recommend this practice to everyone.” – Syed A.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation in Cary

Whether you’d like a whiter smile, want to close gaps between your teeth, or are ready for a complete smile makeover, we’re here to help. At your consultation, we’ll listen to your goals, check that your teeth and gums are healthy, and walk you through the options that fit your smile and budget. We welcome new patients from Cary, Morrisville, Apex, and across Wake County.

Call Alliance Dentistry at 919-363-3100 or request an appointment to get started.