Will Black Triangles Go Away?
If you have noticed the spaces between your teeth and your gum line, then you know how distracting they can be from your smile. Those small black triangles are also called open gingival embrasures and they start to form as we age and get worse from gum disease or aggressive brushing.
Black triangles are 100% normal; they are just the space between your teeth. If your teeth have a triangular shape, then the teeth will touch towards the bottom and be further apart on the gum line. The natural result are open gingival embrasures.
Even though you are not able to control their formation, you can talk to the dentist about what to do with your black triangles. The dentist can offer a number of treatments, depending on why you have them. Unfortunately among the options there is not an option to just ignore them and they will resolve themselves. The black triangles will continue to detract from your smile, capture and hold small pieces of food and debris, leave you with a lisp, allow for the development of gum disease or tooth decay, or cause you to spit when you talk. Be sure to mention any concerns you have about the problems your black triangles are causing for you with the dentist.
How to Fix Black Triangles
After working with the dentist to determine why you have black triangles, the two of you can work together on the best treatment plan to address the root cause or causes for your black triangles.
1. Gentle Brushing With Proper Techniques
You already know that you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing to remove plaque and prevent bacteria from causing gum disease and tooth decay. But you should be using a soft bristled toothbrush to prevent your gums from receding. And you should clean your teeth with smooth circular motions to keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest.
2. Composite Resin or Dental Bonding
If your teeth and gums are otherwise healthy, the dentist will be able to address the small triangular gaps with a composite resin. The dentist will use a material that matches the color of your teeth and apply it in thin layers. The result will be dental bonding that looks like your natural teeth but fuller with smaller spacing. Your natural teeth do not need to be damaged in order for the dental bonding to be effective.
3. Veneers
A more aggressive version of changing the shape and size of your teeth is a ceramic or porcelain veneer. The dentist will remove the enamel from your natural teeth to get the veneers to adhere in place. The veneers can even give you a whiter smile and they can last up to 20 years.
4. Orthodontic Treatments
If your black triangles are the result of improper tooth alignment, then the dentist can use orthodontic options like braces to help move your teeth over time into better spacing.
5. Hyaluronic Acid Treatments
If your black triangles are a result of your gums receding, the dentist may suggest hyaluronic acid treatments. This may be one of your favorite ingredients in your skin care routine, but it also can help regenerate gum tissue.