Cost to Fix Black Triangles?
While you are looking in the mirror and checking your outfit before you leave your home for the day, are you happy with your style but your smile isn’t quite what you want it to be? You may not have teeth in symmetrical shapes or you may not have a full white smile. If you have noticed small black triangles between your teeth, they are not just a distraction to your smile. They can be a sign that you have more serious dental issues in your future.
The small black triangles are called open gingival embrasures and more than half of all people over 20 have them. In fact, about 67% of all adults have small black triangles between their teeth. Because it is a common problem, there are a number of treatments available depending on the severity of your black triangles and the reason for them. The dentist may be able to provide treatment in the office or you may need a referral to an oral surgeon or an orthodontist.
The first step can be made at home with your daily brushing and flossing routine. Be sure to brush with a soft bristled toothbrush so your gums do not recede or experience damage. The dentist may have suggestions for you with flossing techniques as well.
Next, the dentist may want to treat your gum recession with hyaluronic acid. This is an ingredient in many skin care products because of its effective results on soft tissue. The dentist can use this same ingredient in an injection for your gums. The hyaluronic acid encourages gum tissue regeneration and can allow the black triangles to become smaller or even close. Where the dentist places the injection and how much the dentist injects affects the cost, but the average is between $400 and $1200.
If the dentist is looking to increase the size of your teeth or change the shape to decrease the size of the black triangle, the dentist may suggest using composite resin bonding. The dentist can use a tooth colored resin or even a pink resin to match your gums to change the spacing in your mouth. The resin is applied in thin layers and can take months to complete to give you the longest lasting and most natural results. The cost of this option averages between $100 and $400 per tooth.
If your teeth are out of alignment and that has caused the black triangles, the dentist may suggest an orthodontic treatment like braces to make those adjustments. The cost of braces vary greatly depending on the type of braces you need and how long you need to wear them. Some people prefer the clear aligners over the traditional metal bracket braces but the treatment options are best discussed with the dentist or orthodontist. The average price is between $3000 and $10000 for braces.
Additional options include veneers and even surgery, but only you and the dentist will be able to determine if these are the best choices for your black triangle treatment.